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Driving to Wānaka is one of the most scenic ways to experience the South Island. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, Wānaka is easily accessible by car and makes for an unforgettable road trip through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Whether you’re flying into the region or already exploring by road, here’s a guide to approximate drive times:
Complete AA’s road code assessment. Print the ‘certificate of completion’, signed by you. You can present this to your car rental provider to show you have taken steps to prepare yourself for driving in New Zealand.
This can be found on DriveSafe.org.nz. It also provides links to more details about everything that drivers unfamiliar with our roads need to know.
The Driving guide and New Zealand Self-Drive Holidays guide are provided by Tourism New Zealand. These are a great resource to save to your phone and keep with you.
In winter (May-October), snow chains must be carried when travelling the Crown Range Road. QLDC recommends carrying chains all winter if you regularly travel over the Crown Range QLDC, regardless of current conditions a,s weather can change rapidly. You can check the QLDC Road Reports here. Both 2WD, AWD & 4WD vehicles should always carry chains. Check current road conditions on the NZTA Journey Planner or Wānaka App Crown Range reports before you travel.
The Crown Range Road between Wānaka and Queenstown typically takes 45-60 minutes under normal conditions. The Crown Range is a spectacular 69km drive Crown Range that can take significantly longer during winter when you may need to fit chains or drive more cautiously due to snow and ice. Always allow extra time, particularly between May and October.
Yes, the Crown Range Road is fully sealed and traverses New Zealand’s highest sealed alpine pass at 1076m. WanakaappWanakaapp The road was formerly State Highway 89 but is now officially the highest sealed local road Crown Range – Wikipedia. Despite being sealed, it features steep gradients, sharp corners, and challenging mountain driving conditions.
Large campervans and motorhomes can use the Crown Range Road, but it requires confident mountain driving skills. The route has steep gradients, sharp hairpin bends, and narrow sections. The road is not advised for towing vehicles or vehicles longer than about 12 metres The scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow. If you’re not experienced with mountain driving, consider the longer but safer route via State Highway 6 through Cromwell.
Always check current conditions at Wānaka App Crown Range reports or QLDC Winter Road Reports before travelling.
When you reach Wānaka, you feel it. The pace shifts, the mountains settle around you, and the lake feels like a greeting. Driving here is not just a way to arrive. It is part of what makes Wānaka special.
