3 minute read
Wānaka Must-Do's
Feet First
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Roys Peak Track is #1 contender for most popular; Mt Iron and Isthmus Peak are great, too.
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
Treble Cone Ski Area, Wānaka © Miles Holden
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Hook Wanaka
A popular day out and ‘lake to plate’ salmon experience. Catch a Chinook salmon from the lake, then relax on the lawn with beers and beanbags while the team prepare it for you. N.B. The salmon inspired pizzas are very good, too.
Dog Sledding
Ride with traditional artic sled dogs with UnderDog NZ, just 40 minutes from Wanaka and available for summer and winter tours. Meet the dogs and enjoy maximum hands-on fun.
Skydive Wanaka
Freefall to earth on a tandem skydive. In between the screams, have a good ogle at the Southern Alps. Not many people get to admire them from this angle.
Ridgeline 4WD Adventures
Bump along wild West Wanaka High Country Station in a 4WD, accessing secret corners of the region that boast the best views of Lake Wanaka.
Deep Fried Kiwifruit
Enjoy fresh fish and chips on the lakefront. Order from Erik’s Fish & Chips and add something unique to your order – a legendary deep-fried kiwifruit!
’That Wānaka Tree’, Lake Wānaka
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.
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
This is a stylish community of high-end shops, elegant spaces and Wee Tart, a polished coffee shop-cum-milk bar with awhite-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.
