Crown Range Road Summit Lookout
A breathtaking scenic lookout on New Zealand's highest main road, offering panoramic views of Queenstown and dramatic mountain ranges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Crown Range Road Summit Lookout
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking scenic lookout on New Zealand's highest main road, offering panoramic views of Queenstown and dramatic mountain ranges.
"An under-rated and breathtaking scenic lookout, extremely windy."
🧥 Brace for Wind!
It's extremely windy here! Zip up your jacket and walk slowly to stay steady and enjoy the views.
🚗 Don't Miss the Next Lookout
Just a few minutes past the summit, another lookout offers an even better valley view.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Queenstown Views
Crown Range Road Summit Lookout
Witness Queenstown and its surrounding mountains unfold beneath you. Watch planes land in this majestic backdrop.
The Hidden Valley Vista
Lookout 5 minutes past the summit
Discover a superior viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the valley and winding roads.
Dramatic Mountain Ranges
Along Crown Range Road
Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges that frame the Queenstown region.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind!
Beyond the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Brace for Wind!
It's extremely windy here! Zip up your jacket and walk slowly to stay steady and enjoy the views.
🚗 Don't Miss the Next Lookout
Just a few minutes past the summit, another lookout offers an even better valley view.
✈️ Plane Spotting Spot
Enjoy views of planes landing at Queenstown Airport amidst the mountain scenery.
📸 Scenic Drive Stop
Perfect rest stop en route to Queenstown for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Brace for Wind!
It's extremely windy here! Zip up your jacket and walk slowly to stay steady and enjoy the views.
🚗 Don't Miss the Next Lookout
Just a few minutes past the summit, another lookout offers an even better valley view.
✈️ Plane Spotting Spot
Enjoy views of planes landing at Queenstown Airport amidst the mountain scenery.
📸 Scenic Drive Stop
Perfect rest stop en route to Queenstown for breathtaking photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking and amazing views from the Crown Range Road Summit Lookout, highlighting the majestic mountain backdrops and the unique perspective of Queenstown and its airport. While the scenery is universally loved, the extremely strong winds are a recurring point of caution for visitors.
"The beautiful view of Queens town we loved watching the plane's land amongst majestic backdrops of mountain ranges. It's truly amazing scenery 😍"
Honest Reviews
"very good and amazing view point. can be an issue if many cars want to stop here but i went during winter and it wasn’t very crowded!
very very windy so please zip your jacket up and walk slowly"
Rafe Tey
"Summary 5/5: an under-rated and breathtaking scenic lookout, extremely windy.
The view 6/5: Just 1 minute drive from the Crown Range Summit Lookout, this lookout point is offering a way better view than the Summit Lookout. From the winding road to the valley down under, the scenery is nothing but awesome. The gem is kinda hiding in the plain sight, although it is by the main road, somehow we were the only car stopping by. Our only complaint is the wind was too strong, we can barely stand still when we were there.
The parking 4/5: can accommodate 4 or 5 cars, no facility."
Jo Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Crown Range Road Summit Lookout is located on the Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest main road. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from Queenstown, offering stunning scenic views along the way.
Crown Range Road is a sealed road but is known for its steep gradients and sharp bends. It's generally suitable for most vehicles, but drivers should exercise caution, especially in winter conditions.
Many scenic tours from Queenstown include a stop at the Crown Range Road Summit Lookout. This is a great option if you prefer not to drive yourself and want to learn more about the area.
Driving yourself allows for flexibility to stop at various lookouts. Alternatively, guided tours offer commentary and can handle the challenging driving.
The summit lookout itself has limited facilities, primarily just parking. It's advisable to use restrooms and facilities in Queenstown or Wanaka before heading up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Crown Range Road Summit Lookout. It is a public viewpoint accessible to everyone.
The lookout is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor viewpoint along a public road. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
No advance booking is required as it's a free, open-access viewpoint. Simply drive up and enjoy the scenery.
The road is generally open year-round, but it can be subject to temporary closures due to snow or ice in winter. Always check local road conditions before you travel.
There are no specific restrictions, but visitors are advised to be mindful of the strong winds and to drive and park safely.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for photos. After rain, low-lying clouds can create incredibly spectacular and unique photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Queenstown or the planes at the airport.
Head to the lookout a few minutes past the summit for a superior perspective. Be patient with the wind and try to capture the dramatic curves of the road.
The main summit lookout provides a broad panorama. The secondary lookout offers a more intimate view of the valley, often with fewer people.
Secure your tripod firmly and consider using a lens hood to prevent wind from affecting your shots. Protect your camera from dust and moisture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making this a quick stop on your way to or from other family-friendly activities in Queenstown or Wanaka. The drive itself is scenic, but the focus at the lookout is the view, which might not hold a child's attention for extended periods. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan to take your time, stopping at various informal pull-offs to truly appreciate the scale of the mountains and valleys. The summit lookout is a key stop, but don't overlook the secondary viewpoint for an even more breathtaking perspective. Be prepared for the drive's challenges and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Crown Range Road
While the road is sealed, it can be treacherous in winter conditions due to snow and ice. Local advice suggests checking road conditions before departure, especially during the colder months. Many visitors opt for guided tours if they are uncomfortable with steep, winding roads, allowing them to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.
Key points to remember include driving at a safe speed, using lower gears on descents, and being aware of other vehicles, including cyclists and campervans. The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destination, with numerous informal pull-offs offering opportunities to soak in the panoramic views.
The Two Lookouts: Summit vs. Valley View
This lesser-known lookout, often described as being just a few minutes past the summit, provides a more expansive and arguably more dramatic view of the valley below. Redditors and Instagrammers alike highlight this spot for its sweeping panoramas of the winding road, the valley floor, and the distant peaks. It's often less crowded, offering a more serene experience.
When visiting, it's highly recommended to stop at both. The summit provides the iconic Queenstown panorama, while the subsequent lookout offers a different, perhaps more awe-inspiring, perspective of the rugged New Zealand landscape. Remember to be prepared for strong winds at both locations, which can make standing still a challenge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit