Cardrona Distillery

Nestled in the Cardrona Valley, this award-winning distillery is a haven for whisky and gin lovers, set against a backdrop of rugged alpine scenery. The handcrafted spirits, made with pure mountain water, are best enjoyed on a guided tour that reveals the art of distillation.

Highlights & What to See

• Distillery Tour & Tasting – Explore the copper pot stills and learn about the single malt whisky and gin production, followed by a tutored tasting.
• The Cardrona Gin Bar – Sample signature gins like the Alpine Botanical or the barrel-aged whisky cask gin in a cozy, rustic setting.
• Scenic Drive to Cardrona – The route from Wanaka or Queenstown offers stunning mountain views and passes the historic Cardrona Hotel.
• Cardrona Alpine Resort – In winter, combine a distillery visit with skiing or snowboarding at the nearby ski field.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate 1.5–2 hours for a distillery tour and tasting. If you're self-driving, it's a perfect stop on the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka. Combine with lunch at the distillery's café or a photo stop at the historic hotel.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – A 35-minute drive south, offering lakefront dining, hiking, and the famous Wanaka Tree.
• Queenstown – An hour south, the adventure capital with bungee jumping, jet boating, and vibrant nightlife.
• Arrowtown – A historic gold-mining town with charming streets and autumn colors.
• Glenorchy – Gateway to Paradise and film location for Lord of the Rings, about 1.5 hours away.

Please check official sources for current details.