Established in 1863 the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. Situated on the spectacular Crown Range road between Queenstown and Wanaka, the hotel is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era. Behind the historic facade lies a stunning beer garden, charming hotel rooms, and an excellent bar and restaurant serving a modern take on traditional pub fare.br/br/The Cardrona settlement began in the 1860s as hundreds of prospectors flocked to join the rush for gold and fortune. The Cardrona Hotel was built during this time and was one of four hotels in the township, offering accommodation, livery services and a coaching-stop for gold miners and itinerant travellers. As the gold dwindled men left the area and by the 1890s only two hotels, two stores and a blacksmiths remained. With a shortage of timber in the area, most of the remaining sound buildings were transported to the growing township of Pembroke, later renamed Wanaka.br/ br/In 1926 James Patterson purchased the hotel and became a local legend. Patterson, known as Jimmy, owned the hotel until his death in 1961 at the age of 91, making him the longest serving publican in Cardrona. He was famous for his attitude to serving alcohol, controlling the amount patrons could drink depending on which direction they were travelling. Men travelling over the treacherous Crown Range road were only allowed one drink, while those travelling to Wanaka were allowed two. br/br/Since 1961, the hotel has had several owners being restored to it's former glory from the late 1970s. As a heritage listed building, every care was taken to retain the objects and artefacts that represent a significant slice of Central Otago history. Today the hotel remains an iconic building on a popular tourist route and is said to be the most photographed pub in New Zealand.