Crown Range Road — Queenstown to Wanaka viaCardrona.
Distance
120 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,100 m
Crown Range Road — Queenstown to Wanaka via Cardrona.
New Zealand's highest sealed road climbs from Queenstown across the Crown Range Saddle (1,076m) and descends through the Cardrona Valley to Wanaka. Tight switchbacks at both ends, an alpine plateau in the middle, and the historic 1863 Cardrona Hotel halfway. Rideable year-round but watch for ice September–October mornings. Less than 120km but easily a half-day with stops — the panorama from the saddle alone holds you for an hour.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance120 km
Days1
Total climb1,100 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
QueenstownStart · Start at Queenstown lakefront. Head northeast on SH6A toward Frankton, then turn onto SH6 and follow signs to Arrowtown / Crown Range.
ArrowtownScenic Point · Heritage gold-mining village preserved from the 1860s. Stone cottages and autumn poplars (April/May) are spectacular. Coffee at Provisions before the climb.
Crown Range LookoutPhoto Spot · Switchback lookout halfway up the climb. The whole Wakatipu Basin spreads out below — Queenstown, Lake Hayes, the Remarkables. Often packed with cars; bikes always find a spot.
Crown Range Summit (1,076m)Mountain Pass · Highest sealed road in NZ. Park at the saddle viewpoint for 360° views over the Cardrona Valley north and the Wakatipu south. Snow possible May–October.
Cardrona HotelRestaurant · Iconic 1863 timber pub — the most photographed pub in NZ. Lunch in the beer garden under the willows. Ride past the Bra Fence (a kilometre east) for the obligatory photo.
Cardrona ValleyScenic Point · Open tussock valley between the Crown and Pisa ranges. Pick up speed — the road sweeps gently for 15km before the Wanaka descent.
WanakaEnd · End at Lake Wanaka. Walk to #ThatWanakaTree (the lone willow in the lake) for sunset. Continue tomorrow up the Haast Pass to the West Coast for an extension.
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