NZ Ski Fields

Cardrona

New Zealand's fun and friendly mountain known for reliable snow conditions, wide groomed runs, extensive beginner/intermediate terrain and perfect parks.

About Cardrona

With over $15 million spent on recent upgrades, it is set to be a ripper of a season at Cardrona! The ski field now boasts the country’s first express chondola, a combination of 6-seater chairs and 8-person gondola cabins. Snow-making capabilities have been improved, and with more reliable snow, the season has been extended a week.

Cardrona has a terrific learner area with a variety of beginner lifts and long, wide, gentle slopes. Fear not you intermediate and seasoned folks, there is a heap of challenging terrain to sink your teeth into. This is the home of the most extensive park and pipe facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s easy to see why Cardrona is the base for many of New Zealand’s best freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The mountain also plays host to an increasing number of off-season Northern Hemisphere pro athletes.

The ski field is located in the Crown Range between Wanaka and Queenstown, and the breathtaking scenic drive (35 minutes from Wanaka, just over an hour from Queenstown) is a great way to start each day. If you’re the impatient type, book on-mountain accommodation to stay close to the action.

Season Dates*

Season Start Season End
17 Jun 2023 22 Oct 2023

* Targeted dates subject to snow, weather and operating conditions.

Drive Times

From To Drive Time
Wanaka Cardrona 35 min
Queenstown Cardrona 1 hr 10 min
Queenstown Wanaka 1 hr 10 min
Queenstown Christchurch 6 hr 00 min
Wide groomed run, Cardrona Alpine Resort

Why We Love Cardrona

More time – One of the longest snow seasons in New Zealand.

Less queues – Lift capacity 11,000 people per hour.

Base facilities – Snow shop, full rental services including workshop, lockers, medical centre, and general store.

Quality cafès – Base Cafè, Mezz Cafè, Juice & Java, Noodle Bar, Captain’s Pizzeria, Little Meg, and The Lounge.

Cheap lockers – Lockers are available in rental for a small fee of approx NZ$5.

Daily transfers – Daily shuttle transfers available from Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka.

Bonus – Children five years and under receive a FREE lift pass.

Terrain Park, Cardrona Alpine Resort

Terrain

Terrain Type %
Beginner
25%
Intermediate
25%
Advanced
30%
Expert
20%

Stats

Skiable Area 345 ha
Elevation 1,860 m
Vertical 600 m
Longest Run 4.5 km
Average Snowfall 2.9 m p/a
Terrain Parks 4
Pipes 2
Lifts 7
Lift Hours 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Trail Map