The Lake Hawea resident will take the nation's first step towards winning glory at the tournament when he leaves for PyeongChang today.
Wardell will lead the New Zealand team for the third time. He first took up the chef de mission's role at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.
He thinks his team is well-placed to pick up its first medal since Annelise Coberger won silver in the slalom in France in 1992.
''I think if we can't do it this time, it would be a real surprise. We have had a good number of the athletes who have regularly been on world podiums over the last couple of seasons,'' Wardell said.
Medals look within reach for several competitors if they are able to settle into PyeongChang and perform at their best.
''We want everyone to do absolutely the best they possibly can and the absolute best they expect of themselves - that will be fantastic.''
''That involves several of them expecting that they are good enough and experienced enough to get them on the podium, so we will be expecting as a team that we can medal.''
Wardell will travel to PyeongChang before his team to ensure their settling-in process goes as smoothly as possible.
That process will be made easier with the Otago-based nature to the contingent.
Many of the athletes are from or train in the Wanaka region, which gives the team an advantage, Wardell said.
''I think for the athletes it is really good to have your peers there to support you and encourage you and help you through what can be a bit of a shock when you first arrive.''
Wardell's take on his chef de mission's role is that he is there as an overseer but also a source of support for the athletes.
''My role is to co-ordinate and make sure everything happens.
''We have a whole raft of coaches, wax technicians, physios, doctors, psychologists, there are a whole range of fitness coaches that are all there.
''I like to be there to support every athlete that is competing so I will be doing a lot of roaring around the place.''
Wardell expects the New Zealand team to have an identity and feel that stands apart from other nations, largely because of its focus on the country's culture and history.
Wardell describes himself as a sports junkie who can be regularly found on the Central Otago skifields and cannot wait to be part of his third Games.
''Its the best job you could ever have. It's exhausting. By the time I get back on the first of March I'll be deprived of sleep but so will all of the admin team.
''But we love it; we wouldn't have it any other way.''
New Zealand's athletes are due to arrive in South Korea on February 1.
