Crown Range Summit
Crown Range Road, Roaring Meg 9384
Rating: 4.8 ★ (1162 ratings)
Details
Crown Range Summit is an awe-inspiring vantage point nestled high above the dramatic landscape between Queenstown and Wanaka, boasting the distinguished title of New Zealand's highest main road at 1,121 metres above sea level. This majestic alpine setting offers visitors a truly spectacular character, with sweeping panoramic views that capture the very essence of Central Otago's rugged beauty. Its ever-changing atmosphere, from snow-capped splendour in winter to vibrant autumnal hues, ensures a captivating experience no matter the season, making it a standout stop for any traveller.
From the summit lookout, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas across the Southern Alps, down into the Arrow Valley, and towards the Remarkables mountain range. On clear days, one can discern Queenstown, the Shotover River, and even the distant edge of Lake Wakatipu, providing exceptional photographic opportunities. While the drive along the Crown Range Road itself is an experience of winding mountain roads, reaching the summit offers an easily accessible viewpoint, often accompanied by brisk, invigorating breezes due to the high elevation.
This magnificent location is particularly well-suited for road trippers and those seeking a quick yet profoundly impactful encounter with New Zealand's alpine grandeur. It works wonderfully for a scenic stopover to stretch one's legs, capture stunning photographs, and simply absorb the vastness of the natural surroundings. The overall appeal of Crown Range Summit lies in its commanding, uninterrupted views and the memorable sense of scale it imparts, drawing in nature enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open 24 hours | Wednesday: Open 24 hours | Thursday: Open 24 hours | Friday: Open 24 hours | Saturday: Open 24 hours | Sunday: Open 24 hours
Contact
https://www.newzealand.com/my/feature/the-crown-range/
Comments
The drive through the mountains is another beauty
The Summit Lookout at the top of the Crown Range is truly one of the most spectacular places to freedom camp in NZ. Or to just stop for the view before attempting the many twists and turns and switchbacks of the long road down.
What a stunning view to wake up to in the morning after spending a night sleeping under the stars in our motorhome.
But beware! Temperatures can plummet overnight. It can get very windy and cold, and you can get sleet, snow and ice.
I camped here on my way out of Queenstown headed to Christchurch, because all the holiday parks and freedom camp spaces in Queenstown, Frankston and Arrowtown were already full.
Despite having the heater on I woke at 3am shivering, and the next morning I opened the blinds to find the car next to me dusted in snow and ice, and our heads in the clouds.
We had to wait until almost 10am before leaving to avoid any ice on the road. But what a beautiful experience and wonderful view to wake up to.
The only reason this lookout lost a star for me is due to the many large deep potholes you need to navigate on the way in. Other than that, it’s a must do stop traveling in either direction. No matter the weather, the view doesn’t disappoint.