Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cardrona Valley, the Cardrona Hotel, established in 1863, is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels.

A comfortable 40 minute drive from Queenstown and only 20 minutes from Wanaka, this unique hotel offers both quality accommodation and traditional hospitality. It is the ideal venue for a comfortable overnight stay or apres-ski refreshment. The hotel is close to 5 major ski areas.

With breathtaking scenery, this tranquil rural setting boasts a hotel steeped in history from the gold rush era. While dry tussock gently ripples in the breeze, relax in an air of timeless comfort and understated style while recapturing yesteryear.

Experience the rustic charm of the hotel's historic restaurant and bar which has recently undergone extensive refurbishment. An informal collection of artefacts and memorabilia in the hotel gives a small glimpse into the extraordinary human history of this area while creating themed surroundings to complete your experience.

The hotel is complemented by 16 well-appointed ensuite rooms with delightful cottage garden views. The accommodation combines modern comforts with an historical ambience and grace.

The Cardrona Hotel prides itself on exceeding expectations through quality of service, characterised by warm personal attention.

Presented with all the rustic charm from an era of bygone days, the hotel's restaurant and bar underwent major refurbishment in 2002 and still retains the wonderful ambience and sense of history that has made it such a unique destination.

The restaurant features period architecture complemented by modern kitchen facilities. Open fires, innovative and hearty cuisine served up with prompt and efficient service ensure a memorable dining experience. Only the finest local produce is selected for the all-day restaurant menu, with seasonal specialities.

The extensive cellar offers up a wide range of local and imported wine. From the best Central Otago Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, Australian Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, there is something for every palate.

The Cardrona Bar is a legendary apres-ski destination. After a day on the slopes, relax by the large open fires with a well-earned drink. The famous mulled wine is the specialty of the house, and there is a full range of beers with Speights on tap. Order up something from the menu to enjoy along with your refreshments.

The bar and adjoining lounge have an impressive collection of local historia from the Cardrona Valley and years gone by. The large garden area has tables, outdoor fires and a playground for the younger ones.

All rooms are decorated with taste and style to reflect the charm of yesteryear. Rooms include ensuite bathrooms with showers, and one room has a bath. Quality bedding complements the cosy and warm atmosphere. All rooms have heating, Sky TV, telephone and tea and coffee facilities.

The township of Cardrona began in 1865, when hundreds of settlers came to the Cardrona Valley, eager to stake their claim. As word got around, the settlement quickly developed and a commercial centre was soon formed.

Within three years there were four hotels, three European stores, four Chinese stores, four butcheries, one blacksmith and a baker.

As the years passed, Cardrona expanded and by 1871 the population was such that it had become the centre of the butchery trade in Central Otago. Cardrona remained an important commercial centre through the 1870s and 1880s, although it fluctuated with the changing fortunes of the mining industry. The Cardrona Hotel, Annexe and adjoining General Store are now the only remaining buildings from the early gold rush days.

The Hotel has had several owners but by far the longest serving and most memorable for people today would be James Paterson, who came to Cardrona from Oamaru about 1890 and worked a gold claim for 40 years. In 1926 he took over the Hotel. Many people today remember Jim Paterson standing behind his bar (which still remains), wearing his spectacles and braces, serving warm beer from a bottle that had a cork in it. He was also remembered for the fact that he didn’t serve women and that he would ration his customers. Patrons who were about to drive the Crown Range Road were only allowed one glass, but those who were heading for Wanaka were allowed two.

The traveller of today, pausing in the valley before venturing over the scenic Crown Range Road, would have difficulty in visualising the thriving township that once flourished there.