Queenstown to Wanaka Drive: Distance, Time & Best Stops
The drive from Queenstown to Wanaka is short and spectacular. You can climb the Crown Range Road — New Zealand’s highest sealed pass — for the fast, scenic route, or take the longer, flatter road via Cromwell when the pass is icy. Here’s the distance, drive time, best stops, and tips for choosing your route.
Quick facts
Distance
70 km (approx)
Driving time
1 hour (approx)
Best time to drive
Year-round. The Crown Range can be icy or chained in winter; check NZTA and use the Cromwell route if unsure.
Road notes
Two options: the Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest sealed road, ~70km/1h, scenic but can be icy) or via Cromwell (~117km/1.5h, longer and gentler in winter).
Times vary with stops, weather and roadworks.
Route map
Follow the route from Queenstown to Wanaka. Stops are numbered on the map.
Route stops:
Map data © Mapbox
Best stops along the way
Queenstown
Fuel and supplies before you climb. The Crown Range turn-off is via Arrow Junction.
- Best for: Fuel
- Best for: Supplies
- Best for: Start
Crown Range lookout
Views back over Queenstown, the Remarkables and the Wakatipu Basin from the highest sealed road in NZ.
- Best for: Photos
- Best for: Viewpoint
Cardrona
The historic Cardrona Hotel and the famous bra fence, on the Wanaka side of the pass.
- Best for: Photos
- Best for: Quirky stop
- Best for: Lunch
Wanaka
Lakefront town, #ThatWanakaTree, and a relaxed base for the Southern Lakes.
- Best for: Arrival
- Best for: Lake
- Best for: Accommodation
Scenic highlights
- • Crown Range summit views over Queenstown and the Remarkables
- • Historic Cardrona Hotel and the bra fence
- • First views of Lake Wanaka on the descent
- • The gentler Cromwell wine-country route as an alternative
Driving tips
- • Crown Range can require chains or close in winter; check NZTA. Alternative: Queenstown → Cromwell → Wanaka (about 1.5 hours).
- • Fuel in Queenstown or Wanaka. Times vary with stops, weather and roadworks.
- • The Crown Range is steep and winding — take it easy and use the lookouts to pull over for photos.
Where to stay / camp
Recommended vehicle
A compact car is easy to drive and park on this route and saves fuel. An SUV gives extra space and confidence on winding or higher-altitude sections. A campervan suits if you’re camping but is larger to manoeuvre. For a balance of size, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking, especially at popular stops, a compact 4WD like the Jimny works well: easy to park, fuel efficient, and capable on sealed and gravel public roads. Gravel roads are common in the South Island; drive to conditions. Off-road driving is not allowed on rental vehicles.
See our vehicles and camping setup. Compare options in our campervan vs rooftop tent guide.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka?
- About 70 km and 1 hour via the Crown Range, or roughly 117 km and 1.5 hours via Cromwell. Times vary with weather and roadworks.
- Which route should I take?
- The Crown Range is faster and more scenic in good conditions. The Cromwell route is longer but flatter and safer when the pass is icy or closed.
- Is the Crown Range difficult?
- It’s sealed but steep and winding, and NZ’s highest sealed road. It can be icy in winter and occasionally closes in severe weather; check NZTA.
- Can I avoid the Crown Range?
- Yes. Drive Queenstown → Cromwell → Wanaka. It’s longer but flatter and gentler in ice or snow.
- Is winter driving safe?
- The Crown Range can require chains or close in winter. Check NZTA, carry chains when required, and use the Cromwell route if unsure.
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