New Zealand > Wanaka
Wanaka
Wanaka Accommodation |
| Key: |
 Special Offers |
 Exclusive |
 Awards / Accolades |
 New |
|
|
| B and B |
Aoturoa Luxury Villa
| Waiorau Homestead
|
|
| Lodge |
Buchanan Lodge
| Limetree Lodge
|
Silverpine Lodge Luxury Accommodation
| TiriTiri Lodge
|
Wanaka Homestead
| Whare Kea Chalet
|
Whare Kea Lodge
| |
|
| Private Villa/Apartment |
Lakeshore Springs
| Linga Longa
|
Mantells Wanaka
| Release NZ
|
|
Lake Wanaka lies at the heart of the Southern Lakes, New Zealand's alpine wonderland, in the southwest of the South Island. Wanaka Township is situated at the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park , a world heritage area and is Otagos second resort town after Queenstown. MT Aspiring National Park offers a multitude of choices such as tramping the spectacular scenic Matukituki Valley where Mount Aspiring rises sheer above the surrounding glaciers. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness, and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. You don't have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the delights of the park (although any one of a dozen world-class local guides can accompany you to the top). The township of Wanaka is a magnet for visitors who want to find the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury. There are comfortable places to stay, great shops and eateries - and all the time there's the call of the wild. The lake, mountains and around-the-year events calendar will keep you looking forward to tomorrow. Every year Wanaka hosts a number of world-class festivals and events, including the biggest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere, Warbirds Over Wanaka. At the International World Heli-Challenge, the world's best snowboarders and skiers tackle the demanding back country alpine slopes for the supreme title.
Wine is always on the menu - there's a selection of award-winning vineyards within easy travelling distance of Wanaka township. If your taste buds run to beer, then Wanaka can satisfy even the most discerning with something to sip from the Wanaka Beerworks, an international award winning brewery. An elevated golf course overlooks Lake Wanaka, with its clear blue water and surrounding alpine vista providing plenty of excuses for a poor round, and the trout fishing is world class. The seasons are particularly noticeable in Wanaka. Spring (October - December) brings an abundance of blossom. Summer brings cloudless, hot, sunny days (January - March). Autumn brings splendid colours of gold and red (April - June), Winter brings crisp days, and snow lovers can enjoy huge freedom the mountain slopes (July - September). With spring comes the melting snow, vibrant new life takes place around the Lake Wanaka countryside. Clean alpine air stirs newborn animals and wild flowers colour the landscape. Skis and snowboards make way for mountain bikes and athletes jogging country roads and mountain tracks. Summer days are long and hot - the temperature can reach the mid to late 30's centigrade but averages 23 centigrade.
Nearby Lake Wanaka and its sister Lake Hawea offer a cool alternative to adventure activities. The lakes are a great place just to relax and soak up the summer sunshine. Swimming, boating, kayaking and waterskiing are very popular at this time of year. Nature expresses itself best in autumn with a kaleidoscope of colours from alluring gold to vivid reds. The weather is still kind to the visitor with the hot days quietly making way to the chillier temperatures of winter. The first frosts of winter help turn the autumn leaves red and gold. This is a spectacular time of year for photographers who want to make the most of the autumn colours and lake reflections. The streetlights come on a little earlier than during the long days of summer, signalling that dining out is on the menu. In the heart of the Southern Lakes you'll find the time and space to revitalise your soul. |
| |
Wanaka Activities |
|
|
Canyoning / Spelunking New Zealand
Caving New Zealand
Climbing New Zealand
Farm Tours New Zealand
Food & Wine New Zealand
Golf New Zealand
Heli Skiing New Zealand
Hiking and Walking New Zealand
History and Culture New Zealand
Horse Riding New Zealand
Hot Air Ballooning New Zealand
Hunting New Zealand
|
Jet Boating New Zealand
Kayaking and Canoeing New Zealand
Mountain Biking New Zealand
Scenic Flights New Zealand
Siberia Experience
Skiing New Zealand
Spa Treatments New Zealand
Trout Fishing New Zealand
White Water Rafting New Zealand
Wine Regions New Zealand
Wine Tasting and Wineries New Zealand
|
| |
| Events in Wanaka |
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the Mountain World of Mount Aspiring National Park: Mount Aspiring National Park, just a short drive from Wanaka, has some of New Zealand’s most scenic walks. From Wanaka, the drive up the Matukituki Valley towards the park offers tantalising glimpses of the high peaks and glaciers. Treble Cone Ski Area is passed on the left and, further up the valley, remnant wetlands on either side of the road are home to a number of New Zealand’s wading birds.
Discover the Golden History of the Cardrona Valley: The Cardrona Valley gained its fame in Otago’s gold rush. Now the only gold is in the burnished swathes of tussock that cover the hills on either side of the Cardrona Highway linking Wanaka to Queenstown...
Try the Siberia Experience: The Siberia Experience leaves from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka (just 1.5hrs from Queenstown) and allows you to enjoy some of New Zealand's untouched scenery from the air, on land and from the water. Starting with a 25 minute unforgettable scenic flight with Southern Alps Air, 2.5 hour walk beginning in the remote Siberia Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park then a 30 minute exciting Jet Boat ride with Wilkin River Jets. Mountains, rivers, glaciers, alpine lakes, rain forest, waterfalls and more - this is your chance to see it all. Ask us how...
ACTIVITIES:
- Hire a guide to take you fly-fishing on the lakes, rivers and streams in the area. The region offers world class brown and rainbow trout fishing
- Lake Wanaka is a playground for sailors, water-skiers, kayakers, wind surfers, troutfishers and more...
- Go white water sledging or canyoning on the rivers
- Saddle up with a horse trek and venture into the back and beyond of Wanaka
- Walking in the mountains could be as simple as a one hour stroll or as challenging as a four day hike
- Go mountaineering with a professional mountain guide
- See a collection of flyable World War II fighter aircraft at the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum
- Flight seeing operators are always keen to show off their playground in Milford Sound, Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring with remote area landings being available in Mount Aspiring
National Park for hikers, climbers and hunters
- Warbirds Over Wanaka is held every 2 years and is classed as one of the best Warbird shows in the world
- Visit Wanaka Beerworks, a boutique brewery located next to Wanaka airport
- For an exhilarating snow experience, try heli-skiing or heli-boarding
- Nordic skiing is the thing to do at Waiorau Snow Farm
- The ski fields of Cardrona and Treble Cone are brilliantly equipped and offer a mix of terrain for skiers and snowboards of all abilities
|
