Sights & Activities
Unforgettable sights
Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea – the region’s dramatically blue lakes. The road over Haast Pass from Wanaka to the West Coast – it’s only 160 kilometres long but took more than 30 years to carve out of solid rock.
Adrenaline-rush
Canyoning, rafting or sledging – experience the thrill of a white-water adventure on the Clutha, Hawea or Kawarau River.
Skiing or snowboarding during the winter season – the Lake Wanaka region offers the largest area of skiable terrain in Australasia.
Relax & Indulge
Puzzling World – explore a strange place of three-dimensional mazes and mind-altering puzzles at Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World.
Cinema Paradiso – recapture the magic of the movies at this memorable boutique cinema.
Top Picks
Culture
Wanaka Transport & Toy Museum – largest collection in the Southern Hemisphere, features over 400 vehicles, 12 aircraft and 20,000 toys (
www.wanakatransportandtoymuseum.com).
Road trip
Haast Pass – drive through the pass from Wanaka to the West Coast – it took 30 years to carve the pass out of solid rock.
Luxury
Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet, Lake Wanaka – an intimate and sophisticated alpine haven (
www.wharekealodge.com).
Inexpensive or free
Lakefront walk, Wanaka – pack a picnic lunch and take a stroll around the shores of Lake Wanaka for beautiful views.
Culinary experience
Cardrona Hotel – stop for a beer at this famous historic pub (
www.cardronahotel.co.nz).
Exclusive dining
The Hub at Oakridge Resort Grand Mercure, Wanaka – fresh and stylish New Zealand cuisine (
www.oakridge.co.nz).
Casual dining
Kai Whakapai Café & Bar, Wanaka – experience culinary wizardry while you enjoy the view (t. +64 3 443 7795).
Café
Cheeky Monkey, Wanaka – delicious and innovative food, and organic fair-trade coffee (t. +64 3 443 6722).
Swishy bar
Barluga, Wanaka – open fire and sumptuous surroundings (t. +64 3 443 5400).
Cosy Pub
Finchys Bar & Restaurant, Wanaka – built on the old Wanaka jail site, this restaurant has an ambient rustic atmosphere (t. +64 3 443 6262).
Shop or Gallery
Gallery Thirty Three, Wanaka – stylish art gallery featuring contemporary New Zealand artists (
www.gallery33.co.nz).
