Waiorau Homestead

Waiorau Homestead was the most ideal accomodation for our stay. My partner and I were eager to snowboard and enjoy a stay close by the mountain to take advantage of the first chairlift to the last chairlift of the day. The accomodation size was ideal for us as a couple, with plenty of space for cooking. Althought delicious breakfast from farm fresh eggs, yoghurt, cereal, coffee and hot chocolate was the most exciting part of waking up knowing we had the ideal nutrition to start our active day. The bonus of having a Hot Tub to use straight after the mountain, helped with recovery and healing in time for the next days riding. The hot tub was exclusive and fit 2 people lying down comfortably. The bed was super comfortable, and the space to hang all our winter gear was superb. The hosts were fantastic. Would check in once a day to ensure we had everything we needed and then gave us the space to enjoy the place. Ideal location to Cardona Ski Field (200mtrs from the entrance to the maunga) 20mins from Wanaka town if you have to go Beautiful skylights to see the abundance of stars

The location is absolutely stunning; very private and driving up to the place is magical. The accommodation is spacious, but it's always a bit tricky to fit 2 suitcases. The bathroom was fine, and the kitchen was well equipped with both cooking tools and with breakfast, although the cooking tools were a bit outdated. Location is pretty good and easy to reach - in between Wanaka (20 min drive) and Queenstown (50 min drive) - and there's enough hikes and sightseeing in the direct area too. There's a cool outdoor area with a hottub and pool.

My stay at Waiorau Homestead in Cardrona was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and immediately felt at home in the serene and picturesque setting. The property is stunning, with beautifully landscaped gardens and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The attention to detail in every corner of the homestead is impressive – a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The room was immaculate, spacious, and thoughtfully designed with every amenity I could need. The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep after days of exploring the area. I particularly loved the little touches, like fresh flowers and cozy furnishings that added a personal touch. The hosts were outstanding, striking the perfect balance between being attentive and giving guests space to relax. Their knowledge of the local area was invaluable, offering excellent recommendations for dining and activities in the region. Breakfast was a highlight of each day, with a delicious spread of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It was a treat to start the morning with such care and attention to quality. The homestead’s location is ideal, with easy access to the Cardrona ski fields, stunning hiking trails, and other local attractions. Despite being so close to the action, it still feels like a peaceful retreat. Every aspect of my stay exceeded my expectations, and I left Waiorau Homestead feeling refreshed and inspired by the beauty of Cardrona. I highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a tranquil yet luxurious getaway. Thank you to the wonderful team at Waiorau Homestead – I can’t wait to return!

Proximity to Cardrona alpine resort for skiing. Cozy vibes, home-away-from-home feels, excellent for a few nights. For our room booking, hot tub available after a long day of skiing. Breakfast provided in the form of a fully stocked kitchen and fridge with staple breakfast essentials, also able to do some light cooking. For some reason the tap water here tastes better than the usual bottled water that I like.

The property‘s bedroom and bathroom was of the highest quality and with nice decor. The living room (with a fireplace) and dining room were open 24/7 - the dining room also had a Nespresso machine ready to use whenever, which was a personal highlight of mine. The breakfast option were the best I‘ve ever had in New Zealand, cold and warm dishes freshly made. The hosts were super nice & gave us tips where to best park in the local ski resort, which proved to be very helpful. They even had a heating shelf for skiing boots, which was a surprising add-on.