Crown Peak from Crown Range Road, Otago NZ

The shorter of two marked routes to the summit of Crown Peak (1735m), starting on the Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown. 360 degree views of the area from the summit.

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road

This was our second time up Crown Peak (1735m), one of the mountains accessible from Arrowtown. However, this time we climbed it on a marked route starting on the Crown Range Road, on the Cardrona side of the mountain. This route is shorter, and offers a wilder walking experience than climbing the mountain on a vehicle track. Nevertheless, there was more variety of scenery on the walk up from Arrowtown. The 360 degree views from the summit are the same of course, and very nice.

Just a few photos here as you can see more summit shots in that other post, and the summit views were probably nicer with snow around (our first ascent was in early winter). Track notes at the end.

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road: The Scenery

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
Looking towards a distant Wanaka.
Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
Looking over towards the Hector Range.
Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
The Hector Range and the Remarkables.
Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
The summit of Crown Peak (1735m).
Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
The view north-west over the Southern Alps.

 

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
The view north-west over the Southern Alps.
Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes (near right).

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road Crown Peak from Crown Range Road

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
Dropping back down to Coal Creek.

Track Notes

Crown Peak from Crown Range Road
On an overgrown vehicle track besides Coal Creek, then up the mountain through tussock grass on a route marked by poles.

The beginning of the track is not easily visible from the road, but starts on the south side of Coal Creek. From there it follows an overgrown vehicle track along Coal Creek, then the route up the mountain is through tussock and marked by poles. There’s around 1000m of ascent and descent. 

I’ve marked the best place to park your car in the embedded Google map below. The walk starts on the other side of the road just a little to the north where the road crosses Coal Creek. 

 

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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