Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND WANAKA
TOP OF CHAPTER
Cardrona
The cute hamlet of Cardrona reached its zenith in the 1870s at the height of the gold rush,
when its population numbered over a thousand. Now it's a sleepy little place which wakes
up with a jolt for the ski season.
With views of foothills and countless snowy peaks, the
Crown Range Road
from Cardrona
to Queenstown is one of the South Island's most scenic drives. At 1076m, it's the highest
sealed road in NZ. It passes through tall, swaying tussock grass in the
Pisa Conservation Area
MAP
, which has several short walking trails. There are some great places to stop and drink
in the view, particularly at the Queenstown end of the road before you start the switchback
down towards Arrowtown. However, the road is narrow and winding, and needs to be
tackled with care in poor weather. In winter it's sometimes closed after heavy snows, and
you'll often need snow chains for your wheels.
Activities
Cardrona Alpine Resort
MAP
SKIING
( 03-443 7341;
www.cardrona.com
; off Cardrona Valley Rd; day pass adult/child $99/51; 9am-4pm Jul-Sep)
Well-organised and professional, this 345-hectare ski field offers runs to suit all abilities
(25% beginners, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced) at elevations ranging from 1670m to
1860m. In season it operates a
booking office
( 03-443 7411; 18 Dunmore St)
in Wanaka where you
can buy ski passes and book Yello shuttles (return adult/child $35/28).
Snow Farm New Zealand
MAP
( 03-443 7542;
www.snowfarmnz.com
; off Cardrona Valley Rd; day pass adult/child $40/20)
In winter this is
home to fantastic cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and dog-sled tours, with
over 40km of groomed trails. Lessons and ski hire are available.
SKIING
