Twizel to Wānaka and Queenstown over the Lindis Pass by Campervan
Quick summary: The Lindis Pass is the campervan and motorhome link between the Mackenzie Country and the southern lakes, crossing a sweep of golden tussock hills that feels more like a high plateau than a mountain pass. From Twizel the road runs through Omarama, over the pass, and down into Central Otago, where it splits: north-west to Wānaka, or south through Cromwell and the dramatic Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. It is around 145 km to Wānaka and 210 km to Queenstown, and it is one of the most beautiful transitions in the South Island.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Twizel to Wānaka or Queenstown |
| Distance | Around 145 km to Wānaka, 210 km to Queenstown |
| Pure driving time | Around 1 hr 50 min to Wānaka, 2 hr 40 min to Queenstown |
| Recommended time | 1–2 days |
| Road character | Sealed; a long, steady climb to the 971 m Lindis summit, then a winding descent |
| Key stops | Omarama, Lindis Pass summit, Tarras, Cromwell, Kawarau Gorge, Gibbston Valley |
| Overnight options | Holiday parks in Omarama, Cromwell and Wānaka; lakeside spots on Lake Dunstan |
| Nearest pickup city | Queenstown |
| Best for | Big-sky landscapes, Central Otago wine and fruit, gold-rush history |
Why is the Lindis Pass worth driving?
Because it is where the South Island changes character. Behind you are the glacier lakes and alpine peaks of the Mackenzie Country. Ahead lie the dry, sculpted hills, orchards and vineyards of Central Otago. In between is the Lindis Pass itself: rolling tussock-covered hills that glow gold in the afternoon light and ripple in the wind like a vast animal’s fur.
There is very little traffic and very little settlement, which is part of the appeal. On a clear day, with the windows down and the road winding over the summit, it feels like the whole country is yours. And at the end of it lie two of the best destinations in New Zealand: the lakeside town of Wānaka and the adventure capital of Queenstown.
What are the best stops between Twizel and Queenstown?
| Stop | Distance from Twizel | Time to allow | Campervan notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omarama | Around 30 km | 1–2 hours | Clay Cliffs, gliding, hot tubs; fuel and services |
| Lindis Pass summit | Around 65 km | 15–30 min | Lookout and short walk at 971 m |
| Tarras | Around 115 km | 30 min | Merino country village; turn-off for Wānaka |
| Wānaka | Around 145 km | 1–2 days | Lake Wānaka, walking, cycling and adventure |
| Cromwell | Around 150 km | 1–2 hours | Lake Dunstan, Old Cromwell Town, fruit stalls |
| Bannockburn | Around 155 km | 1–2 hours | Wineries and historic gold sluicings |
| Kawarau Gorge | Around 165–185 km | 30 min to 1 hour | Roaring Meg lookout, goldfields history |
| Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge | Around 190 km | 30 min to 1 hour | Birthplace of commercial bungy |
| Gibbston Valley | Around 190–195 km | Half a day | Pinot Noir wineries and cheesery |
| Queenstown | Around 210 km | 2+ days | Lake Wakatipu, tours and adventure |
Omarama
Omarama means “place of light”, and the small town sits at the meeting of three valleys under enormous skies. Just outside town, the Clay Cliffs are a set of eroded pinnacles and ridges that look like a giant’s castle; the short gravel access road leads to a walk among them. Omarama is also one of the world’s great gliding destinations, thanks to the mountain air currents, and its outdoor hot tubs with mountain views are a perfect stop after a day on the road.
The Lindis Pass summit
At 971 m, the Lindis Pass is one of the higher main road passes in New Zealand, yet the climb is long and steady rather than steep. Stop at the summit lookout for sweeping views over the tussock ranges, and take the short walk for an even wider panorama. The light is best in the late afternoon, when the tussock turns golden.
Tarras
Tarras is a tiny village at the heart of merino sheep country, with a café and a country store. Here the road divides: State Highway 8A leads towards Wānaka, while State Highway 8 continues south to Cromwell and Queenstown.
Cromwell and Lake Dunstan
Cromwell sits on the shores of Lake Dunstan, created when the Clyde Dam flooded the original town centre. Old Cromwell Town preserves the historic buildings that were saved and rebuilt by the lake, with galleries, cafés and craft stores. Cromwell is also the heart of Central Otago’s fruit-growing region; in summer, roadside stalls sell cherries, apricots and peaches straight from the orchards. The Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail follows the lake edge and is one of the most scenic rides in the country.
Bannockburn and the Kawarau Gorge
Bannockburn, just south of Cromwell, has some of Central Otago’s most celebrated wineries, set among the scars of 19th-century gold sluicing. Beyond, the road enters the Kawarau Gorge, a narrow, rocky canyon carved by the Kawarau River. Stop at the Roaring Meg lookout to see the river surging through the gorge, and at the Goldfields Mining Centre to see how miners worked the river for gold.
The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and Gibbston Valley
The historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is where commercial bungy jumping began, and it is still a popular jump site. Even if you don’t jump, it is fun to watch from the viewing deck. A few minutes on, the Gibbston Valley is famous for its Pinot Noir, with cellar doors, a cheesery and the Queenstown Trail cycleway.
What tours and experiences are available along this route?
- Gliding flights from Omarama. Experienced pilots take passengers soaring over the Southern Alps on the mountain air currents, a quiet and unforgettable way to see the high country.
- Hot tubs at Omarama. Private outdoor tubs with mountain views, ideal at the end of a driving day.
- Wine tours in Bannockburn and Gibbston. Guided tours mean everyone can enjoy the tastings while the motorhome stays parked.
- Bungy at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, the original commercial bungy site.
- Cycling the Lake Dunstan and Queenstown trails, with bike hire available in Cromwell and Gibbston.
- Gold panning and goldfields history in the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell.
Where can you stay overnight on this route?
- Omarama has holiday parks and makes an excellent stop if you are coming from Aoraki/Mount Cook late in the day.
- Cromwell and Lake Dunstan have holiday parks and lakeside campsites, with warm, settled weather much of the year.
- Wānaka has holiday parks close to the lakefront; see our Queenstown Lakes route guide.
- Freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle is available at some lakeside and roadside spots in Central Otago where permitted. Check locally before you stop, and see our freedom camping guide.
What are the driving conditions like?
The road is sealed and well maintained throughout. The climb to the Lindis summit is long but gradual, and the descent on the southern side has some winding sections where it pays to take it slowly and use a lower gear rather than riding the brakes. Slow-vehicle bays let you pull over for faster traffic.
The Kawarau Gorge is narrower, with rock walls close to the road and some tight bends, so keep to a relaxed speed. In winter, the Lindis Pass can be affected by snow and ice, and it is occasionally closed in heavy snow; see our winter campervanning guide.
Where are fuel, supermarkets and dump stations?
Twizel and Omarama have fuel and small stores before the pass. There are no services on the pass itself, so fill up before you leave Omarama. Cromwell and Wānaka have larger supermarkets, fuel and dump stations, and Queenstown has full services in Frankton. See our dump stations and water guide.
Should you go to Wānaka or Queenstown first?
It depends on the rest of your route. If you plan to drive the Haast Pass to the West Coast, go to Wānaka first, then loop down to Queenstown via the Crown Range or Cromwell. If Milford Sound is your next priority, head straight to Queenstown and on to Te Anau. Many travellers do both: Wānaka for a night or two, then Queenstown via the Queenstown Lakes route.
Is the Lindis Pass too steep for an RV?
No. The climb to the 971 m summit is long and steady rather than steep, and the road is sealed and well maintained. The descent on the southern side is the part to take carefully, using a lower gear so the brakes don’t overheat on a heavy vehicle.
Which routes connect to this leg?
- Before: Mackenzie Country and Aoraki, from Christchurch to Twizel.
- Next, from Wānaka: the Haast Pass to the West Coast, or the Queenstown Lakes route.
- Next, from Queenstown: Fiordland and Milford Sound.
- Alternative from Cromwell: Central Otago through Alexandra to Dunedin.
This leg features in our South Island 7-day, 10-day loop and 14-day itineraries.
Plan this route from Queenstown
Compare campervan and motorhome hire in Queenstown
Frequently Asked Questions
From Twizel, the drive over the Lindis Pass is around 145 km to Wānaka, about 1 hour 50 minutes, or around 210 km to Queenstown, about 2 hours 40 minutes, without stops.
The Lindis Pass summit is 971 m above sea level, but the climb is long and gradual rather than steep, and the road is sealed throughout.
No. The road is sealed and well maintained, with a steady climb and some winding sections on the descent. Use a lower gear downhill and pull into slow-vehicle bays to let faster traffic pass. In winter, snow and ice can affect the pass.
Omarama is known for the Clay Cliffs, a set of eroded pinnacles just outside town, world-class gliding, and outdoor hot tubs with mountain views.
The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, around 20 km from Queenstown on the road from Cromwell, is the site where commercial bungy jumping began, with a viewing deck for spectators.
Go to Wānaka first if you plan to drive the Haast Pass to the West Coast; head straight to Queenstown if Milford Sound is next. Many travellers visit Wānaka first and then continue to Queenstown.
Cromwell is the heart of Central Otago’s fruit-growing region, and roadside stalls around the town sell fresh cherries, apricots and peaches in summer.