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WANAKA INFORMATION

Wanaka is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in west Otago. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka is Otago's second resort town after Queenstown.The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth largest lake, 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).

Wanaka also serves as an important gateway to the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park and when the country's winter months arrive, then tourists flock next door, where the snowy Cardrona, Harris Mountains, Pisa Range and Treble Cone have all become acclaimed ski resorts in New Zealand. Up-to-date information about these recreational activities and more is available when you arrive, at the centrally located Lake Wanaka Visitors Centre, on Ardmore Street, next to the lake itself and alongside Pembroke Park.

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.

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).

The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles comfortably in one of the country's largest national parks. Delve inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare world. 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. In the heart of the Southern Lakes you'll find the time and space to revitalise your soul.

Wanaka boasts a growing number of excellent restaurants, cafes and a diverse nightlife. Other attractions in the town include Puzzling World and the Paradiso Cinema. Puzzling World contains a 3d maze, optical illusions and a leaning tower. The Paradiso is a classic old cinema, with seating of old coaches, chairs and a car. There are a number of wineries in the area.

A great day excursion can be had walking up neighbouring Roys Peak, from which stunning views can be seen of Wanaka and the surrounding area, including Mount Aspiring.

There are a couple of museums in Wanaka that warrant a mention. The New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum also goes by the name of the Wanaka Warbirds and is where you will find a rather impressive collection of military aircraft, as well as state-of-the-art computer simulations.