Summer Walking & Hiking Wānaka & Queenstown

With a variety of trails, you can choose between a gentle chairlift-assisted stroll from the top of McDougall's Chondola up to our viewing platform, or more adventurous hikes into Captain's Basin or even the summit of Mt Cardrona!

Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy footwear and clothing layers, as mountain conditions can change quickly. It's not uncommon to find a few spots of snow around the ridges so you may have the opportunity to build a snowman... in summer!

Definitely! At base, you’ll find rentals, a workshop, medical centre, and The Lounge, our food and beverage outlet offering barista coffee, cabinet and hot food, as well as local wines and craft beers to celebrate the end of the hike.

The gondola only runs during the summer mountain biking season. This year, the season is:  December 14, 2024 - March 2, 2025.

• Mt Cardrona – Head to the highest point in the resort and experience the full grandeur of the Southern Alps. The out and back trail splits at the start of the Captain’s Circuit. The track is unformed so sturdy footwear and experience is required (around 2 hrs).

• Summit loop - Take this trail from the top of McDougall's Chondola to our summit lookout (around 30 mins).

• Captain’s Circuit - Begin from the top of the McDougall's Chondola and head out to Captain’s Basin and back (around 2 – 2.5hrs).

• Ridgeline - This trail begins at the top of the McDougall's Chondola and heads back down to the Base area, or you can start at the Base area and walk your way up! It follows the ridgeline of our Main Basin (around 30 mins).