Cardrona

Travel Guide

Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring snow and mountains
Cardrona Alpine Resort which includes snow
Cardrona Alpine Resort showing landscape views, mountains and snow
Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring snow, mountains and landscape views
Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring landscape views and snow
Nestled in New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps, this quiet town is famous for its iconic hotel and state-of-the-art ski facilities.

Cardrona first found fame during the gold rush of the 1860s. Today, it is better known as a haven for alpine sports and being the site of the Olympic-sized halfpipe. Come in winter to traverse the diverse network of snowy trails or arrange a summer trip to experience exhilarating bike rides around the steep mountain tracks.

Novice skiers and snowboarders can practice their technique on the large area of beginner slopes in front of the resort center. For higher-level riders, an abundance of steeper and more challenging runs are spread across the mountain. All are accessible by high-speed lift service. Daredevils can perfect their aerial tricks on the several purpose-built areas for freestyle skiing and boarding.

During summer, the mountains around Cardrona become home to some excellent walking and mountain biking trails. Adventurous bikers can tackle jumps and drops in the freeride zones while children can get in some biking practice at the designated kid’s park. Explore the area on foot and discover pretty rivers where pioneers once panned for gold.

Don’t miss the iconic Cardrona Hotel. This is one of New Zealand’s longest-running establishments, having first opened its doors in 1863. Stop in for a Cardrona (a beer of the same name) or stay the night in one of New Zealand’s most famous hotels.

From Cardrona, take a daytrip to the nearby coastal town of Wanaka, about a 20-minute drive away. During warmer weather, sunbathe on the shores of Lake Wanaka and try watersports. Several wineries are located in and around Wanaka and the town’s arthouse movie theater, Cinema Paradiso, screens classic and independent films in a quirky setting.

Back in Cardrona, find cafés and restaurants serving tasty New Zealand fare around the main streets of town. Besides the hotel, accommodations here are mostly self-catered apartments however, you can find a small number of hotels closer to the ski fields.

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NT$3,524 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
NT$3,524
NT$4,052 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"Loved the location"

Reviewed on 2025/10/1

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NT$5,652 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
NT$5,652
NT$6,500 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (492 reviews)
"❤️"

Reviewed on 2025/9/27

Kamana Lakehouse
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,897 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
NT$3,897
NT$4,481 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great stay. Just my room not have any drinking water facility like jug and glasses."

Reviewed on 2025/9/28

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camp Cardrona

Camp Cardrona

3.5 out of 5
2348 Cardrona Valley Rd, Cardrona, Otago
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Cardrona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Cardrona Distillery and Valley View Quad Chair ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Great location at the base of Cardrona, close to Cardrona Pub, spa pool on site for end of skiing day recovery. Happy to recommend and will be staying there again in future."

Reviewed on 2025/9/10

Camp Cardrona
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,322 reviews)
"Having access to our own washing machine and drier in our room was amazing! The staff were very friendly and helpful. We didn't have a car but the distance to the nearest bus stop and shops was easily walkable. Wonderful view!"

Reviewed on 2025/9/30

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,405 reviews)
"The property was very close to our conference. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The two bedroom unit was very spacious and the shower 🚿 was amazing"

Reviewed on 2025/9/14

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cardrona

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cardrona is a very small town but offers pleasant views and relaxing feels!