The image shows two individuals riding gravity carts down a dirt track at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Both riders are wearing helmets, with one dressed in dark green and the other in blue, racing side by side on rugged, off-road terrain. A cloud of dust follows their carts as they navigate the curvy track, set against a backdrop of rocky hills and grassy plains. The scene captures the thrill and excitement of mountain carting, showcasing the resort's adventure-filled landscape.

New Zealand’s only mountain carting experience

Cardrona Mountain Carting Passes

Three wheels, three times the fun, and one summer activity for your bucket list…Cardrona’s mountain carting experience has been named the coolest thing to do in New Zealand by Stuff.co.nz, and we couldn’t agree more!

Gravity-fueled

Mountain Carting Passes

Cardrona is the only place in New Zealand where you can go mountain carting. Check this one off your summer bucket list!

Adult

Lift Pass

Mountain Carting

Summer 2026 Coming Soon

Australasia's only mountain carting
2 hours of thrilling downhill fun
Trails specially designed for carting
As many uplifts as you can get

Learn More

Child

Lift Pass

Mountain Carting

Summer 2026 Coming Soon

Australasia's only mountain carting
2 hours of thrilling downhill fun
Trails specially designed for carting
As many uplifts as you can get

Learn More

What's Included

Mountain Carting

Explore Cardrona’s mountain carting trails and let the good times roll!

Australasia’s only lift-accessed mountain carting experience
As many uplifts as you want for two hours
Three trails designed specifically for mountain carts
3km long mountain cart trails, three trails to choose from
Access to the Base Area for drinks and treats

Two people racing down a winding gravel track on mountain carts, kicking up dust, with tires marking the course and grassy slopes all around.

Mountain Carting

Health & Safety

Upon arriving you will need to read and sign a Mountain Carting Risk Disclosure and attend a safety briefing.

You will be provided with a full-face helmet, goggles and coveralls to wear for the duration of the activity.

Sturdy, enclosed footwear must be worn while operating the cart (crocs are not suitable).

Please follow all staff instructions, stay on the designated carting trails, and respect mountain signage and other mountain carters.

If you are under the influence or are impaired by alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications), you will not be permitted to go carting.

Carting while pregnant is not recommended.

The max weight of the rider, or tandem, per cart is 110kg.

You must be in good physical health and have no back or physical limitations that will affect your ability to control the cart. If you have any previous, current, or re-occurring injuries that may be affected by a bumpy ride, we strongly recommend you don’t go carting.

Trail Map

We have three Mountain Carting trails. Skyline: a wide, easy trail with stunning Queenstown views, great for beginners to practice drifting. McDougall's: twisty and fun, perfect for testing your cornering skills. A Real Journey: a 2.5km mix of thrills, ending with a smooth ride back to the lift.

"Can’t recommend enough!"

Great day up the mountain and can't wait to go again. Staff were friendly and helpful, the views from the tracks (and chairlifts) are amazing and the carts are so much fun.

Jess C

The image captures an intense moment of gravity carting at Cardrona Alpine Resort. A rider in a dark green outfit and helmet leans into a turn on a dirt track, kicking up dust as they navigate the course. The rugged, mountainous terrain with grassy hills and scattered rocks provides a dramatic backdrop to the action. The rider’s focused posture and the dirt flying from the wheels highlight the adrenaline-pumping excitement of mountain carting at the resort.

The image captures an intense moment of gravity carting at Cardrona Alpine Resort. A rider in a dark green outfit and helmet leans into a sharp turn on a dirt track, kicking up dust and gravel as they navigate the course. The rugged, mountainous terrain with grassy hills and scattered rocks provides a dramatic backdrop to the action. The rider’s focused posture and the dirt flying from the wheels highlight the adrenaline-pumping excitement of mountain carting at the resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When is Cardrona open for summer 2024/ 2025?

2024/ 25 Summer Season Dates & Opening Hours (Cardrona Only):

December 14, 2024 – March 2, 2025 (closed Christmas Day).

Half-day passes are valid from 1pm to close.

Off-peak:
- 14 – 24 December, 2024 & 21 January – 2 March, 2025
- Open 5 days per week (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
- 10am – 4pm (Monday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday)
- TGIF (every Friday): 12pm – 8pm
Peak
- 26 December, 2024 – 20 January, 2025
- Open 7 days a week
- 10am – 5pm (Saturday - Thursday)
- TGIF (every Friday): 12pm – 8pm

What is a mountain cart?

Mountain carts are purpose-built in Germany for alpine trails; with 3 wheels, a low centre of gravity, and two hydraulic disc brakes.

When are the mountain carting sessions?

Mountain carting sessions run for two hours and on the hour, every hour, with the last session starting 2 hours before closing time. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your session’s start time. All trails may not be available for all sessions, but we will inform you of any changes when you book.

What are the safety requirements and restrictions for mountain carting?

Upon arriving, you must read and sign a Mountain Carting Risk Disclosure and attend a safety briefing.

You will receive a full-face helmet, goggles, and coveralls to wear during the activity.

Covered footwear must be worn while operating the cart.

Please follow all staff instructions, stay on the designated carting trails, and respect mountain signage and other mountain carters.

If you are under the influence or are impaired by alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications), you will not be permitted to go mountain carting.

Carting while pregnant is not recommended.

The max weight of the rider, or tandem, per cart, is 110kg.

You must be in good physical health and have no back or physical limitations affecting your ability to control the cart.

If you have any previous, current, or re-occurring injuries that may be affected by a bumpy ride, we strongly recommend you don’t go carting.

Can I wear a half helmet?

No, full-face helmets are mandatory, and nothing should be worn underneath, including religious headwear. This policy ensures maximum safety for all riders. Please note that we are unable to make exceptions, so we recommend considering this before booking to avoid inconvenience or cancellations.

Can kids ride on a mountain cart?

Kids must be 8 years old and 100cm+ tall to ride on their own cart. Kids younger or shorter can ride tandem with an adult as a ‘carting buddy’! A $25 rate may apply, and the combined weight per cart must not exceed 110kg. Kids under 12 years must mountain cart with a responsible adult.

Do I need to bring anything specific to ride a mountain cart?

All safety equipment will be provided, but please wear covered footwear and bring warm clothing layers. All mountain carters must read and sign a Risk Disclosure form and watch the safety briefing video before their session.

Can I use a GoPro?

Yes, GoPro use is allowed but entirely at your own risk. We do not provide helmet or handlebar attachments, and handheld devices are not permitted while riding.

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