After leaving Arthurs Pass, heading towards Christchurch, State Highway 73 leaves the central ranges of the southern Alps and crosses the wide Waimakariri River valley. Like others that flow east from the Southern Alps, this river is a wide braided river, with multiple channels flowing through gravel flats. Despite the river, the area is very dry, with the Alps creating a rain shadow to their east.
Crossing the valley, the road almost faces south, so it’s perfect for early morning and evening photos. There are plenty of safe roadside viewpoints. This includes the main bridge and a section of the road as it rises above the river towards Goldney Saddle.
There are also several walking options around the valley, but the best is Bealey Spur. We went through in summer, but a fine winter’s day is probably the best time to go, with the South Island’s iconic snowy peaks.
