The Crown Range and Cardrona from Arrowtown by Campervan

Quick summary: For campervan drivers, the Crown Range Road climbs straight out of Arrowtown, zigzagging up the mountainside to one of the highest main roads in New Zealand, with breathtaking views over the Wakatipu Basin. Beyond the summit, it descends through the Cardrona Valley, past a historic gold-rush hotel, to Wānaka. It’s a spectacular day trip or a route north, but it’s steep and winding, so campervan and motorhome drivers need to take care.

At a glance
From Arrowtown	Around 25 km to the summit; around 40 km to Cardrona; around 60 km to Wānaka
Road	Sealed, steep and winding, with tight hairpins on the Arrowtown side
Highlights	The zigzag lookout, the summit, the Cardrona Valley, the historic hotel
Winter	Snow and ice possible; check conditions
Alternative	The longer route via Cromwell
Tours	Photography tours, tours from Queenstown

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What is the Crown Range Road like?

From the edge of Arrowtown, the road climbs a series of tight hairpins up the steep face of the range, known as the zigzag. Near the top of the zigzag, a lookout gives sweeping views over Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. The road then crosses a high, tussock-covered plateau to the summit, before descending more gently into the Cardrona Valley.

Is the Crown Range suitable for an RV?

It’s suitable with care, but it’s not for every driver. The climb from Arrowtown is steep and the hairpins are tight, so take it slowly in a low gear, and use the lookout and pull-over bays to let traffic pass. On the descent, use a low gear to save your brakes. Larger motorhomes and nervous drivers may prefer the longer, easier route via Cromwell. In winter, snow and ice can affect the road, and chains may be needed; check conditions before you go.

What is there to see in the Cardrona Valley?

• The historic hotel at Cardrona, built during the gold rush and still serving visitors.
• The Cardrona ski area and the Snow Farm, popular in winter; their access roads are unsealed and may be excluded by your rental terms.
• Old gold workings along the valley floor.
• Wānaka, at the valley’s end, on the shores of Lake Wānaka.

Should you drive the Crown Range as a day trip or a route?

Either. As a day trip from Arrowtown, drive to the lookout and the summit, and on to Cardrona for lunch at the historic hotel, then return. As a route, continue to Wānaka and onwards to the Haast Pass or Mount Aspiring National Park. See the Crown Range from Wānaka for the drive in the other direction.

When is the best time to drive it?

On a clear day, ideally in the morning or late afternoon, when the light over the basin is best. Autumn adds golden trees below, and winter brings snow on the peaks, though check road conditions. Avoid driving it in fog, heavy rain or snow.

What else should you know?

• There’s no fuel on the Crown Range; fill up in Arrowtown or Wānaka.
• Watch for cyclists, as the road is popular with riders.
• Allow time for stops, especially at the zigzag lookout.

For the wider route to Wānaka and beyond, see our sister site’s Queenstown Lakes route.

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Frequently Asked Questions