Cardrona Hotel
An old hotel from the 1863 gold rush, where the timber exterior, vintage signage and old petrol pump make it the most classic photo stop on the Crown Range Road.
The Cardrona Hotel sits in the Cardrona Valley on the northern section of the Crown Range Road. Built in 1863 during the gold rush, it is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels. Its white timber exterior, retro sign, old petrol pump at the entrance and neighbouring old general store make a classic scene. It is especially photogenic in autumn when the poplars turn gold, and in winter with snowy mountains behind it. The hotel is still operating. Its back-garden beer garden serves lunch and local craft beer, and it has a fireplace in winter. The nearby roadside “Bra Fence” is also a unique landmark, and the entrance to the Cardrona Alpine Resort is about 5 minutes north. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Queenstown and about 25 minutes from Wānaka.
Opening hours
About 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Cardrona Bra Fence
- Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Crown Range Road Summit Lookout
- Gibbston Valley
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy
- Arrowtown
- Nevis Bungy
- Roys Peak Track