Cardrona Hotel
Iconic 19th-century clapboard and stone hotel, offering cozy rooms, a historic pub, and a taste of New Zealand's gold rush past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for a warm drink post-ski.
Cardrona Hotel
Best Time
Perfect for a warm drink post-ski.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 19th-century clapboard and stone hotel, offering cozy rooms, a historic pub, and a taste of New Zealand's gold rush past.
"A must-stop for its history, charm, and delicious food – a true New Zealand icon!"
🚗 Stop on the Way
A must-stop when driving between Wanaka & Queenstown for photos and a drink.
🔥 Fireplace Vibes
Warm up by the historic fireplace, especially after a day on the slopes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Cardrona Hotel
Main building
Step back in time at this iconic 160+ year old clapboard and stone hotel. A true New Zealand landmark.
Cozy Pub & Delicious Food
Hotel pub/restaurant
Enjoy hearty meals and local ales by the fireplace. The lamb burger is a standout!
Bra Fence
Across the road from the hotel
A quirky roadside attraction where visitors tie bras to a fence for breast cancer awareness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Historic Charm & Modern Comforts
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Stop on the Way
A must-stop when driving between Wanaka & Queenstown for photos and a drink.
🔥 Fireplace Vibes
Warm up by the historic fireplace, especially after a day on the slopes.
🍔 Delicious Lamb Burger
Don't miss the highly-rated lamb burger at the hotel's restaurant.
🐴 Horse Riding Available
The Cardrona offers horse riding treks for all skill levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Stop on the Way
A must-stop when driving between Wanaka & Queenstown for photos and a drink.
🔥 Fireplace Vibes
Warm up by the historic fireplace, especially after a day on the slopes.
🍔 Delicious Lamb Burger
Don't miss the highly-rated lamb burger at the hotel's restaurant.
🐴 Horse Riding Available
The Cardrona offers horse riding treks for all skill levels.
🍻 Cardrona Ale on Tap
Try the local Cardrona ale for an authentic taste of the region.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cardrona Hotel for its rich history, charming atmosphere, and delicious food, particularly the lamb burger. The cozy pub with its fireplace is a major draw, offering a perfect respite after skiing or during a scenic drive. While the hotel is popular and can get busy, the welcoming staff and unique heritage make it a memorable stop.
"Upon arrival we were greeted by welcoming and friendly staff. Our room was gorgeous, charming and warm. Next we were escorted to the bar to cheerful and witty bar staff, and I experienced the best lamb burger 10/10 that I have ever had. After a great day’s skiing, the hot tub was magical in the quaint garden. The Cardrona Hotel offers a guest car park that we appreciated. Thank you for a lovely evening and an unforgettable experience."
Anne-Marie Dewar
"Wanted to stay but already booked out. On the way to Wanaka, dropped by here. Ordered Wedges, southern fried chicken and a cup of flat white. Very delicious 😍 there is a small playground and my son enjoyed & loved 🥰"
Hana Kim
"Old hotel with wonderful history. Best place for a drink after the ski field or passing through. I hope they keep it in NZ ownership with the impending sale. All the best to the family that have looked after the place up until now they have kept a lot of the history and charm."
Daniella
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cardrona Hotel is located on the Crown Range Road, a scenic route between Queenstown and Wanaka. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors stop here as part of a road trip between these two popular South Island towns.
The drive from Queenstown to the Cardrona Hotel is approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on road conditions and traffic. It's a beautiful drive over the Crown Range.
The Cardrona Hotel is about a 20-30 minute drive from Wanaka, making it a convenient stop for those traveling between Wanaka and Queenstown.
Public transport options directly to the Cardrona Hotel are limited. Most visitors travel by private car or rental vehicle. Some tour operators may include it as a stop on their itinerary.
The Crown Range Road is a well-maintained but winding mountain pass. It can be subject to snow and ice in winter, so always check road conditions before traveling, especially if heading to Cardrona Alpine Resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Cardrona Hotel itself, its pub, or the Bra Fence. Entry to the hotel grounds is free.
The Cardrona Hotel is generally open daily, but specific hours for the pub, restaurant, and accommodation can vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially for dining.
The Bra Fence is a public roadside attraction, and there is no entry fee to view or add to it. It's a popular spot for photos.
Yes, the Cardrona Hotel offers accommodation. Rooms can be booked directly through their website. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons like winter.
There is no strict dress code for the Cardrona Hotel. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable, especially for those stopping by after skiing or a day of exploring.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Cardrona Hotel offers a menu featuring classic pub fare with a New Zealand twist. Popular items include their highly-rated lamb burger, wedges, and southern fried chicken.
Yes, the Cardrona Hotel often serves breakfast, and it's a great option for refueling before hitting the ski slopes or starting your day of sightseeing.
While specific menus can change, traditional pub fare often includes some vegetarian options. It's recommended to inquire directly with the hotel about current vegetarian or vegan choices.
Prices at the Cardrona Hotel are generally in line with mid-range pub dining. Portions are often described as tasty and healthy-sized.
During busy periods, especially evenings or weekends, making a reservation for the restaurant is highly recommended to secure a table.
🎫 ⛷️ Skiing & Snow
Yes, the Cardrona Hotel is located on the road leading up to Cardrona Alpine Resort, making it a convenient stop for skiers and snowboarders. It's about a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel to the ski field. +1
While the hotel itself doesn't typically offer ski packages, they are a popular accommodation choice for those visiting Cardrona Alpine Resort. Some on-mountain apartments are available at Cardrona.
The ski season for Cardrona Alpine Resort typically opens in mid-June and runs through early October, weather permitting. Always check their official website for the most current opening and closing dates.
While the hotel itself doesn't rent gear, you can rent equipment at Cardrona Alpine Resort or in nearby towns like Wanaka and Queenstown. Some visitors have reported issues with hire equipment quality at Cardrona.
Cardrona Alpine Resort is known for its beginner-friendly slopes and excellent terrain parks, making it popular for families and those learning to ski or snowboard. It has recently expanded with new terrain. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The entire exterior of the historic hotel is picturesque, especially with its iconic clapboard and stone facade. The Bra Fence across the road is also a popular photo opportunity.
The surrounding Cardrona Valley offers beautiful landscapes, and the hotel itself can be lovely in the golden hour light. The direction of sunset will depend on the season.
Yes, you can take photos inside the public areas of the hotel, such as the bar and restaurant, to capture its historic ambiance. Be respectful of other guests.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the hotel's facade, while late afternoon light can create a warm glow. The Bra Fence is also a fun spot for photos any time of day.
The drive over the Crown Range offers numerous scenic viewpoints. The Cardrona Valley itself is very picturesque, with rolling hills and mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families heading to Cardrona Alpine Resort, the hotel is conveniently located on the route. While the resort itself is geared towards winter sports, the hotel provides a charming break with its unique history and the quirky Bra Fence nearby, offering a different kind of family-friendly photo opportunity.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Don't miss the chance to snap a photo of the iconic hotel exterior and the quirky Bra Fence across the road. It's a quick yet memorable stop that adds a unique cultural and visual element to your road trip.
⛷️ Skiers & Snowboarders
Enjoy a hearty meal and a local ale by the fireplace, or even consider staying overnight if you've booked well in advance. It's a classic Cardrona experience to combine a day of skiing with a visit to this historic establishment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
+3Many visitors are drawn to the hotel not just for its history, but for the authentic atmosphere it provides. The cozy interior, complete with a crackling fireplace, invites guests to relax and soak in the ambiance. This historic setting is a stark contrast to the modern ski facilities at nearby Cardrona Alpine Resort, offering a unique duality to the Cardrona Valley experience.
+1Despite its age, the Cardrona Hotel has been well-maintained and continues to operate as a vibrant pub and accommodation provider. The impending sale of the hotel has sparked discussion among locals and visitors alike, with hopes that its heritage and charm will be preserved for future generations.
The Cardrona Experience: Beyond the Hotel
For those seeking adventure, Cardrona Alpine Resort is a short drive away and is New Zealand's largest ski resort. It boasts extensive terrain for skiing and snowboarding, catering to all levels from beginners to experts, and is renowned for its world-class terrain parks.
Beyond skiing, horse riding is also a popular activity offered by The Cardrona, with various treks available for both novice and experienced riders. This adds another layer to the diverse experiences available in the Cardrona Valley, making it a destination with something for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit