Things to do in Cardrona

Cardrona is a single-street settlement on the Crown Range road between Queenstown (55 km) and Wanaka, built around the Cardrona Hotel, licensed in 1863 and still serving behind its original weatherboard facade and shady poplars.

The Cardrona Alpine Resort runs a family-oriented ski season from June to early October, with wide beginner terrain and a dedicated kids' area, while the Snow Farm above it holds the country's main cross-country and telemark trails. Outside the resort gates, the fence strung with donated bras has drawn attention, and complaints, for years.

The Crown Range is New Zealand's highest sealed public road, cresting at 1,076 m, and it closes to traffic or requires chains in snow and ice, most often June to September.