Restaurant
Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona 9382, New Zealand
Find Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona 9382, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Cardrona Hotel
Cutting through the valley between Queenstown and Wānaka? Cardrona Hotel is the essential stop. Skiers and road-trippers treat the 1863 stone landmark as non-negotiable territory for après-ski recovery. Dining room tables book out early, but settling in at the bar secures the kitchen menu without fuss: thick steaks, hot chips, and spiced mulled wine. Out back, pints circulate beside an outdoor stone fireplace and sheltered glasshouse booths scattered across the lawn. Morning drivers detour through the adjoining Old School bakery for warm cheese scones and flaky lamb shank pies.
- Heritage Bakery Pies: The adjacent Old School bakery serves scratch-made lamb shank and beef-and-mushroom pies with puffy, crisp pastry on cold mornings.
- Courtyard Fireplace: A wood-burning stone fireplace anchors the beer garden courtyard, filling the alpine air with woodsmoke while drinks flow outside.
- Glasshouse Garden Dining: Freestanding glasshouse huts scattered through the garden lawn offer sheltered outdoor dining when mountain winds kick up.
What's On at Cardrona Hotel
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Cardrona Hotel Stands Apart
From glasshouse dining and open courtyard hearths to legendary scratch pies, explore why this 1863 high-country icon is an essential stop—book your table or room today.
Mandatory Scenic Drive Waypoint
Whether traversing the Crown Range or exploring the South Island, travelers depend on this historic hotel as an essential midway pause for elevated pub fare and cold local tap beer.
I wouldn't drive between Queenstown and Wanaka without stopping here
James Sellars Alpine Après-Ski Tradition
Positioned right off the Cardrona Valley slopes, the venue provides an atmospheric alpine retreat for snowgoers seeking hot drinks, fireside seating, and relaxed mountain hospitality.
Awesome apres ski spot.
Stephen Kennerley Sheltered Glasshouse Garden Dining
The expansive beer garden features dedicated freestanding glasshouse huts that protect diners from brisk mountain winds while preserving natural alpine garden views.
two glass houses to keep the warmth in and the elements out, while still feeling like part of the outdoors.
Leanne Wood Open Courtyard Fireplace
A roaring open wood and charcoal stone fireplace anchors the courtyard, providing authentic warmth and scent under clear Central Otago skies.
the fireplace in the garden bar is amazing.
Rachael King Flaky Scratch-Made Bakery Pies
Operating from the historic adjoining school building, the on-site bakery serves scratch-made lamb shank and beef pies with deeply savory fillings and flaky pastry.
The pastry was deliciously puffy and crusty and cooked to perfection and the filling was Rich tender and delicious.
Josh ANDRSN Morning Coffee & Fresh Cheese Scones
Early risers heading out to the ski fields or hitting the highway can secure barista coffee alongside warm, freshly baked cheese scones to start the day.
best cheese scones ever and my partner loved the lamb shank pie... gave it an 11/10.
debpratt
Most popular items
Guest favorites from the historic pub and on-site bakery
Lamb Shank Pie
my partner loved the lamb shank pie... gave it an 11/10.
debpratt Cheese Scones
best cheese scones ever
debpratt Mulled Wine
the most amazing mulled wine! Now my mulled wine standards have been set high after going here, I think it will be hard to beat!
Morgan Edwards Chips
The chips were some of the best we've ever had
Ricks Ricks
Other favorites
Hearty sides and warming drinks to complement your alpine stop
Apple Cider
loved the apple cider.
Andre and Michele Neckelson Hot Chocolate
Very nice coffee and hot chocolate
ivneet kaur Croquettes
amazing croquettes.
Laura Smith Coffee
the coffee was excellent.
Ricks Ricks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a reservation to eat at the hotel?
While restaurant tables can book out completely, walk-in guests can order and eat directly in the bar area, where the menu is substantially the same.
Is there sheltered outdoor seating in the beer garden?
Yes. Alongside the main dining rooms, guests can sit at picnic tables around an outdoor garden fireplace or dine inside dedicated glasshouse huts for sheltered warmth on cooler or windy days.
Is there breakfast or bakery food available in the morning?
Yes. The adjoining bakery serves coffee, fresh pastries, cheese scones, and warm pies—including lamb shank and beef and mushroom—making it an easy morning stop before heading out.
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