If you’re planning a ski trip to New Zealand’s South Island, the Cardrona and Treble Cone multi-day lift pass promises an exciting way to explore two of the region’s premier ski resorts. While we haven’t personally strapped into the skis, this pass offers a fantastic mix of flexibility, incredible views, and access to some of the country’s best ski terrain.
What caught our attention? First, the access to over 1100 hectares of skiing terrain across both resorts. Second, the chance to experience diverse slopes, from beginner-friendly runs to challenging steeps. Third, the opportunity to customize your trip—visit either Cardrona or Treble Cone, or both—depending on your mood and skill level.
That said, it’s worth noting that this pass doesn’t include rental gear, lessons, or transport, so plan accordingly. The ideal user? Skiers or snowboarders who love variety, want to maximize their time on the snow, and enjoy stunning alpine scenery. Now, let’s break down what makes this experience worth considering.
Key Points
- Flexibility: Use the pass at either Cardrona or Treble Cone during the season.
- Access: Over 1100 hectares of terrain across two premier resorts.
- Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of Lake Wanaka and the Matukituki Basin.
- Value: Cost-effective for multi-day adventures, especially for those staying in Queenstown or Wanaka.
- Range: Suitable for all levels, from beginners at Cardrona to seasoned off-piste skiers at Treble Cone.
- Limitations: Does not include rental equipment, lessons, or transport.
An Introduction to the Experience
The Cardrona and Treble Cone multi-day lift pass offers an excellent way to enjoy New Zealand’s South Island winter. This open-dated pass gives you the freedom to hit either resort on any day during the season, which is especially handy if weather conditions change or if you want to switch between terrains.
What makes this stand out is the variety on offer: Cardrona is renowned for its inclusive vibe, gentle slopes, and terrain parks, making it perfect for beginners or families. Treble Cone, on the other hand, attracts those craving more challenging skiing, with steep runs, natural halfpipes, and legendary off-piste options. The flexibility to sample both areas is a big plus, especially for those looking for a comprehensive mountain experience.
A key consideration? This pass isn’t all-inclusive. You’ll need to arrange your own gear rentals, lessons, and transportation. But for experienced skiers or snowboarders with their equipment, this is a cost-effective way to enjoy multiple days on some of New Zealand’s most stunning slopes.
Looking for more options in Cardrona? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What You’ll Experience
The Terrain and Scenery
At Cardrona, you’ll find New Zealand’s largest ski resort, offering something for all. If relaxing on beginner slopes or playing in terrain parks and halfpipes is your style, you’ll love the variety here. Reviewers mention the “gentle slopes” as ideal for beginners and the terrain parks as a highlight for freestyle enthusiasts.
Treble Cone is for those craving a challenge. Its steep, natural terrain and off-piste areas deliver a more adrenaline-pumping experience. One reviewer noted, “The views of Lake Wanaka are absolutely stunning, and the challenging slopes keep you coming back for more.” It’s a favorite for intermediate and advanced skiers who want serious terrain combined with jaw-dropping alpine scenery.
The Viewpoints
Both resorts offer breathtaking panoramas—you can expect to see the sprawling Lake Wanaka, the rugged peaks of the Matukituki Basin, and endless snow-covered slopes. Such vistas make every run memorable, whether you’re cruising or tackling more difficult terrain.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Location
The resorts are accessed via mountain roads from Queenstown or Wanaka, so having a car or arranging transport is recommended. Cardrona is located in the Cardrona Valley, while Treble Cone is just outside Wanaka, making this package ideal for travelers base in either town.
The Practicalities
The lift pass is valid during the 2025 winter season—from June 14 to October 5 for Cardrona and June 27 to September 28 for Treble Cone. It’s open-dated, so you can plan your visits based on weather, snow conditions, or your personal schedule.
The cost of $199 per person for 2-7 days offers great value, especially considering access to two resorts with diverse terrains. This budget-friendly price is perfect for multi-day explorers who want variety without the hassle of buying separate passes.
Authentic Insights from Reviewers
One reviewer praised the “stunning mountain views” and highlighted how flexible the pass was: “We loved switching between resorts on different days, depending on the weather and how challenging we felt.” Others appreciated the accessibility to different skill levels, noting that Cardrona’s beginner slopes helped family members get comfortable, while Treble Cone’s challenging runs kept advanced skiers energized.
A noteworthy point was the lack of included rental gear, but experienced skiers found this manageable since they often travel with their equipment. Some mentioned that transportation to the resorts was not included, so organizing that in advance made the trip smoother.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Though this is a flexible pass, we can outline what a typical multi-day experience might look like:
Day 1: Start at Cardrona
Kick off your trip exploring what many call the biggest ski resort in New Zealand. Beginners and intermediates will find plenty of gentle slopes, while those wanting to try terrain parks and halfpipes will be delighted. The resort’s vibe is friendly, making it a great place for families or first-timers.
Day 2: Switch to Treble Cone
Travel to Treble Cone for a more challenging experience. The stunning views of Lake Wanaka are worth the trip alone. Expect to find steeps, natural halfpipes, and off-piste terrain that has become a bucket list item for many advanced skiers.
Day 3 and Beyond: Mix and Match
Depending on your preferences, you can revisit Cardrona for a relaxed day or push your limits at Treble Cone. The flexibility allows for rest days or focus days, which makes this pass a good value.
Additional Tips
- Timing: The resorts operate within specific dates, so check the snow conditions and weather forecast.
- Transport: Since transportation isn’t included, consider renting a car or booking shuttle transfers in advance.
- Weather: The weather can affect lift operations, so keep an eye on updates, especially during shoulder seasons.
Why Choose This Pass?
Value for multiple days: At $199, this pass is a solid investment for those planning a multi-day skiing adventure. It beats buying daily tickets separately, especially if you want the flexibility to hop between resorts.
Access to top terrain: Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned skier, both resorts offer terrain that suits different levels—making this pass versatile.
Scenic beauty: The stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes elevate the experience from simply skiing to a scenic adventure.
Convenience: Open-dated tickets mean you don’t have to plan every day in advance, allowing you to adapt to weather and mood.
Limitations: Remember, the pass doesn’t include equipment rental or lessons—so if you’re a complete beginner, you might need to budget for those extras.
Who Will Love This?
This pass is ideal for travelers who want multiple days of skiing on a budget, appreciate stunning alpine scenery, and enjoy having the freedom to explore different terrains. It’s perfect for families, intermediate to advanced skiers, or groups with varied skill levels. If you’re staying in Queenstown or Wanaka and craving a flexible, scenic, and terrain-rich experience, this is a great choice.
The Cardrona and Treble Cone multi-day lift pass offers excellent value for those seeking a comprehensive ski experience on New Zealand’s South Island. Its flexibility, access to diverse terrains, and stunning mountain vistas make it a strong contender for multi-day skiers and snowboarders. While it requires some planning for equipment and transport, the ability to switch between two of the country’s best resorts makes it worthwhile.
If you’re after a cost-effective way to enjoy New Zealand’s premier ski terrains, this pass is a smart option. It suits adventurous travelers who want to maximize their time on the snow, experience varied slopes, and soak up some seriously impressive scenery.
FAQs
Can I use this lift pass at either Cardrona or Treble Cone during the same day?
The pass is open-dated, so you can choose which resort to visit on any day during the season, but each day you’ll need to decide which location to ski at.
Does the price include equipment rental?
No, rental gear is not included, so you’ll need to organize that separately if you don’t have your own.
Are lessons included in this pass?
No, lessons are not part of the package. It’s best suited for those who already have their own skills or equipment.
Is the pass valid for the entire season?
Yes, it’s open-dated within the 2025 winter season, which runs from June 14 to October 5 for Cardrona and June 27 to September 28 for Treble Cone.
Can I buy the pass for less than 2 days?
The minimum duration is 2 days, with options up to 7 days, giving flexibility depending on your trip length.
Is transportation to the resorts included?
Transport is not included, so plan to arrange your own shuttle or drive.
What’s the main advantage of this pass?
It provides access to two top ski resorts with diverse terrain and stunning views, all with the flexibility to visit on your own schedule.
Is there a limit on the number of times I can switch resorts?
No, since the pass is open-dated, you can visit either resort as many times as you like within the validity period.