Wanaka

Need to know ...

Lake Wanaka’s spectacular mountain and lake views will take your breath away. An inspiring place to relax in perfectly tranquil surroundings, Lake Wanaka also offers adventure activities from horse riding to awe-inspiring scenic flights.

Main Centres

Wanaka – picturesque lakeside resort, the regional centre.
Hawea – smaller town set on the shores of Lake Hawea.

Getting There

By Air – direct flights from Christchurch to Wanaka. Queenstown Airport offers domestic flights and an international service from Australia.
By Road – 6 hours, 30 minutes from Christchurch to Wanaka. 1 hour, 50 minutes from Queenstown to Wanaka. Several coach companies provide regular services.

Getting Around

Wanaka is a compact village so in most cases you’ll find it easy to walk from your accommodation to local restaurants and shops. There is a taxi service available, though, or you can hire a bike. If you’re heading out of town, you’ll find regular transport.

Eating Out

Exclusive

The Hub at Oakridge Spa and Pool Resort (Cnr Studholme & Crown Range Rd, t +64 3 443 7707).
Te Tawara O Wanaka (Cnr Cardrona & Orchard Rd, t +64 3 443 4411).

Casual

Café Gusto (80 Ardmore St, t +64 3 443 6639).
Tilikum Restaurant (Mt Aspiring Rd, t +64 3 443 8216) – Kiwi-style cuisine served in relaxed surroundings. Fully licensed, BYO wine.
Kai Whakapai Café & Bar (Lakefront, t +64 3 443 7795) – experience culinary wizardry, panoramic views and fine wine. Open 7am till late.
Muzzas Bar and Café (Cnr Brownston & Helwick St, t +64 3 43 7296) – roaring fire and open views. Extensive wine list and beers on tap.
Relishes Café (99 Ardmore St, t +64 3 443 9018) – country décor, al fresco dining in summer, fireside dining in winter. Blackboard menu and home baking. Dinner from 6pm till late.
The Reef (145 Ardmore St, t +64 3 443 1188) – seafood with spectacular views of Lake Wanaka and mountains.
Ambrosia Restaurant (Golf Course Rd, t +64 3 443 1255) – international menu, selection of great New Zealand wines and friendly service.
Finchys Bar & Restaurant (2 Dunmore St, t +64 3 443 6262) – built on the old Wanaka jail site, the restaurant has an ambient atmosphere with rustic stone, wood and iron, and a large open fireplace.

Where to Drink

Stylish Bar

Barluga (Post Office Lane, 33 Ardmore St, t +64 3 443 5400) – huge open fire and sumptuous surroundings.

Sights

The region’s dramatically
blue lakes – Lake Wanaka
and Lake Hawea.
Views of Mt Aspiring on the three-hour hike up Mt Roy.
The road over Haast Pass from Wanaka to the West Coast – it is only 160km long but took more than 30 years to carve out of solid rock.

Action

Skiing or snowboarding during the winter season – the Lake Wanaka region offers the largest area of skiable terrain in Australasia.
Canyoning and rafting on the Clutha, Hawea or Kawarau Rivers.

Relax

Explore Puzzling World – a strange place of three-dimensional mazes and mind-altering puzzles.
Making the most of the excellent cafés and restaurants on offer in this lakeside village.

THE experience

Hiking in the stunning alpine scenery of Mt Aspiring National Park, the third largest national park in New Zealand and renowned for its diversity.

Check it out

Brown Bear Indulge
Southern Lakes

Dining-out in the Southern Lakes region? Pick up your free copy of Brown Bear Indulge Southern Lakes – your essential guide to the region’s restaurants, bars, cafés and shopping. Available at information centres and selected restaurants.