4 minute read
Explore Wanaka District
THE WANAKA DISTRICT IS HELL BENT ON GETTING YOU OUTDOORS: ADVENTURE IS A DAILY NECESSITY IN THESE PARTS. THERE ARE THREE FIRST-CLASS SKI AREAS NEARBY, NUMEROUS LAKES AND A NATIONAL PARK.
WANAKA TOWN
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In Wanaka town centre, every newcomer feels like they’ve found a secret that’s yet to be sung from the rooftops. They haven’t of course, but one of Wanaka’s many charms is its indifference to its many charms. Once you’ve navigated the town and found ‘That Wanaka Tree’, enjoy a seriously chilled café scene tickling the water’s edge.
MAKARORA
As the launch pad for Mt Aspiring National Park, Makarora sits snugly between Wanaka and the West Coast. A magnet for trampers, there are both short walks and long treks. You can jet boat up Wilkin Valley, take a scenic flight or head to the Blue Pools. Just 60 minutes by car from Wanaka and 10 minutes from Makarora, these glacier-fed pools are deep, but so clear you can see to the bottom.
LAKE HAWEA
Drink up spectacular alpine scenery at Lake Hawea. The lake is the smallest of Southern Lakes’ three alpine glacier lakes and the township sits elevated above. All around the water’s edge, shingle beach meets serene lagoon, while below, a bounty of trout and salmon toy with patient fishermen. Paddleboarders soar across the top, walkers circuit the perimeter and bathers endure invigorating temperatures at Scotts Beach, with its designated swimming area
Clutha River, Central Otago © www.cluthanz.com
WANAKA... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
ADVENTURES DON’T RUN THIN IN WANAKA, NOT WITH ITS INTREPID TERRAIN OF MOUNTAIN TRACKS AND GLACIER-FED WATERWAYS. IN WANAKA, IF YOU CAN THINK OF IT, YOU CAN DO IT.
Ski, snowboard, shoot at the rifle range or skydive over beautiful Wanaka Lake. Jump on a horse, paddleboard and jet boat, or try something extra heart-pounding such as canyoning or off-road driving. There are also four islands on Lake Wanaka all accessible by boat tour. Much wildlife that has depleted on the mainland flourishes on these motu and you can camp on both Mou Waho and Te Peka Karara Island.
If you’re keen for something really daring, via ferrata rock climbing uses steel rails fixed to rock, making summit views accessible for all. You can also take an e-bike cruise across Southern Lakes 15km of purpose-built e-cycle terrain at LandEscape, with eight wood-fired outdoor hot tubs to jump in after your ride.
Enjoy the warmth and hospitality throughout Wanaka. Sip boutique craft beers, exceptional Central Otago pinot noir and enjoy fine cuisine from some of the world’s most respected chefs. There is also a weekly Wanaka Artisan Market held every Thursday afternoon, a series of raved-about mountain bike trails and lofty walks offering unprecedented views.
Lake Wanaka © Getty Images
THRILL SEEKERS LOVE WILDWIRE WANAKA
The world’s highest waterfall cable climb is achievable for every level of climber. Led by experienced guides, ascend a ‘via ferrata’ system (ladder bolted to rock), cross swing bridges and climb behind a 60-metre waterfall.
THOSE BORN TO ROAM HAVE A BLAST IN WANAKA
LAKE WANAKA Water babies can’t resist Lake Wanaka for its water skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding and fishing. There are also 750km of bike trails and numerous walks. The best routes for lofty lake views include Roys Peak (the most famous) and Isthmus Peak, as well as the Rocky Mountain Summit Track and tramps to the top of Mt Iron. MT ASPIRING
NATIONAL PARK A highlight of any South Island adventure, Mt Aspiring National Park caters for every tramping taste. The Blue Pools need little introduction and nor does the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, but options such as YoungGillespie Pass, Rabbit Pass and Cascade Saddle Route won’t disappoint, either. In these parts, every walk has a ‘wow’ moment.
Weka on Mou Waho Island, Lake Wanaka © www.ecowanaka.co.nz
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
AS MUCH AS WANAKA WILL COAX YOU OUTSIDE, THERE’S A SERIOUSLY GOOD TIME TO BE HAD INDOORS, TOO.
Puzzling World
Prepare for a truly brainbending experience at Puzzling World. Explore the 3D maze, illusion rooms, The Tilted House and enough visual trickery to skew your mind for months. If you’ve ever wondered how they seamlessly created tall and small people in The Lord of the Rings, that’s revealed too.
Puzzling World in Wanaka © Puzzling World
Paradiso Cinema
Sit inside a converted Morris Minor at Wanaka’s Paradiso Cinema, or simply lounge across one of their cushioned sofas. This is not your conventional cinema. There’s even an intermission mid-film for all those needing ice creams, beers and just-baked cookies from the adjoining café.
National Transport and Toy Museum
Imagine every toy you ever owned, or wish you’d owned, and you’ll find it at the National Transport and Toy Museum. As well as a vast collection of rare vehicles, such as a retired plane you can climb into, there’s an array of nostalgic toys, including vintage Star Wars and a bright pink Barbie cabinet.
The Warbirds and Wheels Museum
The Warbirds and Wheels Museum houses an incredible collection of rare classic vehicles, and fighter aircraft from the World Wars right through to modern jets. Its 1950s Retro Diner, complete with Wurlitzer Juke Box is a highlight.
Bill Bass Barbie Collection © National Transport and Toy Museum
MAIN IMAGE: Lake Hawea © Paddle Wanaka
