MotoRidez · Roads

The Crown Range

NZ · New Zealand

The Crown Range
Photo by Hussain K.Kay · Pexels Licence, illustrative photo
The road, north up. 24 km end to end.
Climb, 10.8% at its steepestClimb, 10.1% at its steepestClimb, 14.6% at its steepestClimb, 11.2% at its steepestDescent, 13.0% at its steepest
Climb along the road — 379 m to 1078 m · 728 m of climbing
Highest
1,078 m
Lowest
379 m
Climb
728 m
Descent
504 m
Start to end
379 → 599 m
Steepest
14.6%
24 kmEnd to end
0h 15m Riding time
Twisty Twistiness
Paved Surface

The twistiest stretch of the mountain road between Queenstown and Wānaka, with the Zig Zag on the Queenstown side and open tussock country at the top.

SeasonNovember to April

A short mountain crossing that does a lot in a small distance. The Zig Zag below the summit is a tight series of switchbacks, and the top is open, exposed country with long views.

It is one of the highest main roads in New Zealand, so it ices over in winter and can close. Check the road report and carry chains when conditions call for them.

Traffic is steady between the two towns. Overtake only where the road is clear, and expect wind at the top.

More on this road: The best motorcycle roads in New Zealand's South Island

Rides that use it

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NZ · Day 9 · Haast to Queenstown

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Photos are contributed by riders and reviewed before they appear here. Conditions change — check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.