A mountain biker stands with their bike at sunset, overlooking the expansive Cardrona mountain range and valleys below.

Home to NZ’s highest mountain bike park

Welcome To Cardrona Alpine Resort

Ready to roll? At Cardrona, we’re all about delivering a warm Kiwi welcome and a summer of adventure for the whole family. Just a short drive from Queenstown or Wānaka, get set for an epic time at Aotearoa’s highest playground!

Gondola icon.

345 vertical metre rise

Terrain icon.

345ha of terrain

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Family-friendly activities

Chairlift icon.

Two chairlifts to access

Two friends race around a corner on a mountain cart at Cardrona.

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 

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A person whips their bike to the side as they hit a jump in the Cardrona bike park.

Mountain Biking

The highest-altitude bike park in New Zealand welcomes all!

  • Ride high-altitude terrain with lift-accessed trails at 1860m

  • Descend 345m on mountain bike trails

  • Take on the 10km long peak to pub downhill trail

  • Beginner to advanced level, flow and technical trails

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A family goes for a walk with their dog at Cardrona.

Walking & Hiking

Ride in a gondola cabin to the top of Mt. Cardrona and explore this incredible alpine environment by foot.

  • 360-degree views of the Southern Alps

  • Access to four walking trails

  • Sit on the picture-perfect Cardrona Swing

  • On bright, clear days, you might see Aoraki Mount Cook

  • Catch a return gondola to the base if sightseeing only

  • Panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu

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Trail Map

Check out our Summer 2024/25 trail map for the trails, lifts, facilities, toilets and food and beverage options.

Getting Here

Cardrona is just a short hop over the Crown Range from Queenstown, simply take the Crown Range road before turning off from the Cardrona Valley Road and driving up a 13km unsealed alpine access road. There’s plenty of parking up top – just ask one of our friendly team if you’re not sure where to pull up your wagon!

Directions
A simplified map of New Zealand’s South Island, highlighting key locations such as Queenstown, Wānaka, Glenorchy, Milford Sound, and Doubtful Sound. The ski resorts Treble Cone and Cardrona are marked with prominent red location pins near Wānaka, and Queenstown is shown with an airport icon.

Transport Options

Cardrona is only a short drive from Wānaka, Queenstown and Arrowtown. We offer daily private charters from Queenstown and Wānaka, as well as shuttles up and down the mountain road travelling between the Cardrona Hotel and our base building. Our shuttles have a bike trailer attached – please note that kids’ bikes (e.g. 24”, 20”) will not fit on the bike trailer, although they may be carried if space allows inside the van.

One Way

Shuttle

Cardrona Valley Shuttle

$ 15

Single person + bike

  • A one-way trip from Cardrona Hotel to the top of Cardrona or reverse

  • Bike trailer available (small bikes may not fit)

  • Perfect for riders heading up for the day

  • Advance booking required (set shuttle times)

Book Now
Return

Shuttle

Cardrona Valley Shuttle

$ 20

Single person + bike

  • A return trip from Cardrona Hotel to the top of Cardrona and back again

  • Bike trailer available (small bikes may not fit)

  • Great for riders finishing the Peak to Pub trail

  • Advance booking required (set shuttle times)

Book Now
Wānaka

Private Transfer

Wānaka Transport (Return)

$ 189

Prices starting from

  • Private charter for up to 9 people

  • Direct transport from Wānaka

  • Ideal for groups or families

  • Flexible departure times

Contact Us
Queenstown

Private Transfer

Queenstown Transport (Return)

$ 279

Prices starting from

  • Private charter for up to 9 people

  • Direct transport from Queenstown

  • Ideal for groups or families

  • Flexible departure times

Contact Us
Contact Us

The Lounge

After a few laps, refuel and refresh at The Lounge, located in the Base Area. Offering hot and cold beverages, cabinet treats, hot fresh food, craft beer and local wines.

A man sits down with friends and enjoys a beer and pizza in the sunshine.

Frequently
Asked Questions

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

During summer operations we have a dedicated dirt patrol team who monitor trails, closures, and signage, and do basic first aid.

To stay safe, ensure you follow the dirt responsibility code:

  • Ride within your limits 

  • Ride only on marked trails or designated freeride zones 

  • Stay within resort boundaries 

  • Riding in closed areas will result in loss of pass 

  • Carry a trail map & cell phone – Dirt Patrol can be reached on +64 3 443 7341 ext. 721 

  • Be aware of unmarked hazards 

  • Check out the Mountain Bikers' Code for more information

Use our daily bike checklist to make sure you’re safe and your bike will be riding prime. 

  • Inspect your bike frame for cracks, dents or other damage 

  • Make sure you have enough brake pad to stop your bike on a steep downhill 

  • Front and rear axles should be tight 

  • Headset and stem should be secure with no movement 

  • Tyres should be in good condition, with no tears or cuts in the sidewall and plenty of tread 

  • Handlebars and grips should be tight (not spinning) 

  • Seat and seat post need to be fastened securely

If you’re not sure your bike is in good enough nick to be riding the trails, pop in and see our friendly Cardrona Workshop team. They can look after most usual repairs right on the mountain while you grab a bite and a coffee!

Follow our safety checklist for everything you need for a safe ride.  

  • Make sure your helmet is in good shape and adjusted to fit you. At Cardrona we recommend the use of full-face helmets

  • Knee pads 

  • Elbow pads 

  • Gloves 

  • Enclosed shoes 

  • Goggles 

  • Neck Brace 

  • Body Amour 

Helmets are compulsory to ride Cardrona Bike Park.

It always helps to bring a bag with water, sunscreen and windproof/waterproof layers for a day riding at Cardrona. Mountain conditions can change rapidly and it always helps to be prepared.

If you want to tackle anything outside your comfort zone, build up to the trails, take breaks and keep yourself fuelled. Mountain biking can be pretty taxing on your body, so you'll make the most out of your day if you pace yourself and ride within your limits.

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

A skier performs a high-flying trick in mid-air against a bright blue sky, with spectators watching from below.

What’s happening at Cardrona and Treble Cone?

Events

Whether you’re participating or spectating, these events are unmissable.

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A mountain biker riding on a trail, with ski lifts in the background.

No bike? No problem.

Mountain Bike Rentals

Stocking Trek and Kona bike brands, with options for full suspension, downhill and kids’ bikes.

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