5 day Wanaka and Cardrona Family Ski Holiday

Your itinerary, lift passes, car and accommodation bookings

As well as getting everything you need to have a great trip sent to you electronically (yes we are really clever like that!), a super dooper tour pack containing everything you need will be waiting for you at your accommodation. In short - we take care of the paperwork!

Collect your Ski New Zealand rental car

Ski New Zealand rental cars are all specially equipped with ski racks and chains (for grip in the snow - not evening entertainment!). We have a superb range of cars from all the top companies and with a range of insurance options and inclusions that will suit you perfectly.

Take the short drive from Queenstown to Wanaka

Head out of Queenstown and over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Wanaka. Take it easy as this road can be a little 'interesting' in winter. There are plenty of signs advising the road conditions and there is a slightly longer but lower altitude route via Cromwell. If you do take the Crown Range route then you should time your trip to stop at the Cardrona Hotel for 'sustenance'. This 'world famous in New Zealand' landmark will have some great food and a welcoming log fire.

Arrive into Wanaka and collect Cardrona card

Welcome to Wanaka for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday.  It’s not just the skiing that makes Wanaka a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes.  After each action packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at.

Today we recommend you visit the Cardrona Alpine Resort Wanaka Office located at the corner of Helwick and Dunmore Streets and collect your Cardrona card.  This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride.  When you visit the Cardrona Wanaka Office please take your Ski New Zealand itinerary with you as the staff will need the reference number off this.  Each person in your group receives their own card and must collect their own card as your photo will be taken at the time of issue.  All your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons etc will be loaded onto your card.

Cardrona First Timer Package

Cardrona is perfect for first timer skiers and boarders with easy learner lift and wide open beginner trails with beautiful views. Package includes rental of ski or snowboard equipment, learner's area ski lift pass, two group lessons with a professional instructor.  Your 2 hour morning lesson teaches the basics, including how to master sliding, stopping and turning safely and effectively on gentle slopes.  The 2 hour afternoon lesson is to further develop your skills and to support you as you explore more terrain.

Cardrona Kids Club First Timer all Inclusive Package

Cardrona's kids ski and snowboard lessons are the best way to ensure your children safely learn to enjoy the thrills and challenges of skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. Accompanied by a Cardrona specialist instructor, your child will be part of a supportive group environment aimed at developing their confidence and ability on the slopes as well learning hazard awareness and safe skiing etiquette. The Kids Club First Timers group will spend the day on the learners slopes and enjoy two fun group lessons totalling 4 hours to help get them on their way.

Cardrona Single Lesson, Lift Pass and Rental Package

If you have skied or snowboarded for more than one day and can 'stop and change direction', then this package is for you. You'll have access to the entire mountain with an all mountain lift pass, the benefit of a 2 hour group lesson and rental equipment. This package is coordinated to build a solid foundation so that you can make progress quickly. And rest assured you'll quickly remember the movements even if you only ever skied once, many years ago.

Cardrona Kids Club Ski and Snowboard School Full Day

Cardrona's ski and snowboard lessons are the best way to ensure your children safely learn to enjoy the thrills and challenges of skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. Accompanied by a Cardrona specialist instructor, your child will be part of a supportive group environment aimed at developing their confidence and ability on the slopes as well learning hazard awareness and safe skiing etiquette. The kids groups explore all over the mountain, as well as hitting the specially built terrain areas. Cardrona has a range of ski and snowboard lesson programmes designed to cater to all abilities, ensuring a fun day out for all.  Each day your kids will take part in two group lessons totalling 4 hours and lunch and snacks are provided.

Explore the winter wonderland of Wanaka

Wanaka is situated in the ideal position for those who love powder days.  Set on the shores of Lake Wanaka, this alpine village boasts a warm laid back atmosphere, with a range of cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy your après ski chill out session.  While visiting Wanaka you’ll have two of the Southern Hemisphere’s best ski fields just a short drive away.  Treble Cone which has been voted the best ski field in New Zealand for two years running and family friendly Cardrona Ski Resort, perfect for first timers.  When you’re not hitting the slopes there are plenty of other activities in Wanaka to keep you entertained, including miles of scenic walking and biking tracks, vineyards to visit and for inside activities for the kids check out the weird and wacky Puzzling World, the Transport and Toy Museum or the indoor climbing wall, great for burning off excess energy.

Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling world

Stuart Landsborough’s remarkable Puzzling World is home to the original Great Maze as well as numerous illusion rooms which will leave you scratching your head in wonder.  This is a great destination for those days when the weather doesn’t play ball or you need to rest the legs and still keep the kids entertained.  Great for all ages this is a must for your winter holiday in Wanaka.

Wanaka to Queenstown

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown.

Take one last spin around Queenstown before returning your car to the airport.

If time allows sneak in a few more Queenstown sights or maybe take an early morning ride on the Skyline gondola before returning your rental car to the airport and catching your flight home.