Taking on the Twists and Turns of Crown Range Summit in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
50 km
1,079 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island, somewhere between Arrow Junction and Wanaka. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though! This fully paved road clocks in at 50km (31 miles) and climbs to a whopping 1,079m (3,540ft) above sea level.
Now, let's be real – this road's got some bite! Think hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep drops into a breathtaking gorge. It's not for the newbies or anyone towing a caravan, and definitely not for vehicles over 12 meters. But hey, if you're up for a challenge, the views are totally worth it!
They say it's the highest main road in New Zealand, nestled right in the Southern Alps. Winter (May to October) turns it into a snowy wonderland, but be warned – ice and snow chains are your best friends.
But seriously, the mountain views are insane! Every twist and turn reveals a postcard-worthy scene. Give yourself plenty of time (about 1.5 hours without stops, but who can resist stopping?!) and be prepared to pull over for photo ops. The late afternoon light as you descend into the alpine valley? Pure magic. Just keep your eyes on the road, because those views can be dangerously distracting!
Where is it?
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Crown Range Summit in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.2347, 174.5813
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,079 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -41.2347, 174.5813
Related Roads in oceania
extremeSandover Highway is a very remote 4x4 track in the Northern Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure on the Sandover Highway! This isn't your average road trip; it's a 561 km (349 mi) trek through the heart of the Northern Territory, stretching from the Plenty Highway (north of Alice Springs) all the way to the Barkly Highway near the Queensland border. Picture this: endless sand hills, bone-jarring corrugations, and vast, remote landscapes. This track was originally built for access to sprawling cattle stations, but now it's a haven for adventurous travelers. Be prepared to traverse historical pioneering country and the traditional lands of the Alyawarra people. The Sandover Highway is mostly unsealed, so a 4WD is your best friend after Ammaroo. Keep an eye out for bulldust and black-soil plains that turn into a sticky mess after rain. The best time to tackle this journey is during spring or autumn. Remember, the longest stretch between fuel stops is around 320 km, so plan accordingly. This is serious outback territory, so self-sufficiency is key. Pack plenty of water and ensure you're set up with communications – there's no mobile coverage out here. Keep an eye on your radiator, too; spinifex can easily block airflow and cause overheating. Careful driving is essential. And be aware that the eastern end of the highway and Alpurrurulam/Lash Nash can become completely inaccessible during the wet season due to flooding. Even a 4WD won't be able to handle the flooded black soil plains. So check conditions at Arlparra before you commit. This road is a true test of your vehicle and your stamina, but the scenery is worth every bump and rattle!
extremeResearch Your Transport Options
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand: a driver's dream, but hold on tight! The scenery is straight off a postcard, but the roads? Think narrow, winding mountain passes, those sneaky "shingle roads" (that's unpaved to you and me), and weather that changes faster than you can say "Lord of the Rings." Forget just renting a car; you need to be ready for the challenge. First things first: those distances on the map? Multiply them by, well, a lot. These roads are hilly and seriously twisty! **Need-to-Knows:** * **Give Way Arrows:** These are everywhere. Red ones mean STOP. No arguments. * **Gravel Alert:** Prepare for loose gravel, especially on those super scenic routes. Slow down to keep control! * **Chains, Chains, Chains:** Driving in winter? Snow chains are a MUST, no exceptions. * **Fuel Up:** Towns can be *looooong* distances apart. If you see a gas station, fill 'er up! **Wheels to Choose:** Flying is fine for getting between cities, but for the real adventure? Rent a ride. South Island explorers, consider a 4WD or sturdy SUV – especially if Skippers Canyon or the Catlins are on your list. On a budget? Campervans are classic, but remember, those mountain switchbacks and high winds demand serious focus! **Sleep Easy (or Camp Free!):** Booking your digs is key. Luxurious lodges? Sure. But for road trippers, holiday parks and Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are where it's at. Campervan fans, learn those "Freedom Camping" rules: you need a self-contained vehicle and designated parking spots. Book ahead during peak season (Dec-Feb). **Road Rules & Kiwi Cool:** Roads are narrow, often with no shoulder. Locals know their stuff and tend to drive faster. Be courteous, use "slow vehicle bays" to let others pass. It's the Kiwi way! And soak in the local culture: those small towns are packed with Māori and early settler history. **Real-Time Info:** Forget general travel sites; find the official transport authority for real-time road closures, especially in winter when passes like Arthur's Pass or Haast Pass can get snowed in. There are also apps that will help you find remote campsites and water refill stations. **Survival Kit Essentials:** Long stretches of wilderness are common. Pack a basic emergency kit with water and food. Help can be hours away in places like the West Coast or the Southern Alps. Always check the weather before hitting the mountains: sunshine can turn into a blizzard in minutes. **Beyond the Road:** New Zealand's outdoor scene is EPIC. National parks galore! But getting to those incredible views (Milford Sound, glaciers) often means driving through tricky tunnels and down steep slopes. Respect the terrain, manage your fuel, and get ready for one of the most rewarding drives EVER.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Rawson Pass
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure awaits in New South Wales, Australia! Rawson Pass is one of the highest roads in the country, clocking in at a cool 2,124m (6,968ft) above sea level. Deep in the Snowy Mountains, this 8-kilometre (5 miles) track – known as Summit Road – kicks off from Charlotte Pass. Forget smooth asphalt, you'll be bumping along on a gravel and rocky surface, so buckle up! Fun fact: back in the day (until 1977), you could actually drive right up to Mount Kosciuszko's summit via Rawson Pass. These days, you'll have to leave the car behind due to environmental concerns. Now it's a walking track, and cyclists can even ride part of the way up, although they need to park their bikes at Rawson Pass before tackling the final summit hike. Hidden within Kosciuszko National Park, the views alone make this trip worthwhile. Camera? Essential! You'll cruise past the famous Snowy River and Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass sits at the base of Australia's tallest peak, so expect stunning vistas of the main mountain range. Oh, and a bonus? You'll find Australia's highest public toilets right here. The path crosses the Snowy River after 4.5 km, and then steadily climbs to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and ultimately, the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
moderateStuart Highway
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Stuart Highway: Australia's Epic Red Centre Road Trip Want to experience one of the world's most legendary road journeys? The Stuart Highway stretches a massive 2,834 kilometers from Adelaide's coast all the way up to Darwin in the tropical north, slicing straight through the heart of Australia's stunning red centre. The route honours explorer John McDouall Stuart, who first made the epic south-to-north crossing back in 1862—and honestly, this highway is every bit as thrilling today. What makes this drive truly special is the constantly shifting scenery. You'll cruise through South Australia's famous Barossa Valley vineyards, then roll into the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy where locals have literally dug homes into the earth to escape the scorching heat. Further north, you can detour to see the magnificent Uluru, then push on to the outback frontier vibe of Alice Springs. The ancient sandstone formations of the Devils Marbles are absolutely mesmerizing. As you head into the northern section, the landscape transforms into lush tropical savanna before you finally hit Darwin's humid, steamy tropics. Fair warning though: between towns, this highway stretches dead straight for hundreds of kilometers through empty red desert. It's breathtaking but also relentless—the monotony and heat can really test your endurance, so come prepared and don't underestimate just how remote some stretches are.