Lizard thwarts Cardrona Alpine Resort’s new chairlift plans

Cardrona Alpine Resort is in doldrums for its new chairlift plans after a significant lizard population was discovered.

The resort had announced its plans last August to install a quad chairlift to open up 55ha of new advanced terrain below Captain's Basin, which is known is Pringles. It was to be installed in time for 2019's season. However, the lizards were found when the site was inspected at Christmas before the construction began. Bridget Legnavsky, Cardrona general manager said lots of different kinds of lizards were discovered, of varying populations. She said the resort was working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) on a plan to preserve the 'fantastic' lizard habitat while the new chairlift was built. "Unknowns and complexities meant building the chairlift for this winter were unrealistic. With it getting colder and closer to winter, it's getting too late to deliver our promise of Pringles. We have got too much stuff to work through."

Bridget said the resort will work with the DOC until they have got a really certain plan. "We want to protect these lizards and we want to make a fantastic environment for them because it's pretty special."