To get from the suburb of Queenstown to Wanaka we decided to avoid State Highway 6 and take the more scenic route via Crown Saddle and the Cardrona Valley.
We already knew the stretch from Arthurs Point to Arrowtown from our trip a few days ago. After Arrowtown we started the ascent from 420m to 1076m. First we mastered some relatively steep switchbacks to reach Crown Terrace. Based on our map we believed to have mastered the worst climb. However, after the slightly ascending Crown Terrace, a much steeper climb followed. But we were rewarded with an overwhelming view. Arrived on the highest point was announced to us as a reward for the feat of strength a 40km long descent to Wanaka! So we drove the long distance to Wanaka in the late afternoon within a relatively short time. For the 35km from Arthurs Point to Crown Saddle we needed much longer.