Featured Activities
Images by Callum Wood. Adapted from a story originally published in NZ Mountain Biker.
If you’ve ridden high alpine terrain, then you’ll understand what it’s like to ride Cardrona Bike Park. The rugged ski-field-turned-bike-park landscape gives way to some incredible terrain, unlike anything lowland riders might be used to. Sharky rocks jut out of the ground, creating challenging yet rewarding trails and features. Everything feels just a little more exposed, but in a way that lights a rider’s adrenaline on fire – in a very good way. And with lift-accessed trails for all to enjoy, it’s only a matter of how many laps your legs can handle.
Locals will tell you that the Cardrona Hotel is a must-do and Casey was by no means going to skip it. Riders will often opt for Cardrona’s Peak to Pub trail – infinitely better than a boring drive down the mountain. The 10km trail weaves riders through the tussocks, covering 1270m of vertical descent and dropping you at the historic Cardrona Hotel – just in time for beer.
If you want to ride like the pros, you should stay like the pros. Casey parked herself up at the Cardrona Apartments, a mere 1min walk from the bike park lifts. Casey and her group loved having a space to stay on-mountain, particularly for the private kitchen, bathroom and living room – mountain bikers will tell you; it’s a lifestyle that involves a lot of shared hotel spaces and accommodation, so it’s great to have your own space in the Apartments.
The South Island may have a reputation among mountain bikers for being gnarly, hard-out riding, but at Cardrona, the experience can be catered to a range of riders and visitors. Whether you’re up for a big day of non-stop brake-burning, a leisurely cruise down to the pub, or even mountain carts and stargazing – there’s something that will satisfy all dirt appetites.The South Island may have a reputation among mountain bikers for being gnarly, hard-out riding, but at Cardrona, the experience can be catered to a range of riders and visitors. Whether you’re up for a big day of non-stop brake-burning, a leisurely cruise down to the pub, or even mountain carts and stargazing – there’s something that will satisfy all dirt appetites.
