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Spend less time climbing and more time descending: the Cardrona 20 Ride Pass gives you 20 lift uplifts to explore two basins, flow trails and technical lines up to 1,860m. Ideal for riders who want to spread laps across the summer season and tackle the iconic 10 km peak‑to‑pub run.
Spend less time climbing and more time descending: the Cardrona 20 Ride Pass gives you 20 lift uplifts to explore two basins, flow trails and technical lines up to 1,860m. Ideal for riders who want to spread laps across the summer season and tackle the iconic 10 km peak‑to‑pub run.
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Operated by RealNZ · Wānaka, Otago
Cardrona’s high-alpine playground waits above Wānaka in New Zealand’s Otago region. The 20 Ride Pass at Cardrona Bike Park hands you access to two chairlifts that carry riders up to 1,860 meters, dropping you into two distinct basins of flow lines, rock gardens and technical chutes. Each uplift unlocks vertical runs that total 345 meters per descent and offers some of the country’s longest downhill mileage, including the legendary 10 km peak‑to‑pub run.
This pass is built for riders who want to spread their season’s adrenaline across multiple days. Use your 20 uplifts whenever the bike park is open in summer to sample everything—from mellow, bermed beginner runs to steep, feature‑packed black lines. The mix of flow trails and technical features means a family outing and a rowdy expert session can both live on the same mountain; progressive trail design lets less confident riders earn skills while seasoned shredders chase airtime and gnar.
The riding sits on the flanks of the Southern Alps’ eastern ranges where alpine tussock gives way to rocky outcrops, exposed trail bed and pockets of mountain beech lower down. Weather swings quickly at altitude; one minute you’ll be in clear sun with wide valley views, the next a cool wind will push through the basins. Check in for your first visit at the Cardrona Alpine Resort on‑mountain ticket office, and allow extra time to drive the mountain road when conditions change.
Practical advantages make this pass a standout: lift access removes long approach climbs so more runs per day, and two basins diversify terrain and traffic. The 20 Ride Pass is flexible—ride all lifts in one day or spread them across multiple visits. Note bike rental is not included; bring proper closed‑toe shoes and warm layers. The operator restricts participation for pregnant riders, people with back problems, those who cannot ride a bike and visitors with significant pre‑existing medical issues.
Base yourself in Wānaka for lakeside evenings and straightforward access to Cardrona’s mountain road. After a day of laps, the peak‑to‑pub descent is a hard-earned reward that finishes near a lively alpine village with food and drink to refuel. For riders who value time on the trail more than time spent climbing, the Cardrona 20 Ride Pass compresses big vertical into efficient, repeatable sessions—letting you chase progress, views and speed across some of New Zealand’s most memorable singletrack.
Buying the 20 Ride Pass through Cardrona Bike Park lets you prioritize laps when conditions and openings align; check trail reports and chairlift hours before heading up. If you need bikes, rental shops in Wānaka provide full‑suspension options and mechanic support. Plan for variable alpine weather and ride within your limits to keep the mountain accessible for other riders.
The pass is valid on any day the bike park is open during the summer season; check Cardrona Bike Park’s operating calendar for exact dates.
No—bike rental is not included. Rent full‑suspension bikes and protective gear in Wānaka if needed.
On your first visit check in at the Cardrona Alpine Resort on‑mountain ticket office as noted in the meeting details.
The operator restricts participants who are pregnant, have back problems, cannot ride a bike or have significant pre‑existing medical conditions.
Yes—the pass is flexible and can be used across multiple visits while the bike park is operating in summer.
Lift and trail openings depend on weather; confirm trail reports and chairlift hours before heading up and be prepared to reschedule rides.
RealNZ is a South Island tourism operator based in Wānaka, Otago, offering scenic cruises, wildlife and wilderness experiences, river rafting, jet boat and farm tours across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and Fiordland. The company operates a range of licensed vessels including the historic TSS Earnslaw (with scheduled maintenance periods) and the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran, providing lake cruises to Walter Peak High Country Farm and other destinations. RealNZ runs the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown, a round trip of approximately 13 hours that crosses Lake Manapouri, traverses Wilmot Pass and includes a 2 hour 45 minute cruise in Doubtful Sound. In Queenstown, whitewater adventures include the Kawarau River rafting options: standalone rafting, combined rafting and jet boat trips, and the 8‑kilometre rafting run that finishes on the 400‑metre Dog Leg rapid. For slower paced experiences, RealNZ offers Walter Peak farm visits with gourmet BBQ lunches, a half‑day horse trek, farm demonstrations, sheepdog shows and morning or afternoon tea on the lakeside Colonel’s Homestead. Safety equipment, guided instruction, and round‑trip boat travel are included on relevant tours. Select excursions provide hotel pick up and drop off from nearby locations. RealNZ’s tours connect iconic South Island landscapes—Lake Wakatipu, Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass and Doubtful Sound—delivering accessible access to natural scenery, local food and cultural farm demonstrations. Many cruises operate on the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown; the TSS Earnslaw will be in scheduled maintenance from 19 May to 1 October 2025 affecting vessel choice for some sailings.
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