New Zealand: Wanaka to Queenstown scenic drive 4k

A road trip from Wanaka to Queenstown in Southern New Zealand. It passes through the famous Crown Range road route with its sweeping vistas and hairpin turns.

April 2nd, 2019

"Crown Range Road is a memorable journey located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s an exhilarating road with hairpin bends, serpentines and steep grades.

This asphalted road (formerly State Highway 89) is 68km long. It connects Queenstown with Wanaka. This drive is not for the faint hearted and several of the bends are actual hairpins bends. The drive on the descent drops away to a seemingly bottomless gorge."

"Located within the Crown Range, it’s one of the highest roads of the country reaching an altitude of 1.121m (3,677ft) above the sea level. Along the way you should also allow time to stop and admire the massive views. The views along the road are simply stunning and spectacular and the driving is well worth it – with absolutely spectacular views over Queenstown. The views are so breathtaking. Many stops to get out and enjoy the views and take photos. The descent from the Crown Range into the alpine valley below provides the most breathtaking late afternoon views."
--https://www.dangerousroads.org/austra...


"The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, the South Island’s magnetic mountain resort, thrives on adrenaline. Site of the first commercial bungee-jumping operation — established in 1988 over the Kawarau River — Queenstown is the place to test your courage by jumping off, flying over or skimming above things. During the winter (June through September), visitors flock to four ski areas in the surrounding Southern Alps. The rest of the year, Queenstown serves as the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park in the west, and countless hikes, including multiday treks on the Milford, Routeburn Greenstone and Caples tracks. In March, the beginning of fall, the crowds have eased but the weather is still great for outdoor adventures."
--https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/tr...


"Wanaka is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in west Otago. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka is Otago's second resort town after Queenstown.

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth largest lake, reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness, and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. You don't have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the delights of the park (although any one of a dozen world-class local guides can accompany you to the top).

The township of Wanaka is a magnet for visitors who want to find the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury. There are comfortable places to stay, great shops and eateries—and all the time there's the call of the wild. The lake, mountains and around-the-year events calendar will keep you looking forward to tomorrow.

The seasons are particularly noticeable in Wanaka. Spring (October - December) brings an abundance of blossom. Summer brings cloudless, hot, sunny days (January - March). Autumn brings splendid colours of gold and red (April - June), Winter brings crisp days, and snow lovers can enjoy huge freedom the mountain slopes (July - September)."
--https://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealan...