Cardona Alpine Resort is New Zealand's largest and arguably most popular ski destination, and it's easy to see why! Nestled in the mountains between Queenstown and Wānaka, this massive mountain playground is famous for its ridiculous views, wide-open trails, and some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country.

At Cardrona, you’ll find over 400 hectares of skiable terrain, five massive basins, and a huge variety of trails, so whether you’re a beginner or an Olympic Athlete, you’ll find plenty of runs to keep you entertained.

Once you've spent the day skiing and snowboarding, I highly recommend heading down the mountain and having a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

How much does it cost?

Skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona isn’t exactly cheap, but if you’re going to splurge on a ski trip, you already know you’re in for an expensive experience! A single-day lift pass starts at $179 NZD, and a seven-day pass costs $840 NZD. Students get a small discount, so it’s worth bringing a valid ID with you. Both passes give you access to Cardrona and Treble Cone, so you can explore both resorts.

How to Get to Cardrona Alpine Resort

Cardrona sits almost halfway between Queenstown and Wānaka. There’s accommodation in Cardrona but it’s expensive and books up fast. I recommend staying in Wānaka, but you could opt to stay in Queenstown if you’d like to be in a more tourist-focused area. If you're driving from Queenstown, it's about an hour via the Crown Range Road, which is New Zealand’s highest main road. It’s a stunning drive and worth doing, even if you're not visiting Cardrona. But it can be covered in snow and very icy in the winter. You must check the road conditions and fit your vehicle with snow chains if you're driving. Make sure you add these to your rental if they're not already included.