Southern Lakes ’That Wānaka Tree’, Lake Wānaka LEFT: Treble Cone Ski Area, Wānaka BOTH: © Miles Holden
Like any idyllic body of water, attractive Lake Wanaka calls for kayaking, wakeboarding, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and swimming.
Wānaka Feet First Roys Peak Track is #1 contender for most popular; Mt Iron and Isthmus Peak are great, too.
using the DOC campsites.
Ferrata Rock Climbing Using steel rails fixed into the rock makes summit views accessible for almost every fitness level. Contact Wildwire Wānaka.
Arrowtown
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.
Wineries Rippon Winery vineyard overlooks Lake Wānaka and offers exceptional views and free wine tasting. Call to check they are open.
Back Blocks Set away from
Queenstown
Island Hopping 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
Lake
TOP TIP: Walking the perimeter of Diamond Lake only takes 45 minutes but adding a one-anda-half hour ascent to the Rocky Mountain summit is worth it for the extra special views.
the lakefront is a collection of secret niceties. Discover Maude Wines Tasting Room, Bistro Gentil, Florence’s Foodstore and the Rhyme and Reason brewery.
Wānaka Lavender Farm Never tried lavender ice cream? Head here for aromatic flower fields, resident farm animals, fragrant products and of course, a tasty, purple-hued dessert.
Ruby’s Cinema and Bar Arguably the most relaxed cinema experience you could find, this is a cosy venue with delicious meals served to your seat. National Transport and Toy Museum A vast collection of rare vehicles, nostalgic vintage Star Wars’ toys and a cabinet of Barbies. The Warbirds and Wheels Museum Housing rare classic vehicles, World War aircraft and modern jets. Afterward, grab a shake at the 1950s Retro Diner. Paradiso Cinema Sit inside a converted Morris Minor or lounge across a cushioned sofa.
Puzzling World Explore a 3D maze, illusion rooms, The Tilted House and enough visual trickery to skew your mind for months.
Wānaka Artisan Market Every Thursday from 3-6pm, a row of stalls pop up outside the Speights Ale House selling locally made crafts and treats. 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.
More Wānaka Must-Do’s...
Hāwea
Hook Wānaka is a popular day out and ‘lake to plate’ salmon experience. Dog sledding, skydiving and 4WD adventures are also on the menu.
In the
See Map Section - pages 57 to 63
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 Creek Track car park.
TOP TIP: A small rocky island on Mou Waho Island has led to the motu’s nickname as the ‘island on a lake on an island on a lake on an island on a lake.’ Eco Wānaka Adventures run a fantastic tour here.
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