Its highest point is at Hilltop, where it rises to about 555 m - just 8 m lower than the more mountainous Haast Pass in the Southern Alps.

The road then changes name to Christchurch Akaroa Highway while continuing to skirt between Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora and the hills until Birdling's Flat, where it turns sharply into the hills of Banks Peninsula while hugging the shore of Lake Forsyth / Waiwera.

After Cooptown, the road then begins to climb in a zigzag fashion towards Hilltop Saddle, which is frequently covered under snow during winter cold fronts.

The road then hugs the shoreline as it passes through Duvauchelle and Takamatua before descending into Akaroa, terminating just before the Woodills Road/Rue Lavaud intersection.

SH 75 used to travel down Rue Lavaud and Beach Road, terminating in the township of Akaroa.