Cardrona, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Updated 20 June, 2001

Situated half an hour up the Cardrona valley from Lake Wanaka, Cardrona Alpine Resort was the brainchild of that mercurial Otago farmer John Lee. He has now moved to greener pastures, across the valley actually, but his legacy lives on.

There are two quad chairs,a double chair and the beginners area with three clever magic carpets. Cardrona relies on its height and natural snow as there is no snow making. They do however boast New Zealand's only ski field apartment accommodation at NZ$385 a night. The apartments sleep 8 so get a group of friends together and be the first up the lift in the morning.

Snow Boarders are well looked after with pipes, terrain parks and an extreme boarder cross course. Events during the year include the the Snowboard Masters, NZ Extreme Snow Boarding Challenge and the World Heli Challenge Gravity Cross. That ought to keep you busy!

Cardrona is renowned for its feel good factor, especially for an intermediate or beginner that needs that confidence boost.

The terrain is even, trails well groomed and their are no surprises. Make sure you throw an extra scarf and hat in as the wind can be pretty chilly.

The crèche or Kids Korral is legendary. Open from 9am - 4pm for kids from 3 months to 5 years with an average charge of $40 per day. Bookings essential (ph 03 443 9806) and cancellation fee applies.

I've never tried the magic carpets but the kids seem to enjoy it. The staff have always been that little bit more friendly and personal at Cardrona, must be all those Moro bars :-)

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