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Crown Range Road, Crown Range, Otago
Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Otago, New Zealand Queenstown, Central Otago and Dunedin

Crown Range Road

Crown Range Road, Cardrona Valley Road · Arrow Junction → Wanaka

Twisty30 mi50 min2,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,500 ftOne way
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The drive

The Crown Range Road links the Wakatipu basin and Wānaka over the Crown Range. This drive runs 48 km (30 mi) from Arrow Junction to Wānaka, climbing a steep, winding zig-zag section to the Crown Terrace and the Crown Saddle at 1,076 m. A plaque at the summit calls it the highest sealed road in New Zealand.

From the summit the road drops through the snow-tussock valley of Cardrona Creek and the Cardrona River, passing the Cardrona Hotel in the small settlement of Cardrona before it levels out toward Wānaka. Curves are mostly gentle with three twisty stretches, and the drive takes about 50 minutes.

The last unsealed section was sealed in 2001 by the Queenstown-Lakes District Council.

Along the way

  1. Arrow Junction
  2. Cardrona Hotel
  3. Wanaka
Elevation
2,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,500 ft
Arrow JunctionWanaka
Curves
Mostly gentle, with three twisty stretches
Arrow JunctionWanaka
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Snow and ice can close the road or require chains; carry them between May and September.
  • The climb from Arrow Junction is steep with tight switchbacks, and the road is narrow in places.
  • QLDC publishes winter road reports and a Crown Range webcam.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check QLDC winter road reports.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Crown Range Road take from Arrow Junction to Wanaka?

The Crown Range Road is 48 km (30 mi) and takes about 50 minutes from Arrow Junction to Wānaka.

How high is the Crown Range Road?

The summit at the Crown Saddle is 1,076 m, and a plaque there calls it the highest sealed road in New Zealand.

Do I need chains on the Crown Range Road?

In winter, carry them; chains have been needed at the summit when snow settles.

Is the Crown Range Road sealed?

Yes. The last unsealed section was sealed in 2001.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

All 10 drives in Otago, New Zealand ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Crown Range Road, from Arrow Junction to Wanaka