A woman, child and a black dog walk along mountainous terrain on a clear sunny day. The background features a panoramic view of softly lit mountain ranges.

Explore Cardrona’s alpine walks and hikes

Summer Walking & Hiking Wānaka & Queenstown

If walking and hiking are part of your summer itinerary then stop at Cardrona for the epic alpine trails. Take a gondola ride to the top of the world, take in the 360 mountain views, and breathe the fresh mountain air.

Walking and Hiking Passes

Get a single uplift in a gondola cabin for access to views, walks and hiking trails.

Adult

Lift Pass

Sightseeing Pass

$ 35

Adult price displayed

  • Enjoy epic views from Cardrona's summit

  • One ride on the McDougall’s Chondola

  • Travel by comfortable gondola cabin

  • Available for Cardrona only

Child

Lift Pass

Sightseeing Pass

$ 25

Child price displayed

  • Enjoy epic views from Cardrona's summit

  • One ride on the McDougall’s Chondola

  • Travel by comfortable gondola cabin

  • Available for Cardrona only

Two women sit on a large wooden rope swing facing away from the camera and swinging out over a background view of softly lit mountain ranges.

What's Included

Walking and Hiking

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

  • 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 all the way to Aoraki Mount Cook! 

  • Catch a return gondola to base if sightseeing only 

  • Panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu

Trail Map

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

"Great day out and fantastic views!"

We went for the walking trails. I took a chair from the resort base and walked around the tops. Best views by far and great watching the bikes and carts. Staff were friendly and helpful. Couldn't ask for more. Highly recommend.

UBIQUE105

A family of two adults, one child, and a black dog sit amidst tall, golden grass on a mountainous terrain. The background features a panoramic view of softly lit mountain ranges under a clear sky. The child and the dog are facing the camera, while the adults are turned towards each other, enjoying the serene landscape.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy footwear and clothing layers, as mountain conditions can change quickly. It's not uncommon to find a few spots of snow around the ridges so you may have the opportunity to build a snowman... in summer!

Definitely! At base, you’ll find rentals, a workshop, medical centre, and The Lounge, our food and beverage outlet offering barista coffee, cabinet and hot food, as well as local wines and craft beers to celebrate the end of the hike.

The gondola only runs during the summer mountain biking season. This year, the season is:  December 14, 2024 - March 2, 2025.

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.

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A person riding a mountain cart, creating a trail of dust on a gravel track.

NZ’s only mountain carting experience

Mountain Carting

Three wheels, three times the fun, and one summer activity for your bucket list.

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