Central Otago, South Island











Cardrona Alpine Resort - Adventure Playground
Summer fun at Cardrona
Summer Season: December 2023 - April 2024
Sightseeing Gondola ~ Mountain Carting ~ Mountain Biking ~ Alpine Walking.
Take the gondola to the mountaintop and immerse yourself in a beautiful alpine environment. Cardrona offers incredible sightseeing; both young and old can experience NZ’s most accessible mountain and New Zealand’s highest playground! Adventurous families can explore by mountain cart or bike.
Afterwards, grab a family-sized woodfired pizza from The Lounge and take in those mountain views (open til 8pm every Friday of the season). We have something to put a smile on the face of every member of the family at Cardrona this summer!
Gondola Rides
The McDougall’s Chondola (half chairlift / half gondola) means anyone can get to the top of the mountain! Whether you’re 2 or 92, you can take a gondola cabin to the top of Cardrona and take in the mountain views, breathe in the mountain air, take amazing photos or go for a walk around the mountain.
Walking and Hiking
Walking & Hiking at Cardrona lets you immerse yourself in a beautiful alpine environment above 1800m! Breathe the fresh alpine air & take in the stunning 360 degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu & Lake Wanaka. You can choose between a gentle chairlift-assisted stroll from the top of the McDougall’s Chondola down to the Base area, or a more adventurous hike on our Captain’s Circuit alpine trails. While you're up there, check out our giant scenic swing located behind the McDougall's Chondola top station!
Mountain Carting
Experience Cardrona’s newest gravity-fuelled activity – Mountain Carting! No prior experience is needed for this fun downhill activity, just a sense of adventure & a thirst for FUN! We've got three mountain cart trails to choose from, the longest of which is over 3km and spans all the way out to Captain's Basin and back to Whitestar Express. Ride the lift and get faster on every lap as you become more familiar with the course and our unique mountain carts!
Drivers must be at least 100cm height and 8 years+.
Kids under 100cm can ride tandem on mountain carts (so everyone can go).
Our stable carts are designed for comfort, performance and safety and we have four sizes available.
Mountain Biking at Cardrona Bike Park
Enjoy lift-accessed downhill Mountain Bike Trails for all abilities to enjoy! Lap the lifts daily from 10am to 4pm or til 6pm during peak periods (26th Dec-22nd Jan).
With beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, a FREE learner zone, flow tracks and even a bike school offering private lessons, you'll have plenty to explore all day!
Mountain bike rental, including kids' bikes, plus safety gear, all available at Cardrona Bike Park. Season passes available
The Lounge
The Lounge is open all summer long for all your sunshine alpine dining needs! Cardrona will also be open for a full dinner service every night. Whether you’re here for a rip down the trails on your mountain bike, a relaxing day exploring the mountain on foot, or a blast on our mountain carts, there’s something to keep you going up at The Lounge this summer!
On Friday nights all the mountain activities including our Lounge, are open till 8pm – make sure you check out our TGIF late night beer & pizza.