Cardrona Hotel

Rumoured to be the most photographed building in the country, Cardrona Hotel pops up on all sorts of social media – but there’s no real replacement to actually going there in person.

Nestled between Queenstown and Wānaka on the highway leading to the Crown Range, it’s likely both towns would like to call the place their own, but Cardrona Hotel is very much happy to be its own place with its own history.
 
Established in 1863 when gold was the reason people stuck around Central Otago, Cardrona Hotel was first and foremost a place to stay for tired miners. After the gold diminished and the town numbers dwindled, the hotel spent some years as a pub before falling into a state of disrepair. Luckily local hero John Lee was able to see the value in restoring what is now a hugely important part of New Zealand history. Even after a handful of owners have been and gone, this place retains the iconic feel that it is so famous for.
 
Rustic and rich in history, Cardrona Hotel has a total of 48 beds available to guests passing through (which are often full of skiers in winter and family weddings in summer). A popular venue to tie the knot thanks to its vast sweeping lawns, kid's play area and flexibility of booking, the hotel, bar and restaurant have seen many a happy couple leave through its doors.

For a place steeped in history, Cardrona Hotel has a fresh take on food, with a hearty menu that changes seasonally. Coming for dinner? Try the venison fillet with smoked kūmara puree and candied beetroot, or if you're swinging by for lunch, sample any of the pub staples like the southern fried chicken. Like any well-worn pub, there’s all the usuals on tap, as well as a local craft beer selection and a good mix of wine and spirits.