ListedCardrona, New ZealandHotel

Cardrona Hotel

Built in 1863, Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest pubs, originally established as a wayside inn for gold miners traversing the remote Cardrona Valley.

About Cardrona Hotel

Built in 1863, Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest pubs, originally established as a wayside inn for gold miners traversing the remote Cardrona Valley.

This fully restored historic property retains its 19th-century character while offering contemporary wedding facilities, making it a venue where frontier heritage meets modern celebration.

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September 2026

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Nothing is reserved until the venue confirms. A first note comes back within two business days.

“

Great little gem hotel. Cute factor galore! And what makes it even more special is the staff. We were checked in by Verena who provided the most EXCELLENT customer service we have had in quite some time.

Val Stark · read the whole review on Google →

Capacity, rooms and facilities

Staying over

Rooms: 17 rooms
Whole property to yourselves: Yes

The ceremony

Outdoor ceremony: Yes

Money

Price: NZ$8,000 to NZ$20,000 for the whole property, per nightAisle estimate

Getting there

Nearest airport: ZQN, 90 min by carAisle estimate

The spaces

Setting: Mountain, historic, relaxed

Venue highlights

Built in 1863 as a gold rush-era wayside inn, making it over 160 years old
Located in Cardrona Valley at 9,382 feet elevation with dramatic mountain scenery
Historic pub on-site with original bar fixtures and period decor
Capacity for up to 150 guests with multiple event spaces

The wedding season

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PeakGoodShoulderOff season

A sample wedding weekend

See the day-by-day outline+

Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.

Friday · day 01

4:00 PMGuest arrival and check-in at Cardrona Hotel
6:30 PMWelcome drinks in historic pub

Saturday · day 02

10:00 AMCeremony in main hall or outdoor space
12:30 PMCocktail hour and group photos
2:00 PMReception dinner begins
9:00 PMDancing and evening entertainment

Sunday · day 03

10:00 AMBreakfast and guest departure

Costs and booking details

Getting there: ZQN · 1.5 hours
Guests fly into Queenstown Airport.
Typical total: $8,000-25,000Aisle estimate
Package deals and off-season rates available. Accommodation on-site recommended for guest convenience.
See the full figure+
$8,000-25,000 NZD for 50 guests
Ceremony fee: $1,500-3,000Aisle estimate
A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.
See the full figure+
$1,500-3,000 NZD
Reception: $95-150 / headAisle estimate
A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.
See the full figure+
$95-150 NZD
Room rate: $150-250 / nightAisle estimate
A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.
See the full figure+
$150-250 NZD
Weather window: January – February, April, November
The 4 months the weather is kindest. Weather does not indicate whether a date is available.
Direct line: 03 443 8153
Answered by the venue in local hours.

Questions about the venue

What makes Cardrona Hotel historically significant?+

Built in 1863, Cardrona Hotel served as a accommodation point for gold miners traveling through the Cardrona Valley during New Zealand's gold rush era. The building has been meticulously restored to preserve its original character while adding modern amenities.

Can we use the historic pub as part of our wedding?+

Yes. The original pub is featured in the venue and can be incorporated into your celebration, offering an authentic period setting with restored 19th-century details.

What is the altitude and climate at this venue?+

Cardrona Valley sits at approximately 9,382 feet elevation. Weather can change rapidly; plan for mountain conditions including potential snow in winter and cool evenings year-round.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?+

Cardrona Hotel can host ceremonies and receptions for 20 to 150 guests, with flexible space configurations.

Is accommodation available for wedding guests?+

Yes, the hotel offers guest rooms on-site, allowing wedding parties to stay at the venue. Availability should be confirmed well in advance for larger weddings.

Before you keep looking

Could this be your venue?

Ask about your plans, pricing and availability. You do not need a fixed date yet.

Still deciding? Elena is Aisle’s AI wedding planner. Give her a month and a guest count and she will forecast the budget, work out how your guests would travel, and put a first plan on paper. No account needed.

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Last updated 9 April 2026

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Sources and booking notes

Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.

Venue wedding information

Sources for individual venue facts

Rooms: 17 rooms
“You'll also get exclusive use of the entire venue, including 17 ensuite hotel rooms, making it an ideal location for a destination wedding.”
Read the source for rooms
Whole property to yourselves: Yes
“You'll also get exclusive use of the entire venue, including 17 ensuite hotel rooms, making it an ideal location for a destination wedding.”
Read the source for whole property to yourselves
Outdoor ceremony: Yes
“The hotel provides the chance for a garden or church ceremony, unrivalled photo locations and a range of top quality food and beverage options.”
Read the source for outdoor ceremony
Setting: Mountain, historic, relaxed
“Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must see while in Central Otago.”
Read the source for setting