Articles > Top Ski Resorts in New Zealand
Welcome to our ski resort! Our regular operating hours from 15 Dec to 24 Dec and 23 Jan to 3 March are from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Sunday. Extended hours are in effect from 26 Dec to 22 Jan, with the resort open from 8 am to 6 pm. Additionally, we have special TGIF hours on Fridays, where we stay open until 8 pm for some extra fun on the slopes.
During peak times, such as holidays and weekends, the resort will operate at extended hours. Off-peak days, which include weekdays outside of holiday periods, will have regular operating hours. This means that guests can enjoy a longer day on the slopes during our extended hours, while still having plenty of time to ski and relax during regular hours on off-peak days.
No matter when you visit, we have something for everyone to enjoy at our ski resort. We look forward to welcoming you to the slopes!
Cardrona Alpine Resort is a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand. The resort offers over 400 hectares of skiable terrain, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. The resort has excellent facilities, including six chairlifts, terrain parks, and extensive grooming throughout the season.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Cardrona also offers childcare options, making it a great choice for families. The on-site facilities cater to children of all ages, providing a safe and engaging environment while parents enjoy the slopes.
During the summer months, Cardrona transforms into a mountain biking and hiking mecca. The resort features a variety of trails suitable for all levels of riders and hikers, with stunning alpine views and breathtaking scenery.
With its diverse range of activities and world-class facilities, Cardrona Alpine Resort is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the New Zealand Alps. Whether you're into skiing, snowboarding, childcare, mountain biking, or hiking, Cardrona has something for everyone.
New Zealand's popular ski destination, Cardrona, is a must-visit for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The best time to hit the slopes at Cardrona is from June to October, when the winter season offers optimal snow conditions. Notable features of Cardrona include its wide range of trails catering to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The terrain park facilities at Cardrona are top-notch, offering various features and jumps for freestyle enthusiasts.
Cardrona boasts modern facilities for skiing and snowboarding, including high-speed chairlifts and gondolas for easy access to the slopes. The ski resort also offers rental equipment and lessons for those new to the sport.
One of the highlights of Cardrona is its terrain park, which includes halfpipes, jumps, and rails to cater to freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The resort also offers a variety of lift options, including quad chairs and magic carpets for beginners.
For skiers and snowboarders looking for a memorable experience, Cardrona in New Zealand is a premier destination with top-notch facilities, diverse trails, and a world-class terrain park.
When it comes to winter adventures, nothing quite compares to the stunning alpine scenery and reliable snow conditions that can be found in alpine regions around the world. From towering snow-capped peaks to picturesque mountain villages, the alpine landscape offers a breathtaking backdrop for a wide range of winter activities. What's more, the reliable snow conditions in these regions make them a popular choice for skiers, snowboarders, and other winter sports enthusiasts, ensuring that there's plenty of fresh powder to enjoy throughout the season. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to experience the magic of a winter wonderland, the stunning alpine scenery and reliable snow conditions make for an unforgettable adventure in the mountains.
Cardrona is a popular ski resort located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, approximately 35 minutes drive from the town of Wanaka and 60 minutes from Queenstown. The nearest major airport is Queenstown International Airport, which is approximately 60km away, while Wanaka Airport is only 25km from Cardrona.
The resort offers a range of facilities, including on-mountain accommodation, ski and snowboard rentals, and a variety of dining options. Cardrona is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding services, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. The resort also features terrain parks and halfpipes for freestyle enthusiasts.
For visitors, on-mountain accommodations are available, offering convenient access to the slopes. There are also plenty of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, serving a variety of cuisine to cater to all tastes. Overall, Cardrona offers an accessible and convenient location for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Cardrona Valley is situated between the popular tourist destinations of Queenstown and Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island. Nestled in the Southern Alps, this scenic valley offers stunning mountain views and is a hub for outdoor activities and tourism.
The Cardrona Alpine Resort is easily accessible from both Queenstown and Wanaka, each being approximately a 45-minute drive away. From Queenstown, visitors can take State Highway 6 towards Wanaka and turn onto Cardrona Valley Road. From Wanaka, the resort is a short drive along the same Cardrona Valley Road.
Travelers to the Cardrona Alpine Resort have various transportation options to choose from. Shuttle services from both Queenstown and Wanaka are available, offering convenient and comfortable transportation to and from the resort. Additionally, many visitors opt to rent a car to explore the area independently. During the winter season, the resort also offers a park and ride service for those looking for a hassle-free way to access the ski fields.
Overall, the Cardrona Valley's prime location and easy accessibility make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Cardrona can be accessed via Cardrona Valley Road, the primary road leading to the resort. From nearby Wanaka, travelers can reach Cardrona by taking State Highway 6 towards Queenstown and then turning onto Cardrona Valley Road. The drive from Wanaka is approximately 30 minutes and may involve some winding mountain roads, so caution should be taken, especially during winter months when snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions.
From Queenstown, the drive to Cardrona also involves State Highway 6, with a turn onto Cardrona Valley Road. The journey from Queenstown takes about 45 minutes, and drivers should be aware of any road closures or restrictions, particularly during winter when snow chains may be required.
For individuals without access to a vehicle, there are shuttle services available from Wanaka and Queenstown to Cardrona. These shuttles provide a convenient and safe option for transportation to the resort, especially for those who are not comfortable driving in mountainous or winter conditions. Overall, whether driving or utilizing alternate transportation, Cardrona Valley Road provides the main access route to the popular ski resort.
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's breathtaking Southern Alps, the convenient proximity to Lake Wanaka and Queenstown makes this location a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With easy access to two of the South Island's most popular destinations, visitors can experience the stunning natural beauty, world-class skiing, and adrenaline-pumping activities that each location has to offer. Whether it's exploring the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka or experiencing the vibrant nightlife and extreme sports scene in Queenstown, this prime location provides the perfect base for an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.
Cardrona offers skiers and snowboarders a variety of terrain across three wide, open basins. The mountain features 25% beginner trails, 50% intermediate trails, and 25% advanced trails, catering to all skill levels.
Learning to ski or snowboard at Cardrona is made easy with the McDougall's Express Chondola, which provides a comfortable and convenient way for beginners to access the mountain. There is also a dedicated Beginners' Area, providing a safe and supportive environment for those new to the sport.
For those learning to ski or snowboard, Cardrona offers amenities and resources such as conveyor lifts, making it easy for beginners to navigate the mountain. The Kindy Conveyor is another helpful feature specifically designed for young children learning to ski.
With its varied terrain and beginner-friendly features, Cardrona is an ideal destination for those new to skiing or snowboarding, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for learning and improving skills.