Key takeaways
- Crown Range: about 67 km and 1 hour, over a 1,076 m alpine pass via Cardrona.
- Via Cromwell: about 115 km and 1h 25m, lower and the safer choice in snow.
- Do a loop — over the Crown Range one way, back through the Kawarau Gorge.
- In winter carry snow chains for the Crown Range and check road status first.
Two routes to Wānaka
| Crown Range | Via Cromwell | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | ≈ 67 km | ≈ 115 km |
| Driving time | ≈ 1 hr | ≈ 1 hr 25 min |
| Highest point | 1,076 m (Crown Saddle) | Low-level gorge road |
| Road | Tight hairpins, steep grades | Sealed state highway |
| Winter | Chains often needed | Usually clear |
| Highlights | Zig-zag lookout, Cardrona | Kawarau Gorge, Lake Dunstan |
Both are fully sealed. See the Crown Range road trip and via Cromwell road trip for stop-by-stop details.
Route 1: the Crown Range
Turn off SH6 at Arrow Junction and the road climbs a series of switchbacks to the zig-zag lookout, with the Wakatipu Basin spread out below. At 1,076 m the Crown Saddle is the highest point of any sealed through road in New Zealand. On the far side, the road drops into the Cardrona Valley past the historic Cardrona Hotel (built in the 1860s gold rush) and the Cardrona ski area turn-off, before reaching Lake Wānaka.
Take it slowly: there are hairpin bends, steep grades and sections with no barriers. Use the slow-vehicle bays to let traffic pass.
Go over the Crown Range in the morning, when the low sun lights up the Wakatipu Basin from the zig-zag lookout, and return through the Kawarau Gorge for the wineries in the afternoon.
Route 2: via Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge
Follow SH6 east from Frankton past the Gibbston wineries and the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, home of the world's first commercial bungy jump. At Cromwell, visit the restored heritage precinct on the lake edge, then follow the shore of Lake Dunstan north to Wānaka. In summer, roadside stalls sell cherries and apricots.
Driving the Crown Range in winter
Snow and ice are common from June to September, especially near the summit and on shaded corners early in the morning. Carry chains, check road status before you leave, and switch to the Cromwell route if the Crown Range is restricted. Our Crown Range winter guide and snow chains guide explain what to expect.
What to do in Wānaka
- Photograph the famous lone willow in Lake Wānaka, best at sunrise.
- Walk Mount Iron for big views with little effort, or tackle the Roys Peak track (long and steep).
- Visit Puzzling World on the way into town.
- In winter, ski Cardrona or Treble Cone — check whether your rental agreement allows ski-field access roads.
Staying longer? Compare car rental in Wānaka for a pick-up in town.
Best car and EV charging
A compact car is fine in summer. In winter, an SUV or AWD handles the Crown Range climbs more confidently (chains are still required when signposted). The trip is ideal for an electric car: there are fast chargers in Queenstown, Cromwell and Wānaka. Going one way only? A one-way rental to Wānaka is possible with some suppliers.
Compare car rental at Queenstown Airport
Search 34 suppliers and book with free cancellation on most cars.
