Cardrona Alpine Apartments

We booked this hotel last minute (day before stay) as a stop between Aoraki and Te Anau (we didn’t want to stop in Queenstown). Unfortunately the weather was awful with rain and gale force winds. The staff at the hotel were amazing at communicating the conditions, including letting us know in advance that the restaurants at Cardrona would all be closed. They encouraged us to pick up groceries before heading up to the hotel.

Drive up to the hotel: as many other reviewers have mentioned, the road is unpaved and quite steep at some parts. In addition to the poor weather conditions with very poor visibility, it was a slow and careful drive up.

We stayed in the studio and it was perfect! Very clean, practical, with excellent quality furnishing. We really loved this place.

The weather cleared beautifully the next day and the drive back down the mountain was breathtaking.

If you can handle the drive up there, the views are out of this world. A fantastic place to stay.

Was a very quick stay as had to checkout very early due to some activities we had planed. Driving up around 9pm gave us some wonderful views and once we reached the top seen one the most spectacular sun sets we have ever seen!
They guy helping us checkin was great and super friendly - I can imagine how popular this place would be during sky season.

Fantastic stay! I see why its got such a high rating

Amazing location. Great to be able to so easily access mountain accomodation and all that goes with it. Very comfortable rooms with all the lovely touches.

If you like colditz as a prison this is perfect for you - trapped on a mountain with nothing going on

location of the property and maintenance. Facilities were very good including NetFlix

The property is perfectly located in summer for those wanting to undertake walks or mountain biking. There's also the newly commenced gravel karts which were super fun.

The biggest issues with the property are summed up in 2 points:

1. the beds are so soft it is ridiculous. We weren't sure if they were old, designed that way, or both. Either way, a crook/sore back is almost guaranteed each morning from the experience; and

2. the road up to Cardrona Alpine remains unsealed, and if ungraded (as was our fortune), then the corrugation is at its best, providing a slightly skittish and unnerving trip both up and down the 12km road each time you venture to/from the property.

Overall, the staff were wonderful, super helpful. We enjoyed the location once there, even with the limited options for food and entertainment.

Like:
Cleanliness. The property facilities. The location. Manily the staff, very friendly and treated us very well.
Dislike:
Life access would have been good. Still the staff helped us to move our luggages which is good.

Great challenge to drop up the gravel road on top off the mountain. All the staff very helpful and friendly.

Great spot to get away and stay in summer. Lovely staff Andy great rooms.

Very different experience staying on a ski field and in the summer. We were able to use the chair lift to ride to the top of the field where there were amazing views. The apartment was comfortable and clean and cooking facilities. The field also had a restaurant and cafe.

They miss represent where the property is located. It is located 14 k off the main road up a very steep unpacked access road. If you have any fear of heights don't go.

Loved the free ski lift pass and activities for summer months

The Cardrona Alpine Resort was incredible. The views from the top of the mountain were amazing. The apartment was spacious and with the conveniences of home. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Terrible road, restaurant food was disappointing and the price of the cheapest wine pricey.

Wouldn’t have stayed had we know we had to drive 14km of unsealed rd up the mountain to get to the place.
This very important information wasn’t mentioned.

Amazing location, great staff, fab view, excellent restaurant, bargain price compared to Wanaka or Queenstown

The room was awesome, everything we needed and more. Very clean and free gondola ride thrown in. We will definitely be back!

Comfortable - Nice View........................................