4 minute read
Wānaka Must Do's
Wānaka Lavender Farm
Ever tried lavender ice cream? Head here for aromatic flower fields, resident farm animals, fragrant products and of course, a tasty, purple-hued dessert.
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Feet First
Roys Peak Track is #1 contender for most popular walk; Mt Iron and Isthmus Peak are great, too.
Roys Peak, Wānaka © WānakaNZ
Bike Trails
There are over 750km of mountain biking tracks here; download the Wānaka Tracks app for details. Bike Glendhu is the newest bike park with 35km network of trails. Open early spring to late summer.
Ski Fields
There are three ski areas within 40 minutes of Wānaka (Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm). You’re also on the doorstep to Soho Basin. For the extra adventurous there’s heli-skiing.
Island Hopping & Camping
Lake Wānaka has four islands all of which can be reached by a day cruise or kayak. You can stay overnight on Mou Waho and Te Peka Karara Island using the DOC campsites.
Back Blocks
Set away from the lakefront is a collection of secret niceties. Discover Maude Wines Tasting Room, Bistro Gentil, Florence's Foodstore and the Rhyme X Reason Brewery.
Ferrata Rock
Climbing Using steel rails fixed into the rock makes summit views accessible for almost every fitness level. Contact Wildwire Wānaka.
Wineries
Rippon Vineyard & Winery overlooks Lake Wānaka and offers exceptional views and free wine tasting. Call to check they are open.
The Warbirds and Wheels Museum
Housing rare classic vehicles, World War aircraft and modern jets. Afterwards, grab a shake at the 1950s Retro Diner.
The Warbirds over Wānaka
Mou Waho Island, Lake Wānaka © www.ecowanka.co.nz
The Revology Concept Store and Tea Rooms
Dedicated to circular design and mindful living, browse the thoughtfully curated selection of sustainable items then relax over a cuppa.
Crossfire
Family fun galore just 10 minutes out of Wānaka. Challenge yourselves on their locally themed mini-golf, archery, clay-bird shooting, driving and rifle ranges.
National Transport and Toy Museum
A vast collection of rare vehicles, nostalgic vintage Star Wars’ toys and a cabinet of Barbies.
Forge and Feast Food Tours
On this immersive foodie adventure you’ll meet, forage, explore and eat local, home-grown and wild foods.
Wānaka Artisan Market
Every Thursday from 3-6pm, a row of stalls pop up outside the Speight’s Ale House selling locally made crafts and treats.
The Precinct
The Precinct is a stylish community of high-end shops, elegant spaces and Wee Tart, a polished coffee shop-cum-milk bar with a white-washed terrace to rival Mykonos.
Clutha River
Swimming Point On the shores of Lake Dunstan (35 minutes from Wānaka). Small but tranquil, the water is as clear as glass, there’s a small bed of sand and free barbecue facilities.
That Wānaka Tree
Its lone existence and mountainous backdrop make it one of the country’s most photographed and most famous trees. Access is from the Waterfall
‘That Wānaka Tree’, Lake Wānaka © Miles Holden
More Wānaka Must Do’s...
Hook Wānaka is a popular day out and ‘lake to plate’ salmon experience. Dog sledding, skydiving and 4WD adventures are also on the menu.
Horse trekking, Wānaka © Johan Lolos
