Cardrona
Cardrona accommodation includes a limited number of self-catering apartments close to the ski lifts with high levels of repeat guests (early booking recommended) and a wide range of accommodation in Wanaka, 34km (35 mins) from the ski area.
Cardrona’s Alpine Resort Apartments, with 50 rooms, are unique in New Zealand. Close to the lifts, there are 15 self catering units in three configurations (two, three, and four bedroom apartments). But availability is limited, with a high number of returning guests from previous seasons. Night life is minimal: breakfast is available at the Mezz cafe from 8.30am, and it’s open for drinks and dinner three or four nights a week.
Wanaka, however, has a wide selection of accommodation, with everything from smart hotels and lakeside apartments to back-packer rooms. Most people would like lakeside rooms, and there are plenty, but they are inevitably more expensive.
The Whare Kea Lodge (‘House of the Kea’ in Maori) is Relais & Chateau accommodation right on the waterfront and 7km from Wanaka. The Edgewater Resort Hotel Wanaka is more central and offers 4-star accommodation in a peaceful lake setting a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Wanaka. All the rooms feature views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains.
Riverrun Lodge (“We’re nothing flash, but we’re sure friendly”) is on a 500 acre riverside property and a six-minute drive from Wanaka town. The property has views of the Southern Alps from every window, riverside walks, privacy, peace and luxurious accommodation.
Te Wanaka Lodge offers B&B and cottage accommodation in the centre of the village, and is a stroll away from the lake and restaurants. The luxurious Lakeside Apartments in central Wanaka are also a stone’s throw from the lake edge, with private balconies and lake and mountain views.
Lakeside Apartments – 5 stars
Tel: +64 3 443 0188
Web: www.lakesidewanak.com
Riverrun Lodge Hotel – 5 stars
Tel: +64 3 443 9049
Web: www.riverrun.co.nz
Te Wanaka Lodge Hotel – 5 stars
Tel: +64 3 443 9224
Web: www.tewanaka.co.nz
Whare Lea Lodge Hotel – 5 stars
Tel: +64 3 443 1400
Web: www.wharekealodge.com
Edgewater Resort Hotel – 4 stars
Tel: +64 3 443 8311
Web: www.edgewater.co.nz
Minaret Lodge Hotel – 4 stars
Tel: +64 3 443 1856
Web: www.minaretlodge.co.nz