The Cardrona Hotel is hands down one of the most beautiful and charming hotels in New Zealand. Tucked away in the Crown Range, right between Queenstown and Wānaka, it’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into a postcard. It's cosy, historic, and ridiculously photogenic.

Originally built in 1863, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels, dating back to the gold rush era. Today, it’s one of the last remaining buildings from that time and one of the most photographed locations in the country.

The moment you step inside, you’ll get why people rave about this place. There’s a huge open fire, rustic wooden interiors, and a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. It feels a bit like an old English pub if you know what I mean? I love coming here year round. In the winter, it's the perfect place to warm up after a day on the slopes. Int he summer you can sit out with a drink in their sun-drenched beer garden. No matter the season, I recommend tucking into one of their award-winning meals that feel like my Grandma's home-cooking in the best way possible. If you’re staying the night, the rooms are super cosy and are perfect for a mountain getaway.

Even if you’re just road-tripping through, it’s the perfect excuse to stop, stretch your legs, and soak up a little slice of Aotearoa's history.

Getting there

The hotel is about 35 minutes from Wānaka and an hour from Queenstown via the Crown Range Road. This is a drive that’s just as epic as the destination, with winding turns and breathtaking views. In winter, make sure you check the conditions because snow can make things interesting (and by interesting, I mean carry chains unless you fancy an unexpected detour).