If you’re planning to explore New Zealand’s South Island, you’ve probably got Wānaka and Queenstown 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 Wānaka and Queenstown: 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 Wānaka to Queenstown road trip.
(If you’re going the other way, check out our guide to the best things to do from Queenstown to Wānaka!)
Distance from Wānaka to Queenstown
Drive from Wānaka to Queenstown via Crown Range Road
- Wānaka to Queenstown via the Crown Range Road distance: 68 km
- Wānaka to Queenstown 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, and you may be required to fit your car with snow chains.
Drive from Wānaka to Queenstown via State Highway 6
- Wānaka to Queenstown via SH6 distance: 113 km
- Wānaka to Queenstown via SH6 drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
State Highway 6 is the more reliable, all-weather route between Wānaka and Queenstown. It offers alpine scenery on the right, river views on the left, and plenty of family-friendly attractions along the way.
Buses from Wānaka to Queenstown
If you prefer not to drive, InterCity operates bus services between Wānaka and Queenstown, taking approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Fares start from $40 for adults.
Things to do from Wānaka to Queenstown via Crown Range Road
Bradrona (Cardrona Bra Fence)
Image credit: melissamurray29
This one-of-a-kind tourist attraction is hard to miss when you’re driving down Crown Range Road! 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.
Cardrona Distillery
Image credit: Wānaka.co.nz
Just a few minutes away sits Cardrona Distillery, an artisan producer of spirits and liquor. Join a tour to see how they transform alpine water into single malt whisky.
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 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.
Crown Range Summit
Image credit: Mike Cecil
As you weave your way down New Zealand’s highest main road, you’ll come across a designated lookout spot about 15 minutes from Cardrona Hotel. Make a stop here to bask in the beauty of the valley below and your first glimpse of Queenstown.
Arrow Junction Lookout Point
Image credit: Trev Jones
Just 10 minutes from Crown Range Summit is another lookout spot well worth stopping for. Snap a pic of the impressive road zig-zagging to Arrow Junction, then get ready to drive down it yourself!
Things to do from Wānaka to Queenstown via Cromwell (State Highway 6)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Oxbow Adventure Co.
Image credit: queenstownisite.co.nz
On the way from Cromwell to Queenstown, Oxbow Adventure Co. offers exhilarating and unique adventure activities, including jet boat sprinting on the one-of-a-kind 4-seater mini boat.
Things to do from Arrow Junction to Queenstown
Arrow Junction is where the two paths to Queenstown meet up—you just have another 20 minutes to go! If you’re looking for more things to do in between, here are a couple of ideas.
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.
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.
Skyline Queenstown
Image credit: Skyline Queenstown
Once you’re in 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! Complete the day with a hearty meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant buffet.
Discover more exciting activities in Queenstown and the South Island
Now that you’ve reached your destination, check out our travel blog to find more Queenstown activities for everyone. Discover the best things to do in Queenstown at night or fun things to do with kids. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Featured image credit: Ady Boyd