If you’re planning to explore New Zealand’s South Island, you’ve probably got Queenstown and Wānaka at the top of your list. But when it comes to these two towns, the journey between them is just as exciting and scenic.
There are two main paths between Queenstown and Wānaka: The Crown Range Road and State Highway 6 via Cromwell.
Which route should you take, and what are the best stops on the way? Find out in our guide to planning your Queenstown to Wānaka road trip.
Distance from Queenstown to Wānaka
Drive from Queenstown to Wānaka via Crown Range Road
- Queenstown to Wānaka via the Crown Range Road distance: 68 km
- Queenstown to Wānaka via the Crown Range Road drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This route cuts straight through the Crown Range for incredibly scenic mountain views. It’s steep with sharp hairpin turns, making it more suitable for confident drivers. During winter, the path can get icy, so drive carefully. You may be required to fit your car with snow chains.
Drive from Queenstown to Wānaka via State Highway 6
- Queenstown to Wānaka via SH6 distance: 113 km
- Queenstown to Wānaka via SH6 drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
State Highway 6 is the more reliable, all-weather route between Queenstown and Wānaka. It offers alpine scenery on the left, river views on the right, and plenty of family-friendly attractions along the way.
Buses from Queenstown to Wānaka
If you prefer not to drive, InterCity operates bus services between Queenstown and Wānaka, taking approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Fares start from $40 for adults.
Things to do from Queenstown to Arrow Junction
Your journey starts with a 20-minute drive to Arrow Junction, where the two paths to Wānaka split off. If you’re looking for things to do in between, here are a couple of ideas.
Skyline Queenstown
Image credit: Skyline Queenstown
Take the Gondola up 480 m for sweeping views over the town centre and Lake Wakatipu. Follow it up with a ride (or three) on the Luge and the twisty-turny Vortex Slide. End it off with a quick treat at the Skyline Café & Bar.
Lake Hayes Viewpoint
Image credit: tripideas.nz
Admire the mountains as you take a short lakeside walk along the shore of Lake Hayes. The view is especially striking in winter, when the still water reflects the snow-capped peaks.
Arrowtown
Image credit: arrowtown.com
Up for a detour? Turn right at McDonell Rd and drive another 6 minutes to explore Arrowtown, a charming small gold-mining town with preserved heritage buildings, cafes, and boutique shops.
Things to do from Queenstown to Wānaka via Crown Range Road
Arrow Junction Lookout Point
Image credit: Trev Jones
Crown Range Road starts with a series of winding turns up to Crown Terrace. Make a stop at the Arrow Junction Lookpoint Point to snap a pic of the iconic zig-zagging path.
Crown Range Summit
Image credit: Mike Cecil
As you weave your way up New Zealand’s highest main road, you’ll come across another designated lookout spot about 10 minutes from the Arrow Junction Lookout Point. Make a stop here to bask in the beauty of the valley below.
Cardrona Hotel and the Old Schoolhouse
Image credit: Nic Hilditch-Short
Operating since 1863, Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest. Have lunch at their cosy award-winning restaurant or stay the night if you’re thinking of hitting the Cardrona ski field the next day. For boutique, South Island-made souvenirs and art, check out the Old Schoolhouse building next door.
The Secret Sauna Cardrona
Image credit: thesecretsauna.nz
Experience a soothing wood-fired sauna followed by a cold plunge in pristine alpine water. Once you reach the designated parking lot, your host will drive you to a secret spot where you can sweat it out with panoramic views of the mountains. Bookings are essential.
Cardrona Distillery
Image credit: Wānaka.co.nz
Perched within the valleys lie Cardrona Distillery, an artisan producer of spirits and liquor. Join a tour to see how they transform alpine water into single malt whisky.
Bradrona (Cardrona Bra Fence)
Image credit: melissamurray29
Just a few minutes away, this one-of-a-kind tourist attraction is hard to miss! While it’s not known who started the Cardrona Bra Fence in the 1990s, it now helps raise funds for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Things to do from Queenstown to Wānaka via Cromwell (State Highway 6)
Oxbow Adventure Co.
Image credit: queenstownisite.co.nz
On the way from Queenstown to Cromwell, Oxbow Adventure Co. offers exhilarating and unique adventure activities, including jet boat sprinting on the one-of-a-kind 4-seater mini boat.
Highlands Motorsport Park
Image credit: NZ Herald
Challenge your crew in a family-friendly go-kart race—or learn how to drive a serious sports car with professional instructors. The Highlands Motorsport Park is also home to a dedicated museum with Formula 1 cars, an 18-hole mini golf course, and unique restrooms where you can keep watching the track on break.
Cromwell Heritage Precinct
Image credit: newzealand.com
Step back into the South Island’s gold rush era at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct. These historical buildings now house cafes, galleries, and boutique stores.
Kiwi Water Park
Image credit: Kiwi Water Park
Looking for a fun summer activity near Queenstown? Slip, slide, and splash at New Zealand’s largest water park, located just off the shore of Lake Dunstan.
National Toy and Transport Museum
Image credit: Wānaka.co.nz
With over 600 vehicles and aircraft and over 100,000 toys, you could spend a whole day exploring this massive museum. You’ll discover plenty of rare and unusual objects as well as more familiar blasts from the past—and it’s fun for everyone, rain or shine!
Wānaka Lavender Farm
Image credit: Wānakalavenderfarm.com
Wander through a field of delicate lavender flowers just 5 minutes from Wānaka. In addition to scoring some Insta-worthy flower pics, you’ll also get to experience up-close encounters with alpacas and highland cows.
Discover more exciting activities in Central Otago and the South Island
Now that you’ve reached your destination, check out our travel blog to find more fantastic things to do nearby. Discover the best things to do in Queenstown at night, fun things to do with kids, and our full list of interesting Queenstown activity ideas.
Featured image credit: 1News