Family sharing a pizza at Cardrona

5 Reasons Why Cardrona is One of New Zealand’s Most Popular Ski Fields

Internationally renowned as a prime destination for snow enthusiasts, here are five reasons to choose Cardrona for your New Zealand ski holiday.

1. The Chondola

The shiny new express chondola is the first of its kind in New Zealand. A combined lift with 8-person gondola cabins and 6-seater chairs, it’s the fastest way to get from the base area to the top of the mountain (under four minutes!). Perfect for speedy access to the extensive network of wide, open beginner trails.

2. The Food

It’s hard to choose a favourite from the extensive range of superb eateries at Cardrona, but Noodle Bar might just pip the others at the post. Offering freshly-made sushi and tasty Asian-inspired dishes cooked right before your eyes, this is the best kind of fast food. There are another six cafés and restaurants on the mountain, including The Lounge – new in 2017, which means you can try something different every day!

3. Central Location

Cardrona ski field is close to Wanaka and Queenstown, the South Island’s premier ski towns. If you want to party it up in dynamic Queenstown, you can be on the mountain in just over an hour. Those that prefer to base themselves in family-friendly Wanaka, there is just a 35 minute drive to the ski field. Both locations have regular bus and shuttle services or you could hire a car.

4. Variety of Terrain

The variety of terrain at Cardrona is unparallelled. They have the longest beginner trail in the country, a massive 3.6km of easy run that soon has novices confident on their snow legs. The intermediate tracks snaking over the mountain cover a diverse medley of topography. Cardrona is also home to the most extensive terrain park facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, with parks and pipes for riders of all levels, along with the 85+ft Big Air jump, and Gravity Cross course. Last but not least, the world-class quality of the advanced and expert tracks attracts pro athletes locally and from around the globe. Click here to buy your lift pass for the Cardrona ski field.

5. Best Family Ski Holiday

For the best family ski holiday, the facilities at Cardrona can’t be beaten. The folks at the fully-licensed Ski Kindy will take the greatest care of your little ones (three months to four years), with a focus on fun and exploration. The Snow Sports School offers private and group lessons from tots to adults, and adventure programmes for kids 5-14 years old. Kids’ Club is an optional add-on for 5-14 year olds booked into group lessons. Open from 8:30 am, drop them off and the staff will take care of everything – from getting their rental gear ready and dropping them at the lesson, to picking them up and feeding them a hot lunch. For an on-mountain activity the whole family can enjoy, grab a pass for snow tubing. Kids under eight ride free with a paying adult!

Choose from our range of fantastic Cardrona ski packages and you can enjoy an unforgettable winter holiday, or learn more about Cardona ski field.

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