05 Nov Queenstown to Wanaka over the Crown Range: a convertible drive guide
The Crown Range Road is the short way from Queenstown to Wanaka, and in the right car it is one of the most rewarding drives in the region. It climbs out of the Wakatipu Basin through a run of tight switchbacks, crosses the highest sealed road in New Zealand, then runs down the quiet Cardrona Valley to Lake Wanaka. This guide covers the route, the stops worth making, when to go and which of our cars suit it best.
The route at a glance
- Distance: about 68 km from Queenstown to Wanaka
- Driving time: about 1 hour 10 minutes without stops
- Highest point: 1,076 m at the Crown Saddle, the highest sealed road in New Zealand
- Road surface: sealed the whole way (the road was fully sealed in 2001)
- The alternative: State Highway 6 through Cromwell, about 113 km and 1 hour 30 minutes, and the easier all-weather route
Most people allow half a day with stops. It also makes a good loop: over the Crown Range one way, and back through Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge on State Highway 6 the other.
Leaving Queenstown: Arrowtown and the zig-zag
Head out of Queenstown past Frankton towards Arrowtown. The Crown Range Road starts near Arrow Junction, at the foot of the “zig-zag”, a steep, winding section that climbs up to the Crown Terrace. If you have time, detour a few minutes into Arrowtown first for a coffee and a wander along the historic main street.
The zig-zag is where a convertible earns its keep. Take it steadily: the hairpins are tight, the grades are steep, and you will share the road with campervans and cyclists. There is a lookout near the top with a wide view back over the Wakatipu Basin and the Remarkables, and it is the best photo stop of the day.
Over the Crown Saddle
Past the Crown Terrace the road climbs again to the summit at the Crown Saddle, 1,076 metres above sea level, between the Crown Range and the Pisa Range. A plaque at the top marks it as the highest sealed road in New Zealand. The summit is exposed and the weather can turn quickly, so keep a warm layer in the car even on a summer day with the roof down.
The Cardrona Valley and the Cardrona Hotel
From the saddle the road drops into the Cardrona Valley, gold-rush country of tussock, old stone and high-country stations. The Cardrona Hotel has been operating since 1863 and is one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand. It is the natural place to stop for lunch or a drink in the garden before the last stretch into Wanaka.
A note for anyone driving one of our performance cars or convertibles: they must stay on sealed roads, and that includes mountain and ski-field access roads. The Crown Range Road itself is sealed throughout, so the route in this guide is fine. If your plans include the ski fields, choose one of our luxury SUVs instead.
Arriving in Wanaka
The valley opens out as you come down towards Wanaka and the lake. Park up near the waterfront and walk along the shore to the Wanaka Tree, the lone willow that stands in the water and is one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand. Then find somewhere on the lakefront for a late lunch and enjoy the view across to the mountains.
You don’t have to drive back the same day. We can deliver and collect in Wanaka and other regions by arrangement, so the Crown Range can be the first leg of a longer trip rather than a day out and back.
When to go
The Crown Range is open all year, but it is an alpine road. For a roof-down drive, late spring to autumn (roughly October to April) is the best window, with long evenings in summer and gold colour in the valley in autumn.
Winter is a different drive. Between May and September snow and ice are common near the summit, and you need to carry chains and know how to fit them. In a snowstorm the road can close, or chains can be required, and there are chain-fitting bays near the top. In winter we recommend a luxury SUV, or the State Highway 6 route through Cromwell. Whatever the season, check road conditions before you set off, and remember that New Zealand drives on the left.
Which car for the Crown Range?
- Aston Martin DB11 Volante: a true grand tourer with the roof down. It takes three medium soft bags, enough for a night or two in Wanaka.
- McLaren 570S Spider: for drivers who want the sharpest car on the road. Based in Queenstown, so it is ideal for this route.
- Audi S5 Convertible: four seats, quick and relaxed, and a good choice for two couples.
- Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet: a comfortable, rapid open-top car for a day in the mountains.
All four are sealed-road cars, and the whole route above is sealed.
Book your Crown Range drive
Collect your car from our Queenstown office or have it delivered to your hotel, lodge or home. Choose your car and dates, then BOOK NOW.
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