Getting Here, Transport & Parking

• How do I drive on the mountain road?

  The Cardrona mountain road is 14km long & unsealed. Please take care on the drive up as conditions can change in different spots on the mountain. Keep to the left & maintain 2-way traffic the whole way.  Turn your headlights on so traffic coming the other way can see you!

  If you're not comfortable driving yourself all the way to the top, we offer a shuttle service from the Pine Trees (the big carpark 1km from the bottom of the road that has no Pine Trees in it).

• When does the free Pine Trees Shuttle run?

  Our FREE Pine Trees shuttle runs from the big carpark 1km from the bottom of the access road.

  Shuttle times are approximate and are subject to change.

  Shuttles Up: 8.30am / 9.30am 10.30am 
  Shuttles Down: 1.30pm / 3.30pm / 4.15pm

  On busy days we will send extra buses for pick-ups, doubling bus capacity at each pick-up time (excluding 8am July holiday shuttle). This shuttle may suspend up hill transport if the service is deemed at capacity.

  The Pines shuttle will not be running for the last week of Winter 2021 (October 18th - 24th).

• Where & how do I fit chains?

  As a start point, it always pays to check before you pack your car if chains are required on our Snow Report. It's updated from around 6am daily, and it'll let you know whether you're fine to put all your gear in the boot on top of your chains, or whether you'll need to have them handy. It'll also let you know if chains are required on all vehicles, or just on 2WDs.

  Our friendly road crew will be positioned at the spot on the access road where you'll need to fit chains. Pull over to the side of the road where they are – even if you think the road looks sweet to drive, always put chains on where directed because they know where the safest spot to do it is, and also what the road conditions are like further ahead.

  If you've never fitted chains before, check out this super helpful video we made to show you a few different types:

  

  We don't hire chains, so please double check with your rental car company that you have them in the boot, and have a practice in town in the dry the night before you come up so you are confident with putting them on and taking them off. If you don't want to fit chains, you can always jump on the Pine Trees shuttle!

• Do you have a drop off zone?

  We sure do! If you're coming all the way to the top of the mountain road, you’re most welcome to use our drop-off zone to drop the rest of the family & all your gear right at the front door – just let our awesome Carpark Crew know you’re heading up to use that zone. If you’re parked at one of our lower carparks, we offer a free shuttle service to get you back up to the Base Area.

• Where do I park?

  If you’re driving yourself & you’ve already picked up your rental gear (or you have your own), head to our offices in either Queenstown or Wanaka to suss your lift passes so you can park at the bottom of Valley View Quad. It saves 10mins driving time & the Little Meg Café is right there for your early morning caffeine hit! Please note that Valley View Quad is best for intermediate & above skiers & snowboarders – if you’re just learning, or need to pick up passes & rental gear, head right up to Base.

  Once you get to the top of the mountain road, our legendary Carpark team will show you where to park. Please follow their instructions – we offer a free shuttle up to the Base Area so don't worry if you're parked in one of our lower carparks!

• Queenstown Bus Timetable

  Pick up	Departure
  1. Creeksyde Holiday Park	7:20am
  2. Kamana Lake House	7:30am
  3. Heritage Hotel	7:35am
  4. Rydges	7:37am
  5. Crown Plaza	7:40am
  6. Cardrona x Treble Cone Queenstown	7:45am
  7. Millennium Hotel	7:50am
  8. Colonial Village/Pounamu	7:52am
  9. Oaks Shores/The Rees	7:55am
  10. Holiday Inn/Sherwood	8:00am
  11. Frankton Bus Stop	8:05am
  12. Crown Range Turn-off	8:15am
  Pinetrees	9:00am

  Please note that the transport departure time from Cardrona is 4.15pm

  Cardrona reserves the right to alter this timetable at any time due to passenger demand and/or mountain conditions

• Wānaka Bus Timetable

  Pick up	Departure
  1. Edgewater	8am
  2. Ramada	8.10am
  3. Lake Front Car Park	8.20am
  4. Cardrona x Treble Cone Wānaka (50 Cardrona Valley Road)	8.30am

  Please note that the transport departure time from Cardrona is 4.30pm

  Cardrona reserves the right to alter this timetable at any time due to passenger demand and/or mountain conditions

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