The scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow
New Zealand, oceania
50 km
1,079 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an unforgettable ride on the Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island! This baby is a wild one, packed with hairpin turns, switchbacks, and seriously steep climbs.
Formerly known as State Highway 89, this 50km (31-mile) stretch connects Arrow Junction to the charming town of Wanaka, nestled on the lake's edge. It got a full makeover in 2001 with a smooth seal.
Now, don't underestimate this road; it's a real rollercoaster! It can be a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially for those who aren't fond of heights. Some of those bends are proper hairpins, and the drop-offs can feel like they lead to nowhere.
If you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one. It's not ideal for towing or anything longer than 12 meters.
Reaching a dizzying 1,079m (3,540ft) at the Crown Range summit, it's one of the highest roads in the country.
Heads up: winter (May-October) can be tricky. Snow's pretty common up top, so drive carefully and keep snow chains handy. Ice and snow can make things extra challenging.
But here's the reward: the views are insane! Mountains as far as the eye can see, and vistas that'll take your breath away around every corner. Seriously, plan to stop often and soak it all in. Queenstown looks amazing from up here. The descent into the alpine valley is pure magic, especially in the late afternoon.
Allow about 1.5 hours to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The road can get busy, so be patient and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
The scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.7727, 175.4493
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,079 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -40.7727, 175.4493
Related Roads in oceania
extremeTravelling The Zigzag, a dangerous road in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Picture this: You're smack-dab in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, cruising through Arthur's Pass National Park on what used to be part of the old Arthur's Pass road (Highway 73). We're talking about "The Zigzag," a section that was seriously hardcore! This wasn't your average Sunday drive. "The Zigzag" was built right across a constantly shifting scree slope. Imagine battling steep inclines that forced most cars into first gear, hairpin turns that tested your skills, and the constant threat of rockslides. Over the decades, they kept having to move the road to escape erosion, floods and landslides. Eventually, it was just too risky to keep up. In 2001, the epic ÅŒtira Viaduct came to the rescue. Soaring through the ÅŒtira Gorge, it skips all the dodgy bits of the old road. Now, you can cruise along the Great Alpine Highway (aka Highway 73) with total peace of mind, soaking in the incredible views of Arthurs Pass National Park without the white-knuckle stress of "The Zigzag."
moderateMcKillops Bridge is a significant engineering feat at the time
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Snowy River National Park in Victoria, Australia, and BAM! You stumble upon McKillops Bridge – and trust me, it's a showstopper. This thing is a serious feat of engineering, built way back in the 30s, and it's still the only bridge for miles that crosses the Snowy River. McKillops Road (aka C611) is, shall we say, an *experience.* Some folks even call it one of the trickiest drives around! The bridge itself is a long stretch high above the river, supported by these huge concrete piers. Oh, and keep an eye out for the ruins of the old bridge that didn't quite make it, washed away just before its grand opening. But hey, it's not all about the adrenaline. McKillops Bridge is the perfect pit stop to soak in those postcard-worthy views of the Snowy River gorge. Whether you're just stretching your legs or planning a mini-adventure, this place is pure Aussie gold.
moderateMount Baw Baw Tourist Road is a very picturesque curvy drive
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're in Victoria, Australia, about 120km east of Melbourne, ready to tackle the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road (C426). This beauty snakes its way up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, perched at a cool 1,478m (4,849ft). Since the 90s, this road has been fully paved, making it suitable for all 2WDs. The 51.2 km (31.81 miles) starts at Piedmont, promising a scenic adventure through the National Park. Trust me, your camera will be working overtime! Take a breather at the charming Noojee – perfect for a quick snack or lunch. Now, cyclists, listen up! This climb is not for the faint-hearted. We're talking about one of the toughest road climbs in the country. Some say the final 6km from the gatehouse to the summit is the real beast, with an elevation gain of 780m. Expect an average gradient of 11.3%, with some sections hitting a leg-burning 20.6% at Winch Corner. Located in the Baw Baw Ranges, this is alpine country. The weather can flip on a dime, so come prepared for anything. Warm, waterproof gear is a must, even if the sun's out. And remember, there's no fuel on the mountain, so fill up beforehand! During snow season, snow chains are mandatory, available in Neerim South. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardDuck Creek Road is closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Duck Creek Road, straddling the Queensland/New South Wales border in the heart of Lamington National Park, is calling your name... well, eventually. Word is, this beauty is currently closed, but let's dream a little, shall we? This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a 15.6km (9.69 miles) unpaved track that links Kerry Road to Lamington National Park Road. A 4WD is a must! It's known to get seriously narrow and incredibly steep in sections. Think a climb from a mere 143 meters above sea level to a lofty 875 meters! That's a whopping 732-meter elevation gain, making for an average gradient of 4.69%. Built back in 1980, Duck Creek Road took a beating from Cyclone Debbie back in 2017. The road suffered some major damage making it impassable. Let's hope they fix her up soon, because once it reopens, this promises to be one epic, scenic adventure!