Queenstown to Wanaka

Heralded by many as one of the best driving roads in New Zealand, The Crown Range road offers a spectacular drive to Wanaka from Queenstown via Cardrona. On this route you get stunning vistas looking down on the Queenstown and up at the surrounding mountains. There is the historical town of Cardrona to see and an array of alpine plants.

Alternatively, taking the Kawarau Gorge going via Cromwell sees towns, stunning rivers and gorges, lakes, wineries, fruit orchards and perhaps the most stunning cycle trail in the country.

On our journey we will learn about some of the local conservation projects and wildlife of the region including the New Zealand Falcon and why car manufacturers from around the world flock to the Pisa Ranges every year. We may even share our own experiences of being driven through these mountains be professional drivers in Audi’s and Ferrari’s in deliberately snowy conditions. There are dramatic geological features to discuss and the comical story of Mrs Jones will have you stopping to buy fruit or an ice cream in Cromwell even if you are not hungry.

Choose Your Route

The Crown Range road is a spectacular drive to Wanaka from Queenstown via Cardrona. However, it is not for the faint hearted, windy roads, steep drops and susceptibility to snow and black ice in colder months make it one of the most dangerous roads in the country. So infamous is this road, that many rental companies list the Crown Range or State Highway 89 as uninsured to drive on – especially motorhomes- you should check your insurance before you travel. Don’t be put off, take your time driving and let faster vehicles pass regularly for a stunning drive ‘over the hill’.

The alternate route to Wanaka through the Gibbston Valley, Kawarau Gorge and the stone fruit capital of Cromwell provides an equally picturesque journey with magnificent photo opportunities and other experiences. While it may take slightly longer and is still windy, this route is considered easier to drive, less weather dependent and offers more diversity of landscape. It is so good, that we would recommend you drive both routes if you have the time and opportunity.

Whichever route is appropriate for you, this commentary covers your journey

Both Directions

When you purchase this journey you get access to both routes and both directions. So if you are coming too and from Wanaka (or Queenstown) you can complete the loop circuit and listen to commentary both ways.

Stops Along The Way

If you have not already, along the way consider giving yourself time to explore historical Arrowtown. Established in the 1860’s with the gold rushes, buildings from the era still line the main street of Arrowtown. There is a nearby Chinese settlement to contrast how they lived at the time. Lord of the Rings was filmed here and you may want to try your hand at gold panning.

Lake Hayes in the outskirts of Queenstown is a lake known for its reflective surface and native birdlife. Crested Grebes, Spotless Crake, New Zealand Scaup and other rare birds are often seen here. There is a walking track around the lake about 7km long, if the weather is nice, a 2 hour circumnavigation of the lake is possible, but a short stop on the way past is still worthwhile on a sunny day.

The Gibbston Valley is home to the first commercial bungy bridge and one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. In fact, some of the world’s best Pinot Noir comes from this area. Even if you have no intention of jumping, stopping to watch a couple of bungy jumps and learning about the wine of the region can be a great way to spend a few hours.

If you go via Cromwell, a stop to enjoy the Cromwell Heritage Precinct is a must do. The town was half submerged with the construction of the Clyde Dam and what has been salvaged gives an insight into times gone by. It is worth considering giving yourself time to ride a section of the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail. Stunning bridges enables a trail that feels like its on the cliff edge, while wineries and a ‘floating cafe’ offer refreshments. For a shorter ride, hire a bike and to a return trip to the ‘floating cafe’ avoids riding up the main hill and additional transport logistics (still requires 4-5 hours). When the trail was opened, organisers expected 8,000 users a year. They already get 80,000. It is truly brilliant.