Iconic Cardrona Hotel hits the market for the first time in more than a decade
Built in 1863 and steeped in gold rush history, the hotel offers 17 ensuite rooms sleeping up to 44 guests, an award-winning restaurant, and a year-round beer garden.
One of New Zealand’s most recognisable and photographed landmarks, the historic Cardrona Hotel, is up for sale, presenting what its current owners describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the right buyer.
Built in 1863 during the Otago gold rush, the 162-year-old heritage-listed hotel sits proudly in the Cardrona Valley, just 20 minutes from Wānaka and 40 minutes from Queenstown. With its rustic charm, famous facade and rich history, the Cardrona Hotel has long been a must-see for visitors to the Southern Lakes region, attracting everyone from local farmers to international celebrities and royalty.
Owned by Cade and Alexis Thornton and James and Fleur Jenneson since 2013, the hotel has gone from strength to strength over the past decade. The freehold going concern is now on the market by private negotiation, with expressions of interest open until mid-August.
“It has always been a very busy and successful business, and we have loved our time here, but our next step is to spend more time with our young family,” said Cade Thornton.
Set on 8613 square metres of prime land, the property includes an award-winning restaurant, a renowned year-round beer garden, and 17 ensuite hotel rooms accommodating up to 44 guests. The hotel averages an impressive 84 percent occupancy annually and employs between 40 and 50 staff.
Cade says there’s still plenty of room to grow. “There’s enough land to develop further accommodation and function spaces, and opportunities to introduce outdoor kitchens, live music and events. The atmosphere of the hotel is just so different from anywhere else, it’s got that authentic feel and it appeals to so many different groups.”
The sale comes as the Cardrona Valley continues to boom, with major developments such as the expansion of Cardrona Alpine Resort and Mt Cardrona Station’s 400-lot residential project, alongside plans for a new gondola linking the valley to the ski area.
“The beauty of the Cardrona Hotel is that it’s a place for people from all walks of life,” Cade adds. “You’ll see guests arriving by helicopter, all dressed up for a meal, then local farmers come in and leave their gumboots by the door. There really is nowhere else quite like it.”
Expressions of interest for the Cardrona Hotel close at 4pm on Friday, August 15, 2025.
For more information or to submit an EOI, contact:
Cade Thornton
E: [email protected] | P: +64 21 0800 6560
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