Cardrona

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.

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.