Cardrona, New Zealand

Cardrona is the name of a locality, skifield and beer in New Zealand. Established as a gold rush township in the 1860s on the banks of the small river of the same name, it is known for its distinctive hotel of gold rush vintage which is on the opposite side of the river to the original township of which few buildings remain. It is in a scenic setting on the Crown Range road which connects Wanaka and Queenstown. A fascinating history, including the now almost-forgotten contribution of the labour from thousands of Chinese workers, is revealed by historical features such as the Cardrona Hotel and the much-loved Cardrona Hall and Church, the location of the annual Cardrona Folk Music Festival. The much photographed local Cardrona pub was...