“The Cardrona” sightseeing activity centre offers first class family friendly guided horse trekking and quad biking tours of the stunning Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka and Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated right at the base of the Cardrona ski field. Only a 45 minute picturesque drive over the Crown Range from Queenstown or 20 minutes from Wanaka. The Cardrona has been developed to allow visitors to explore and experience our unique slice of high country heaven, initially either by guided tours on horseback or by quad bike, with the intention to expand on to include other adventure activities, so watch this space for more things to do in Cardrona! Either by horse trekking or quad bike riding the aim is to give people a scenic, informative and memorable experience of the Cardrona Valley. The Cardrona Valley has so much to offer in the way of its rugged high country scenery, the changing moods and distinguished seasons, the many historical gold mining stories, the working sheep, cattle & deer farm that we are in the heart of, and the famous historical Cardrona Hotel that we incorporate as a stop on some of the horse trek or quad bike tours. The possibilities are endless – EXPERIENCE IT!
HORSES
THE GOLD DISCOVERY TRAIL 930am (Allow 2 hours) from $109
Let your horse take you across the Cardrona River while keeping a keen eye out for gold along the way! Learn about the gold rush that Cardrona experienced in the 1860s which gave way to farming which you will experience first hand as you ride through mobs of Merino sheep. Climb to a beautiful vantage point allowing breathtaking views of Mount Cardrona and the Crown Range.
The meeting time for The Gold Discovery Trail is 9:30am.
No riding experience is required as we provide suitable instruction for each individuals horse riding ability before the ride commences. Children can be led from the lead horse if required.
This ride takes a journey along the Cardrona River under the willow trees, crosses through the river and ascends up in to the mountains of the working sheep & cattle station allowing spectacular views down the the Cardrona Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges along the way.
Reward your horse with a well earned bucket of feed on return to the stables!
THE HIGH COUNTRY PUB TRAIL 12:30pm (Allow 3.5 hours) from $149
Mount up and begin the big hill climb which soon gives way to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains of the Crown and Pisa ranges. The working Merino sheep farm land turns to rugged rock and tussock country as you climb higher to get that even better photo opportunity. Really feels like you are on top of the world in the middle of nowhere! Descend to the Cardrona Hotel where you dismount & tie your horse to our hitching rail and enjoy a well earned beverage on us in the gorgeous garden bar. If you fancy a bit of a run heres your chance to cut loose! The trail along the river allows a safe stretch to have a nice canter- the whole package!
QUADS
THE RIVER RUN (allow 1 hour) $149
A scenic river experience with dips and hollows, rises and ridges… careful not get your feet wet when we cross the river!
THE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE (allow 2.5 hours) $249
Offering more challenging and varied terrain with breath taking panoramic views, this ride takes you right to the top of the mountain, unquestionably New Zealand’s best guided quad bike tour.
Local
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See and Do
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Shopping
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