Official Visitor Guide 2019/2020 - www.wanaka.co.nz - Lake Wanaka Tourism
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Official Visitor Guide
2019/2020
7:10pm Rippon
www.wanaka.co.nz
1
IT BEGINS
WITH THE
LANDSCAPE...
SCAN TO SEE WANAKA
or go to video-wanaka.nz
2
6.55am Roys Peak
3
Kia Ora &
Welcome to
Wanaka
Located in the stunning alps of the
South Island, New Zealand, visitors from
around the world are drawn to the Wanaka
region by its outstanding beauty.
Unique and captivating at the same time,
it inspires you to discover and gives you
the freedom to explore.
Wanaka’s mountain and Sitting on the 45th parallel, Wanaka
lakeside setting and proximity has four distinct seasons - hot dry
to Mt Aspiring National Park, summers, cool autumns, lush springs
make it the ultimate base for and crisp winters, making it a year-
outdoor activities. Discover round destination.
pristine rivers, waterfalls,
Summer is perfect for jet-boating,
glaciers, native forests and
kayaking, and swimming and in
mountains.
winter the snow-covered mountains
For the adventure seekers’ draw skiers and snowboarders from
there’s canyoning, skydiving, around the globe to four world-class
via ferrata, off road tours and ski fields. Spring is the time to get
airborne adventures. out and explore the tracks and trails,
while autumn is renowned for being
But it’s not just the outdoor
the most colourful of the seasons.
enthusiasts who have plenty
to do, stroll the streets and be
inspired by galleries, stylish DID YOU KNOW…
shops and be spoilt for choice Wanaka is one of the few
with a great selection of cool areas in New Zealand to enjoy
cafes and restaurants. a semi-continental climate,
with four distinct seasons.
4
THERE ARE SO
MANY REASONS TO
LOVE WANAKA
To make the most of your time in Wanaka:
Talk to the experts at the Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Centre
or visit www.wanaka.co.nz
5
Contents
Landscape & Nature 14
16
Adventure
Attractions 18
Skiing & Snowboarding 20
Walking & Hiking 22
Mountain Biking & Road Cycling 24
Family Friendly 26
Food & Drink 28
30
Events
Activities & Attractions 33
Accommodation 53
Food & Drink
60
Shops & Services 67
Tiaki Promise
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels
here has a responsibility to look after it.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand,
for now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment
to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving
our home.
Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki Aotearoa,
Welcome to New Zealand.
While travelling in New Zealand I will:
• Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace
• Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all
• Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind
6
Explore
the Region
Wanaka Visit 1 to 9
Infused with small town charm - the
stunning lakeside town of Wanaka is
surrounded by the spectacular Southern
Alps. Visitors are drawn to the Wanaka
region by its outstanding beauty.
Matukituki Valley Visit 10 to 12
The starting point of many popular walks
and hikes, notably the Rob Roy Glacier, as
well as jet boat and helicopter adventures.
Lake Hawea Visit 13 to 17
Lake Hawea is an outdoor adventurers’
paradise and is a great place to bike, boat,
swim, fish, kayak, kite surf, paddle board,
walk or just laze about on the peaceful
beach and soak up the incredible views.
Makarora Visit 18 to 20
Mt Aspiring National Park is easily
accessible from Makarora by helicopter,
plane, jet-boat or on foot, where you can
explore some of the most beautiful terrain
in the South Island.
Luggate &
Wanaka Airport Visit 21 to 22
Wanaka Airport is a day trip destination
in a class of its own, with a multitude of
airborne and attractions to visit. Be sure
to check out the historic Luggate Hotel
afterwards.
Cardrona Visit 23 to 24
Cardrona is famous for its historic hotel,
world-class ski fields and the bra fence!
You can also experience horse trekking,
quad biking and now whisky tasting.
7
Landscape & Nature
UNSPOILT
NATURAL BEAUTY
Striking landforms, soaring Nature tours are a great way of
mountains, and crystal clear seeing the diverse landscape
lakes, the natural beauty of of the Wanaka region. Tours run
Wanaka is an unforgettable all year-round, giving you an
experience, where you can introduction to native wildlife
immerse yourself in mountains, and flora.
glaciers, lakes, rivers, wildlife,
and a World Heritage Area. With a night sky so full of stars,
Wanaka is just as stunning when
Mt Aspiring National Park is a the sun goes down. And if you
unique place by world standards, visit in autumn, you might even
designated as a UNESCO World be lucky enough to experience
Heritage Area. It’s a region the Aurora Australis.
of soaring mountain peaks,
hundreds of spectacular glaciers, DID YOU KNOW…
lush beech forest, braided rivers, 15 Buff Weka – a rare
alpine meadows and is home native bird – were
to a diverse variety of native reintroduced to the islands
New Zealand flora and fauna.
on Lake Wanaka in 2009
and are now thriving
14
Highlights
Take a scenic flight to view
Mt Aspiring - land on a glacier
Visit in Autumn for the
beautiful colours
Explore on horseback
Experience the high country
with a farm and nature tour
Capture the reflective beauty
of Glendhu Bay
Visit Mou Waho Island
and experience New Zealand
how it used to be
Swim and laze on secluded
beaches
11.58am Walk to some of the most
East Matukituki Valley scenic spots imaginable
More Information
>> Aspiring Helicopters pg 45
>> Classic Flights pg 39
>> Eco Wanaka Adventures pg 47
>> Lake Wanaka Cruises pg 47
>> Lake Wanaka Yacht Charters pg 47
>> Paddle Wanaka pg 48
>> Ridgeline Adventures pg 49
>> Wanaka 4x4 Explorer pg 50
>> Wanaka Water Taxi pg 51
15
Adventure
YOUR WANAKA
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Whatever your sense of Get out on the water. The
adventure there’s an experience stunning Matukituki and
for you in Wanaka, which has Makarora Rivers in the Mt Aspiring
a well-deserved reputation National Park, the mighty Clutha
as one of the world’s best River and the Hawea River white
adventure towns. water wave, make kayaking or
paddle boarding in the Wanaka
With plenty of outdoor activities region outstanding for all abilities.
and access to Mt Aspiring
National Park, it’s easy to If you want to make the most of
experience Wanaka’s adventure your time in Wanaka, then book
activities for yourself - on land, an adventure combo.
water or air.
DID YOU KNOW…
Maximise your adrenaline rush Sir Edmund Hillary honed
- freefall from 15,000 feet, his climbing skills
conquer waterfalls, take on on Mt Aspiring
rapids, scale a peak, or let the
experts take you - spin in a jet
boat, land on a glacier, get upside
down in a plane, or go off-road
on a high-country adventure.
16Highlights
Get an adrenaline rush –
freefall from 15,000 feet
Climb alongside an iconic
waterfall
Cruise by kayak to the
islands on Lake Wanaka
Skim across braided rivers
on a jetboat
Try canyoning and plunge
down water polished chutes
Fit more in with a combo trip:
flight + jetboat + walk
Take on the rapids of the
mighty Clutha River on a SUP
Summit a peak with
2.36pm Siberia Valley experienced guides
More Information
>> Adventure Consultants pg 44 >> U Fly & U Fly Aerobatics pg 35
>> Basecamp Adventures pg 45 >> Wanaka Parasailing pg 51
>> Deep Canyon pg 46 >> Wanaka Rock Climbing pg 51
>> First Tracks pg 47 >> Wanaka River Journeys pg 43
>> Go Jets Wanaka pg 40 >> Wildwire Wanaka pg 38
>> Lakeland Wanaka pg 41 >> Wilkin River Jets/Backcountry
>> Learn To Fly pg 41 Helicopters pg 44
>> Packraft Wanaka pg 48
>> Skydive Wanaka pg 49
>> Wanaka Helicopters pg 50
>> Siberia Experience pg 42
>> Southern Alps Air pg 43
17Attractions
BE AMAZED
& DELIGHTED
Wanaka’s attractions are fun, Take in the views while playing
exciting and often quirky. 18 holes of golf or have a laugh
Get lost in a maze, see 500 and some good family fun, with
collectable cars in one place, round of mini golf.
get up close to historic fighter
planes or challenge yourself on There’s always something to do
a climbing wall. in Wanaka and it will generally
be something you can’t do
A trip to the movies in Wanaka anywhere else!
is still a special occasion - no
matter what is showing, while the DID YOU KNOW…
Transport and Toy Museum is one Puzzling World created
of the largest private collections the world’s first 3D maze
in the world.
Enjoy a walk through the flowers,
feed the friendly farm animals,
relax over a cup of herbal tea
or indulge in some lavender and
honey ice-cream at the Wanaka
Lavender Farm.
18Highlights
Taste local craft beers
Visit the largest toy and
transport collection in the
Southern Hemisphere
Indulge at intermission with
freshly baked cookies at
Cinema Paradiso
Learn about New Zealand’s
aviation & automotive history
Race each other to the top of
a climbing wall at Basecamp
Complete the maze at
Puzzling World
Visit beautiful gardens at
the Wanaka Lavender Farm
Play a round of golf with
2.13pm Puzzling World spectacular views
More Information
>> Basecamp Adventure, Climbing Centre pg 45
>> Cinema Paradiso pg 46
>> Crossfire pg 46
>> Puzzling World pg 48
>> National Transport & Toy Museum pg 48
>> Wanaka Golf Club pg 50
>> Wanaka Lavender Farm pg 37
>> Warbirds and Wheels pg 52
>> World of Deer Museum pg 52
19Skiing & Snowboarding
PURE MOUNTAIN AIR &
BREATH TAKING VIEWS
Located in the heart of the For an unforgettable luxury ski
Southern Alps and boasting experience head to Soho Basin
Australasia’s largest skiable Private Ski Area or access acres
terrain, Wanaka offers you the of pristine powder on a heli-
freedom to enjoy the best skiing skiing trip in the magnificent
in New Zealand. Southern Alps.
Wanaka’s four ski areas - For a unique mountain experience
Cardrona, Treble Cone, Soho stay on snow at Cardrona or a
Basin and Snow Farm are all backcountry hut at Snow Farm
located within a 40-minute drive and enjoy a sunrise over the
from the town centre, giving you magnificent Southern Alps.
access to the most diverse and
scenic skiing in New Zealand. DID YOU KNOW…
That Snow Farm is the only
Extensive terrain parks‚ pipes‚
cross country ski area
wide open trails, challenging
in New Zealand
steeps, powder stashes,
spectacular views and over
50km’s of cross country trails,
Wanaka has something for
everyone.
20Highlights
Ride the park and pipe
with the pros at Cardrona
Enjoy the most spectacular
views of the Southern Alps
Hike to the summit of Treble
Cone for fresh tracks
Try cat skiing experiences
with Soho Basin
For the ultimate snow
experience go heli-skiing
Cross-country ski to an
&
alpine hut
Take the kids tobogganing
and tubing
S 1.45pm
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Finish the day with après
drinks at the Cardrona Hotel
More Information
>> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34
>> First Tracks pg 47
>> Harris Mountain Heli-Ski pg 40
>> Ridgeline Adventures pg 49
>> Snow Farm pg 42
>> Southern Lakes Heliski pg 49
>> Yello! pg 69
21Walking & Hiking
750KMS OF TRACKS
TO EXPLORE
Walking around Wanaka is one Slightly more challenging terrain
of the best ways to see the includes Mount Iron, offering
beauty of the area. Whether it’s rewarding views over the entire
walking to a world-class winery, Wanaka region and the nearby
or climbing a mountain, there’s Outlet Track which follows the
literally a track for every fitness Clutha River. Close to Makarora,
level, with photo opportunities is the Blue Pools Track, a short
around every corner. stroll through beech forest, to the
gorgeous turquoise pools.
Mt Aspiring National Park will
tempt the serious hikers and DID YOU KNOW…
climbers, and there are plenty of That Blue Pools and
highly experienced guides to help
Roy’s Peak, have been
you summit a peak.
listed as two of NZ’s
But Wanaka’s for everyone, so Great Short and Great
if a stroll is more your style, Day walks by DOC.
there’s a great selection of short
tracks close to town, that offer
something suitable for the whole
family. Lakeside walks will take
you to #thatwanakatree, Rippon
Vineyard, and Bremner Bay.
22Highlights
For an easy family walk
head to the Blue Pools
Follow the beautiful Clutha
River on the Outlet track
Get great views on the Mt
Iron Loop Track only 1.5hrs
Stay overnight at a back-
country hut
Hawea lakefront for a
relaxed quiet walk
Half-day missions
- Roy’s Peak and the
Rob Roy Glacier Track.
For the more serious tramper
5.42pm try the Gilliespie Pass Circuit
Mt Aspiring National Park - a 3 to 4-day loop
More Information
>> Adventure Consultants pg 44
>> Eco Wanaka Adventures pg 47
>> First Tracks pg 47
>> Lake Wanaka Yacht Charters pg 47
>> Siberia Experience pg 42
>> Wilkin River Jets/Backcountry Helicopters pg 44
>> Download the “Wanaka Tracks” walking & biking
app to help you decide which track is the best
one for you.
23Mountain Biking & Road Cycling
EPIC RIDES
WITH EPIC VIEWS
From scenic road rides around - with chairlift accessed trails
the region with eye-popping and a variety of terrain on offer,
views, to kilometres of flowing ranging from wide open scenic
single track and epic high- beginner trails to World Cup
country riding in the mountains, level downhill tracks.
novices and experts alike can
spend days exploring. With quiet, scenic roads and a
variety of spectacular landscapes
The Wanaka region offers from rolling hills, fast flats and
mountain bike enthusiasts an high mountain passes to climb,
ideal track to get the most out the Wanaka region is paradise for
of your ride. Cruise alongside road cyclists.
the Hawea or Wanaka lakefront,
tackle the banks and berms DID YOU KNOW…
of Deans Bank or explore the Heli biking from Mt Pisa
undulating Minaret Burn or gives riders an awesome
Upper Clutha River Tracks. 1750m of vertical descent
Urban thrills come courtesy of
the town centre Lismore jump-
park, and Cardrona is home to
New Zealand’s highest bike park
24cling Highlights
Challenge yourself with
11km of flowing single
track at Deans Bank
Lap the lifts at Cardrona
– NZ’s highest bike park
Check out the talent at
Lismore Park jump park
Take a day trip to Hawea
– stopping at the lakefront
for a bite to eat
Heli biking – there is no
better way!
Explore the network of
photo: Jay French
trails in Sticky Forest
Cruise along the lakefront
6.12am Mt Burke Quiet, scenic road riding
More Information
>> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34
>> Wanaka Bike Guides pg 50
>> Wanaka Bike Tours pg 36
25Family Friendly
SO MUCH
TO SEE & DO
Lakes, forests and mountains At Warbirds and Wheels you’ll
to explore, unique wildlife to have the opportunity to learn
discover, as well as a wide about the region’s aviation
selection of activities suitable history, and a trip to Puzzling
for kids, makes Wanaka an ideal World is a must do for families.
family holiday destination.
For the adventurous there is
Family activities here do not plenty to do, zoom down a river
mean you’ll always have to part in a jet-boat, climb a waterfall,
with lots of money. Take a picnic kayak to a secluded island, learn
by the lake, explore the many to fly a plane or hit the slopes for
walking and cycling tracks, visit skiing in winter.
farm animals at the Wanaka
Lavender Farm or on a 4WD farm DID YOU KNOW…
tour, or take in the latest film at The Wanaka Region has
one of the boutique cinemas. over 15 playgrounds
26Highlights
Feed the fish and ducks
on the lakefront
Encounter cute alpacas
and farm animals
Entertain the whole family
at a boutique cinema
Marvel at the masses of
toys at the Transport and
Toy Museum
Spend rainy days at
Clip and Climb
Take a trip to Mou
Waho Island to visit the
cheeky wekas
Entertain the kids on
1.51pm mountain with day care
Cardrona Alpine Resort and ski lessons
More Information
>> Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre
with Clip ‘n’ Climb pg 45
>> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34
>> Cinema Paradiso pg 46
>> Crossfire pg 46
>> Eco Wanaka Adventures pg 47
>> Lake Wanaka Cruises pg 47
>> Puzzling World pg 48
>> National Transport & Toy Museum pg 48
>> Snow Farm pg 42
>> Wanaka Lavender Farm pg 37
>> Wanaka Water Taxi pg 52
>> Warbirds and Wheels pg 52
>> World of Deer pg 52
27Food & Drink
EXCEPTIONAL
CUISINE
Excellent restaurants and cafes, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Japanese,
wineries, breweries and an Italian, Korean, Asian fusion
artisan distillery, Wanaka offers and rustic pub meals, Wanaka
more choice than you’d expect restaurants provide endless
from a town this size. variety and consistent quality.
Fresh local produce, brilliant Join a guided wine tour and
wines sourced from the sample some of New Zealand’s
surrounding vineyards, along finest wines from the cellar door or
with well-crafted local beers will visit the Wanaka Farmers Market,
provide you with a taste of what where you will find everything
the Wanaka region has to offer. from local produce and cakes, to
award-winning breads, pastries,
Finding the perfect coffee, chai and more.
latte or freshly squeezed juice is
easy - the Wanaka cafe culture DID YOU KNOW…
is thriving, with plenty of great That Ode, Bistro Gentil
coffee spots.
and Kika are in the Cuisine
Exceptional fine dining, with top 100? The definitive
small elegant restaurants serving guide to New Zealand's
contemporary cuisine, through to best restaurants
casual eateries, Kiwi style food,
28Highlights
Pick up some treats at the
Wanaka Farmers Market
Indulge in award-winning
produce
Try a drop from all 6 of
our local breweries
Dine at a Wanaka’s first
hat awarded restaurant
– Bistro Gentil
Grab a takeaway and
enjoy on the beach
Let someone do the
driving and take a wine,
beer or whisky tour
Delicious meals made
from our local produce
Situate yourself at a vibrant
3.48pm Rippon Vineyard lakefront café or bar and enjoy
the view
More Information
>> All listings from pg 60
>> Wanaka Wine Tours pg 52
29Events
HOME TO MORE
WORLD CLASS
EVENTS THAN MOST
From international triathlons, Tuki Festival, Challenge Wanaka
to music and arts festivals, and the Wanaka Rodeo.
Wanaka is home to more world
Autumn is the most colourful
class events than most. Warbirds
season so it’s no surprise that
over Wanaka, Challenge Wanaka,
many spectacular events are
Tuki Festival, Festival of Colour,
held over this period. There’s
the Wanaka A&P show, Rhythm
Warbirds over Wanaka, the
& Alps and the Audi Quattro
Festival of Colour and the
Winter Games are just some of
Motatapu Bike Race.
the great events on offer. Explore
the events listing and include Winter is when you can watch
these in your holiday plans. incredible sporting feats and
world firsts at the Jossi Wells
Spring is a time where events
Invitational and the Audi Quattro
range from on snow to on dirt.
Winter Games. Or be inspired by
Drawcards include the Merino
amazing films at the NZ Mountain
Muster, a World Loppet cross-
Film Festival.
country ski race and the Deans
Bank 10 Hour bike race.
Summer is the perfect time
of year for sports events and
outdoor festivals. These include
Rhythm & Alps at New Year,
302019
JANUARY
2 Wanaka Rodeo
19-20 The Red Bull Defiance
26 The Ruby
26 The Big Easy
FEBRUARY
16 Challenge Wanaka
2020 (bi-annual)
Tuki Festival 2020
MARCH
8-9 The Motatapu Race
9-10 Wanaka A&P Show
16 Breca swim/run
APRIL
2-7 Festival of Colour
11.37pm Rippon Hall 6 Southern Lakes Half
Marathon
10 Apr-12 Apr (bi-annual)
Warbirds over Wanaka 2020
13 Contact Epic Bike Race
23-27 Wanaka Autumn Arts
School
JUNE
Ski Fields Open
28 Jun–7 Jul NZ Mountain
Film Festival
AUGUST
23 Aug – 7 Sept Audi Quattro
Winter Games NZ
SEPTEMBER
TBC Jossi Wells Invitational
TBC Merino Muster
OCTOBER
27 Deans Bank 10 Hour
DECEMBER
TBC Beer Fest
25-26 Christmas & Boxing Day
31 New Year Celebrations in
Wanaka & Hawea
30-31 Rhythm & Alps
31Department Of Conservation
Start your journey cycling tracks, huts, campsites, Great Walks
through New Zealand's bookings, weather forecasts, & conservation
stunning landscapes projects.
at the Department of A 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka 9305
Conservation's (DOC) P +64 3 443 7660
Tititea/Mt Aspiring National W www.doc.govt.nz
Park Visitor Centre. Staffed
by DOC rangers who have
firsthand, in-depth local
knowledge, we provide
up-to-date advice on local
day walks, multiday tramps,
i-SITE Visitor Centre CBD
Our friendly team guarantees The i-SITE offers a free information and
to help you make the most of booking service. We will ensure you have
your time here. We’re experts the experience of a lifetime!
on everything to do in Wanaka,
A 103 Ardmore St, Wanaka
Queenstown, Fiordland,
P +64 3 443 1233
the West Coast and wider
New Zealand.
i-SITE VISITOR CENTRE
E bookings@wanaka.co.nz CBD Map
W www.wanaka-isite.co.nz
We can help with:
• Attractions
• Activities
• Adventures
• Accommodation
• Transport
32
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