Hotel

Cardrona Hotel

Name: Cardrona Hotel
Address: Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona, Otago Region, 9382, NZ
Telephone: 03 443 8153
Price range: $$$
Rating: 4.6

Cardrona 9382, New Zealand, New Zealand20–150 guests$$$4.6(3,792)

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.

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
4.6/5 Google rating reflecting guest satisfaction with venue and hospitality

Quick facts

Capacity20–150 guests

Venue typeHotel

Price range$$$

LocationNew Zealand

Nearest airportZQN

Best monthsJanuary, February, April

Phone03 443 8153

Rating4.6 (3792)

Visit venue website

Check availability

Select a date to inquire about your wedding

Best time to get married at Cardrona Hotel

The ideal months for a wedding at Cardrona Hotel in Cardrona 9382, New Zealand are January, February, April, and November. These months balance warm daytime temperatures, low rainfall, and the highest sunshine hours of the year — the best window for outdoor ceremonies and reception dining. Expect daytime highs around 61°F (16°C) during the peak season.

Plan your wedding at Cardrona Hotel

Getting there

Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

1.5 hours to venue

Private car transfer

$80-150 NZD

1.5 hours · Hire car rental from Queenstown Airport with scenic drive through Central Otago

Shuttle service

$40-60 NZD per person

1.5 hours · Arrange through hotel for group transport from Queenstown

Helicopter charter

$400-600 NZD per person

20 minutes · Direct flight from Queenstown to venue (weather permitting)

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

$1,500-3,000 NZD

Reception (per guest)

$95-150 NZD

Accommodation (per night)

$150-250 NZD

Estimated total

$8,000-25,000 NZD for 50 guests

Costs vary by season (peak: December-February, ski season June-August). Package deals and off-season rates available. Accommodation on-site recommended for guest convenience.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday

4:00 PMGuest arrival and check-in at Cardrona Hotel

6:30 PMWelcome drinks in historic pub

Saturday

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

10:00 AMBreakfast and guest departure

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Weather

April

Best for weddings

Temperature

56°F

Low: 41°F

Rainfall

11 days

157mm total

Sunshine

7.8 hrs

per day avg

Best months for outdoor weddings: January, February, April, November

4.6

3,792 Google reviews

View on Google Maps

Val Stark

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. Everyone here really cares about their customers. Food was excellent, and great choice of beers. Highly recommend!!!!!

a month ago

Geoff Mclaughlin

I was pleasantly surprised! Called in for a coffee and toilet stop on the way to Wanaka, immediately felt warm and cosy, the atmosphere is brilliant. Was greeted at the bar by friendly cheerful staff with a smile. Service was tip top. I now wish I had of had a lot longer to stay, explore and had a scrumptious meal. Coffee was divine.

2 months ago

Laura Smith

This hotel is the BEST! Me and my partner have been travelling for a little while and this is the most charming, cosy, and characteristic hotel we have stayed in. It was brilliant. Firstly, the staff are all lovely. We were given recommendations for local hikes in the area (diamond lake and Rocky Mountain trail FYI - insane!!!) and the meal was 10/10, tender and tasty lamb rump and amazing croquettes. We stayed 2 nights and ate here both nights, really delicious. The room was so cute and decorated so tastefully. It was comfortable, clean and had gorgeous views of the area. We even got a little balcony area which was a bonus and just lovely to sit on. Laundry and amenities were spot on too. I absolutely raided the gift shop, I wanted to buy everything. The art work around the historic hotel and restaurant was amazing. It was such a special stay and unbelievable value for money. I will make sure I get to come back to visit this hotel again in the future! It’s left a mark on me - honestly one of my favourite places in the entire world. Thank you so so much.

3 months ago

See all reviews on Google

Frequently asked questions

What makes Cardrona Hotel historically significant?

Built in 1863, Cardrona Hotel served as a crucial 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.

More venues nearby

Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Last updated April 7, 2026

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