Crown Range Road

Crown Range Road is New Zealand's highest sealed highway, winding dramatically between Queenstown and Wanaka over the Crown Range Summit at 1,076 metres. This 30-kilometre stretch is a driver's thrill, offering sweeping alpine views, steep switchbacks, and a sense of adventure that rivals any South Island pass. While not for the faint-hearted, the road rewards with panoramic vistas of the Remarkables and the Cardrona Valley, especially at sunset when the mountains glow gold. It's a quintessential Kiwi road trip experience, best tackled in a car with good brakes and a camera ready.

Highlights & What to See

• Crown Range Summit: The highest point on a New Zealand public road, with a lookout offering 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.
• Bra Fence: A quirky roadside attraction near Cardrona, where hundreds of bras have been tied to a fence since 1999 – a bizarre but memorable photo stop.
• Cardrona Hotel: A historic gold-rush era pub (circa 1863) with a roaring fireplace, hearty meals, and a lovely garden – perfect for a mid-drive break.
• Arrowtown: A charming gold-mining settlement just off the Queenstown end, with preserved cottages, boutique shops, and autumn colours.
• Wanaka Lakefront: At the northern end, the road drops you into Wanaka, where you can stroll along the lake and snap that famous #thatwanakatree.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day to drive the full route and make stops – the actual drive takes about 45 minutes without stops, but you'll want at least 2–3 hours to enjoy the viewpoints, grab a drink at Cardrona Hotel, and explore Arrowtown or Wanaka. If you're a keen photographer or want to hike a short trail at the summit, allow a full day to soak it all in. The road is best driven in summer or autumn (December to April); winter can bring snow and ice, so check conditions and carry chains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown: The adventure capital of New Zealand, just 20 minutes from the southern end of the road – perfect for bungy, jet boats, and nightlife.
• Wanaka: A relaxed lakeside town at the northern end, with world-class hiking, skiing at Treble Cone, and the famous Wanaka Tree.
• Cardrona Alpine Resort: A ski field (winter) and mountain biking park (summer) located right off the road, with a historic lodge and stunning views.
• Glenorchy: A scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the Routeburn Track – combine with a loop via Crown Range for a full day tour.
• Arrowtown: Easily combined as a stop on the way from Queenstown to Crown Range, with its gold-rush history and autumn foliage.

Please check official sources for current details.