John Lee, NZ ski pioneer and Cardrona visionary, dies at 89
John Allandale Lee, a prominent Otago businessman and ski pioneer, has died peacefully at the age of 89. His contributions shaped New Zealand’s winter tourism, particularly in the Cardrona Valley near Wānaka.
Lee first made his mark in the 1960s by rescuing the historic Cardrona Hotel from decay. In 1970, he and his wife Mary purchased the hotel, followed a year later by Mt Cardrona Station. His vision extended further when he established Cardrona Alpine Resort in 1980, now the country’s largest ski area.
Beyond skiing, Lee played a crucial role in broader developments. In 1984, he helped create the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds as part of the Snow Farm project. Decades later, he supported his son Sam in launching Snow Park, a world-renowned freestyle skiing and snowboarding destination. His efforts earned national recognition. In 2015, Lee was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business and tourism. His work also boosted the local economy, cementing the Cardrona Valley as a key destination for hotels near me.
Lee is survived by his wife Mary, their three children, and nine grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the thriving resorts and businesses he helped build. The Cardrona Valley remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s winter sports industry.
