Cardrona

Travel Guide

Cardrona Alpine Resort featuring mountains and snow
Cardrona Alpine Resort which includes snow
Cardrona Alpine Resort which includes landscape views, snow and mountains
Cardrona
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 centre. 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 theatre, 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, accommodation here are mostly self-catered apartments however, you can find a small number of hotels closer to the ski fields.

Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Hotel
3 out of 5
Crown Range Road, RD1, Cardrona
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cardrona. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (634 reviews)
"This is such a cool place to stay. The rooms are basic with everything you need, comfy beds, warm and the decor has a nice country feel. You can eat at the iconic Cardrona hotel or toast marshmallows around the outdoor fire then wander back to your room. Great staff as well."

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

Cardrona Hotel
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is S$240 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$240
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Very convenient location on Frankton road. Rooms were spacious quiet and warm. Car parking is free."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is S$231 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$231
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,005 reviews)
Calm and chill at queenstown
"Amazing location, friendly staff and lovely views. The cococabana cafe was yums, the pizza is to die for. Book your parking slots before your travel for ease of mind"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Camp Cardrona is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Cardrona Alpine Resort. We loved it, family of 5 for 4 nights. We would absolutely stay again and highly recommend. As it’s quite new the surrounds still are evolving"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Camp Cardrona
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! (1,358 reviews)
Amazing views
"Great place to stay with amazing views. The centre of town was about 5 minutes drive away but not really walkable in winter. Just a couple of irritations - the only light in the bathroom was connected to the fan - very loud in the middle of the night! We also contacted the office who didn't answer ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
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! (1,249 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park 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.

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