If skiing isn't enough for you, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained around the area. In fact, Cardrona probably has access to more activities and tours within an hour than any other location on this planet! Cardrona is in close proximity to the action adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. And nearby Wanaka also has a number of activities available. 

Cardrona Activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Cardrona has tubing or non-skiers can also go on a sightseeing lift in one of the gondola cabins.

At the base of the Cardrona mountain road, plans are in place to build a golf course.

In the village of Cardrona, you could head to the Cardrona Distillery which distils single malt whisky, gin, vodka, and orange, elderflower and butterscotch liqueurs. Tours are run of the establishment which finish with a taste of the Cardrona artisan spirits.

Snow Farm Activities

Snowfarm is only 20 minutes from the Cardrona access road turn-off. Snow Farm is a dedicated cross-country skiing resort with 50km of groomed tracks that cater for all ability levels. They provide lessons and have all the rental gear you’d need. In case you want to stay warm inside whilst other family members rip up the course, the large base building has various bars and cafes.

Other Snowfarm activities include snowshoeing where you can explore the trails with a guide or DIY. Alternatively rent a tube and go tubing.

Snowfarm is also used as a conference centre so there are other activities that are particularly targeted to corporates with a need for speed. The relatively flat slopes of the Pisa Range are ideal for hooning around on snowmobiles, and Snowfarm is home to the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds. Car companies from around the world come here to test cars on the skid pans, but advanced driving courses are also held at SPPG where corporates have fun whizzing around witches hats on the ice.

The Pisa Range plateaus near Snowfarm are also perfect for snowkiting. With a kite you can ski or snowboard up the hills as well as down! Snowkiting is also the perfect activity for slightly windy days where heli ski operators are not flying, or sitting on a chairlift at Cardrona is not super pleasant.

Other Skiing Activities

In addition to the cross-country skiing at Snowfarm, the region is renowned for heli skiing. Harris Mountains Heli Ski and Southern Lakes Heliski are based in Wanaka and Queenstown, and Alpine Heliski is based in Queenstown. See our reviews of each of the heli skiing outfits for more information.

Adventure Activities

When it comes to crazy and adventurous activities, the kiwis know how to do it best. There are just too many activities to speak of and you can be assured that if it has been invented, it probably exists in Queenstown. Favourites include the Shotover Jet Boat, Tandem Ski Diving or Paraponting, white water rafting (yes they do run during winter) and AJ Hackett's famous bungy jumping.

Wanaka also offers plenty of outdoor adventure activities. Some of this is centred round the lake including kayaking, and other opportunities include guided canyon adventures, scenic flights, hot-air ballooning, rock climbing, aerobatic (scare your pants off) flights and skydiving.

Non-Adventure Activities

For a more relaxed option, cruises are available on Lake Wanaka and Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown).

Puzzling World is located on the outskirts of Wanaka. This is not just for children but also for others seeking a brain tease. In addition to lots of small puzzles and optical illusions, there is a big 1.5km long maze.

The Warbird museum just outside Wanaka displays various fighter aircraft from yesteryear.

There are many wineries around Wanaka in the Otago area that you can visit independently, or partake in a tour like Wanaka Wine Tours.

For complete relaxation there are a few day spas in Wanaka and plenty of day spas in Queenstown.

For more ideas on things to do in the area, see our Queenstown activities and Wanaka activities pages.

Cardrona Activities & Tours Listings

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