Wanaka to Arrowtown

From lakefront Wanaka, roll south to Cardrona then tackle the Crown Range — NZ’s highest sealed pass — with big alpine views. It’s a steady 1,100 m day on mostly sealed road, so expect traffic and a long grind before the fast drop to historic Arrowtown. Coffee at the Cardrona Hotel, photo stops at the summit, and a sweet descent to tree-lined streets and gold-rush vibes at the finish. Pick a clear day and bring layers; it can be windy up top.