Crown Range Road

Winding between Queenstown and Wanaka, the Crown Range Road is New Zealand’s highest sealed highway, climbing to 1,076 metres at the Crown Summit. This dramatic alpine pass offers jaw-dropping views of the Southern Alps and the braided Cardrona River below. The road is both a thrilling drive and a scenic marvel, with hairpin bends that reward you with ever-changing panoramas.

Highlights & What to See

• Crown Summit Lookout: The apex of the road, with a short boardwalk that offers 360-degree views of the Remarkables and the Wakatipu Basin.
• Cardrona Hotel: A historic gold-rush-era pub at the base of the pass, perfect for a pint and a photo stop.
• Bra Fence: A quirky roadside attraction near Cardrona, where hundreds of bras have been tied to a fence – a fun, oddball photo op.
• Autumn Colours: In fall, the surrounding larch and poplar trees turn brilliant gold, creating a photographer’s paradise.
• Cycling Challenge: The road is a legendary climb for cyclists, featured in the Lake Wanaka Challenge and other events.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1.5 hours for the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka (or vice versa), but plan for extra time to pull over at viewpoints and detour to Cardrona. If you’re cycling, budget 3–4 hours for the ascent. The road is best enjoyed as a scenic half-day trip, combining it with a lunch stop at the Cardrona Hotel.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Arrowtown: A charming gold-mining town with historic cottages and autumn foliage, just off the Queenstown end of the road.
• Wanaka: A lakeside town with the famous #ThatWanakaTree, hiking trails, and a vibrant café scene.
• Cardrona Ski Field: A family-friendly ski area accessible from the road in winter.
• Queenstown: The adventure capital, offering bungee jumping, jet boats, and the Skyline Gondola.

Please check official sources for current details.