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.

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

$ 165

Adult price displayed

  • Australasia's only mountain carting

  • 2 hours of thrilling downhill fun

  • Trails specially designed for carting

  • As many uplifts as you can get

Book NowLearn More
Child

Lift Pass

Mountain Carting

$ 85

Child price displayed

  • Australasia's only mountain carting

  • 2 hours of thrilling downhill fun

  • Trails specially designed for carting

  • As many uplifts as you can get

Book NowLearn More
Rider mountain carting at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Rider is wearing dark green suit and full-face helmet, navigating a corner, with dust in the background.

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

Book Now

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 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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Still need some help? Get in touch using our

Mountain biker riding down a narrow, rocky trail at the Cardrona Bike Park surrounded by tall grass and steep cliffs on a sunny day.

Unlock alpine trails at Cardrona Bike Park

Mountain Biking Passes

Whether you’re here for the season or a post-work adrenaline rush, you’ll find a mountain bike pass that will suit you.

Learn More
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.

Learn More