Stunning views at every turn… walking & hiking at Cardrona Alpine Resort is a truly unique adventure this summer. Take a gondola ride to the top of the world & make sure you have your camera ready – there’s so much to capture on your trip around the mountain.
- Ride the McDougall’s Chondola to the top of the mountain
- Choose from three main walks:
- A short 5 min stroll to the Skyline viewing platform
- A 2.5 hour hike on the Captain’s Circuit to Captain’s Basin & back
- A 45 min walk from the top of the Chondola back down to the Cardrona Base Area
- Trails are clearly marked with signs & cairns
- Bring plenty of layers, water, sun hat & sunscreen – conditions can change quickly in an alpine environment
More information about walking & hiking at Cardrona
Cardrona’s McDougall’s Chondola gets you to the most accessible summit in the Southern Lakes – you can be standing at the top of Cardrona in 15-20mins of leaving the Base area. With interpretation boards along the way, plenty of spots for a photo & some of the most breathtaking views in New Zealand, you’ll be sure to have a completely unique walking/hiking experience up at Cardrona this summer.
Things you should know
- Cardrona is open daily from Dec 2, 2017 – Apr 2, 2018
- The McDougall’s Chondola operates from 10am – 4pm each day, with a late closing on Friday nights of 8pm for TGIF
- Allow 3.5 hours on the mountain if you plan to do the Captain’s Circuit & the Skyline Trail back to Base
- The Lounge is open for coffee, brunch & lunch daily
- Vista Bar at the top of the Chondola will be open during the busy summer period with a range of refreshments & ice cream
Getting there
Cardrona is an easy drive from NZ’s most famous resort towns – Wanaka & Queenstown.
Drive Distances:
Wanaka – 34km
Queenstown – 58km
Arrowtown – 37km
