The Crown Range is sandwiched between Queenstown and Wanaka and is one of the most incredible drives on the South Island.

Crown Range Road reaches 1076 m (3530 ft), which makes it the highest pass or through road in New Zealand. You'll follow the famous Zig Zag road and want to stop every 5 seconds because the views over Queenstown and Arrowtown are out-of-this-world

You’ll pass through Cardrona on your drive, approximately halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka. Make sure you stop here! Cardrona is a tiny mountain town and home to the iconic Cardrona Hotel, one of the country’s most photographed buildings, and the infamous Cardrona Bra Fence (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like!).

Know before you go

Because the road gets so icy, you’ll need snow chains to drive through the Crown Range. I highly recommend hiring them if they’re not already included in your rental. Even if the road looks clear when you leave your accommodation, it is steep and icy, and there are often checkpoints along the way to make sure drivers are carrying chains. If you don’t have them, you may be fined or turned back.