Everyone seems to talk a lot about driving from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthurs pass...what about the opposite direction? Is there any reason I would not be able to drive from Greymouth to CC?

I believe it's a two-way road, so I'm sure you could drive either way.

Most likely people talk about driving from Christchurch to Greymouth because most folks fly into Christchurch and pick up their rental car there.

Lee Ann

We made it in the easterly direction and yes, there are definitely two lanes! It's a very pleasant drive.

The only hazard was when we pulled into a lookout bay and found ourselves besieged by a vicious gang of delinquent parrots (sorry, mental blank, forget the name) that immediately set to work stripping the rubber door insulation from our car.

I do recall that when we pulled out of the bay for the uphill slog we didn't get up a good enough head of steam in our rented Honda 4WD with four adults on board, and at one point I seriously considered stepping out to give the poor beast a fighting chance of making it to the top. They've given that model a bit more grunt in the latest version.

Hi Lovinit

You most certainly can drive the other way from West to East on the highway through Arthurs pass.

By the way the name of the wayward parrots with a penchant for window seals, car aerials and door trims is Kea. So named because of thier call.

Cheeky birds with little respect for rental cars.

Enjoy your drive. It is very picturesque going through the pass.

Steve

lovinit, of course, you can drive both ways across Arthurs Pass. A wonderful drive, not to be missed. Enjoy.

Neil
Do those parrots only attack those travelling east? Or only east-driving Neils?
Surely a good incentive to drive the other way!

We found the Kea's liked the hubcaps on our Newmans rental Campervan.

Thanks, Steve - I remembered the name as soon as I'd posted the message. Nothing wrong with me (twitch).

Margo, the lookout bay was on the right as you head east, i.e. it was necessary to cross the oncoming lane to get into it, so the keas may be more used to westbound travellers. I'm sure the car fittings are just as tasty whichever way the car's pointing, though. The aggressive kea is certainly a surprise if you're used to less adventurous Australian parrots.