Wanaka may not be the best-known tourist hub in nearby Queenstown, but that’s why you should come. Because Wanaka has a real soul; its eclectic village culture combined with magnificent mountains, lakes and wide open spaces make Wanaka a very special place. Autumn is a great time of year to visit Wanaka. The trees create spectacular autumnal reflections on Lake Wanaka and the city is alive with festivals. And that adds to the sheer amount of fun this area has to offer. Start your day with exceptional coffee from Kai Whakapai. The Kai (as it is known locally) is a Wanaka icon and produces everything it sells on the premises. Be sure to try their Banana Cream Pie. Absolutely to die for!
You’ll probably need to burn those calories, but don’t worry because you’ve come to the right place. From alpine hikes and mountain hikes, swimming, boating, water skiing, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing and mountain biking to the winter playgrounds of area ski resorts; Wanaka offers endless sources of outdoor inspiration. Rent a bike at Good Sports or Racers Edge and head to the lakeside bike track. If you’re feeling more adventurous, ask for a local trail map and head to the Lake Wanaka Outlet. This area is single track heaven and with easy grades for banked turns and steep hills, there is plenty here for everyone. A trip to Tarris is a great way to get a sense of how big the country really is in this area.
While you’re there, it’s worth stopping for a cuppa and some home-cooked treats at Tarras Country Coffee Shop, before heading back to Wanaka. Wanaka is home to some of the South Island’s most popular ski and snowboard resorts; Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Farm, Snow Park and the incredible heli-terrain of Harris Mountain Heli-Skiing. Take the family to Cardrona, but if you want steep slides, rear bowling and thrilling racing then Treble Cone is your go to. The views over Lake Wanaka and the adjacent mountains are perfect and on a fresh snowy day; TC is just about the best place on the planet. The Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels and a popular winter apres-ski meeting place to drink, eat and swap stories of the day’s alpine adventures. The best seat in the house is in large leather loungers by the fire to enjoy the local beer.
As you head back to town, keep an eye out for the Oakridge Resort. This luxury resort has a health spa complex with no less than 10 outdoor heated pools. For a nominal fee, you can fully relax and enjoy the day. You can enjoy the movie on comfortable sofas or in an old Morris Minor and order delicious meals at the Café before, during and after the movie. At intermission, bring homemade ice cream and a warm, freshly baked cookie to your seat. This is guaranteed to be a movie experience you won’t forget.
Wanaka has plenty of nightlife, but the bars on Post Office Lane are well worth a visit. The Cow serves the best pizza in town. You may have a long wait on a busy night, but it’s worth the wait. And while you wait, check out Barluga. Its huge open fireplace and leather cloaks make this an ideal place to gather with friends and share a bottle or two of a local Pinot. Wanaka is such a special place; it’s easy to see why Time Life voted it one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Its stunning scenery, dramatic mountains, and bustling town life draw people back again and again. You too may fall in love with the magic that is Wanaka.