Cardrona
Weather at Cardrona
Low: -4.9°C / High: -4.9°C
Wind: NE 3 km/h
Recent Snowfall
24 hours: 0 cm
7 days: 0 cm
Snow Depth
Base: 95 cm
Season Total: 33 cm
Resort Status
Resort Overview
Cardrona Alpine Resort stands as New Zealand's most popular ski destination, delivering an exceptional alpine experience across 600 hectares of diverse terrain between Wanaka and Queenstown in the Southern Alps. This high-altitude resort ranges from 1,260m to 1,860m, offering a perfectly balanced distribution of 20% beginner, 25% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 25% expert slopes. The resort benefits from some of the most reliable snow in the region thanks to its high elevation and southerly aspect, creating ideal conditions for both skiing and snowboarding. Renowned for its dry powder snow and wide slopes, Cardrona features the Southern Hemisphere's most extensive park and pipes system, making it a world-class destination for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The resort uniquely boasts the only beginner trail in New Zealand that runs along the mountain's peak, allowing novice skiers to experience breathtaking views from Lake Wanaka to Queenstown whilst developing their skills.
Live Cardrona Webcams
Trails & Terrain
Trails
Total Runs
38
Total Area
988 ac
399.8 ha
Cardrona Lift System
Cardrona's sophisticated lift network comprises 10 installations including 2 detachable quad chairlifts, 2 fixed-grip quad chairlifts, 1 detachable express chondola (combining gondola cabins and chairs), 3 surface conveyor learner lifts, and 1 platter lift specifically serving the halfpipes and big air jump. The revolutionary Chondola system, replacing the old McDougall's Quad in 2016, features both 8-person gondolas and 6-person chairs, significantly improving uphill capacity and guest experience. With a maximum vertical drop of 600m, the lift system efficiently transports skiers and snowboarders across multiple mountain faces without excessive queue times. Recent infrastructure developments for the 2025 season include a new Doppelmayer 6-person chair serving the Soho Basin, adding 150 hectares of skiable terrain and making Cardrona the largest commercial ski field in New Zealand. The comprehensive lift network ensures excellent access to varied terrain zones, from gentle learning slopes served by conveyor lifts to challenging expert runs accessed via high-speed chairlifts, all whilst maintaining the efficient mountain circulation that has made Cardrona famous among New Zealand skiers.
Lifts
Total Lifts
7
Lift Types
4
Location & Getting There
Strategically positioned in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, Cardrona sits 50 minutes from Queenstown, 35 minutes from Wanaka, 5.5 hours from Christchurch, and 3 hours from Dunedin. The spectacular drive from Queenstown traverses the famous Crown Range, offering one of the world's most scenic mountain routes and adding to the overall alpine experience. The final approach to the resort follows a gravel road off the Crown Range highway, winding through dramatic alpine scenery to reach the distinctive base area with its recognisable yellow buildings and blue clock tower. At the base of the access road sits the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest and most photographed pubs, featured in numerous tourism advertisements and offering authentic après-ski experiences with traditional hospitality. This unique location between two major tourism centres provides visitors with diverse accommodation options in both Wanaka and Queenstown, along with opportunities to explore the broader Central Otago region renowned for its wineries, outdoor adventures, and stunning alpine landscapes. The resort's position also offers convenient shuttle services from both Wanaka and Queenstown, making it easily accessible for day visitors whilst providing an unforgettable mountain experience in one of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine settings.
Cardrona
, south-island