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A 60-minute drive from Wānaka, the Queenstown region is the gateway to the Southern Lakes region. It’s renowned for beautiful scenery, its four distinct seasons and world class activities and attractions.
There are two ways to make the trip, and both are worth the drive.
Via the Crown Range (about 1 hour). This is the most direct route. It climbs out of the Cardrona Valley, passes the historic Cardrona Hotel, and over the Crown Range. Pull over at the summit lookout for views across the Whakatipu Basin before winding down towards Arrowtown. It’s a high alpine pass with steep gradients and tight corners, and chains may be needed in winter.
Via Cromwell (about 1 hour 15 minutes). This gentler route follows State Highway 6 past Lake Dunstan and through the Kawarau Gorge. It’s the better choice in poor weather, or if you’re towing a trailer or driving a campervan.
Check current conditions on QLDC’s Winter Road Reports or the Wānaka App before you travel.
Flying in? Queenstown Airport is about an hour from Wānaka, with direct flights from major New Zealand cities and selected Australian destinations.
See it from above. Take the gondola up Bob’s Peak for a wide view over Lake Whakatipu, the town and The Remarkables. Stay for a few laps of the luge, or a meal with the lake below.
Get out on the water. Jet boat through the narrow canyons of the Shotover and Kawarau rivers, or explore Lake Whakatipu by cruise, kayak or paddleboard.
Wander Arrowtown. This former gold mining town sits just off the bottom of the Crown Range. You’ll find heritage cottages, tree-lined streets, the restored Chinese Settlement and walks along the Arrow River. In autumn, the whole town turns gold.
Visit Gibbston’s cellar doors. Gibbston sits along the Kawarau Gorge between Cromwell and Queenstown and is known for its pinot noir.
Ride the Queenstown Trail. Cycling and walking trails link Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston and Lake Hayes, with sections suited to most abilities.
Head to Glenorchy. The road along the lake to Glenorchy takes about 45 minutes from Queenstown. At the head of Lake Whakatipu you’ll find mountains, beech forest and the start of the Routeburn Track.
Hit the slopes. In winter, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are close to town. Add Cardrona and Treble Cone near Wānaka and you have four ski areas within easy reach.
Push your limits. Bungy, canyon swings, skydiving and paragliding are all on offer. The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is where commercial bungy jumping began.
Make a loop of it
Leave Wānaka early, take the Crown Range one way and come back via Cromwell. You’ll see both routes and have time to stop in Arrowtown or Gibbston along the way.
For more ideas, visit queenstownnz.co.nz.
