After Arrowtown, head past Lake Hayes to the Crown Range Road. This is the main road to Cardrona (home of the ski field) and Wānaka, but the drive to the pass is worth doing in its own right. It is the highest main road mountain pass in New Zealand, with spectacular views back towards Queenstown at several stopping points. In winter, there is often, but not always, snow at the top of the pass.
The photos below capture the degree of variation and fantastic views you may experience!
6 images