WANAKA

With just on an hour under the tyres, you’ll reach Wanaka, a once quieter version of Queenstown, encircled by alpine peaks that also reach for the sky. Not so anymore this now a bustling town and no second fiddle when it comes to adventure, retail, dining and cultural opportunities.

While Wanaka is smaller than Queenstown and generally there is a lot less hussle and bustle and parking is easier. That’s not necessarily true especially over the holidays in the downtown and lake front area and also on the more popular hikes where to get a park close by, consider getting there early.

Wanaka has tended to attract a family feel and is still a town where it feels like everyone knows everyone else, especially if you are visiting from one of our larger metropolitan markets.

Wanaka like Queenstown, has an enormous range of activities that focus around the mountains and the lake. It also has some unique activities with trail riding, jet boating and rock climbing particular favorites. On the lake front you’ll have easy access to swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, jet boating rides and a number lake cruise options.

Wanaka is also home to more world class events than most towns its size can boast, whether it’s from international triathlons to music and arts festivals. In the high adrenalin stakes, iconic events on the calendar includes the Ruby Swim on the 28th January, Ruby Island is the closest island to the town but even in mid summer the lake temperature can be bracing. On February 18 is the Challenge Wanaka, a middle distance run, bike and swim but perhaps the most spectacular marathon takes place on March 4 with the Motatapu Off Road. Held annually between Glendu Bay, just out of Wanaka and Arrowtown traversing the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations, the Off Road take in spectacular private land that’s only open to the public for the day.

Returning to the cultural scene this year is Ripe the newish wine and food festival celebrating Central Otago’s viticulture industry and local culinary scene. Locals and visitors enjoy the best the region has to offer during Otago Anniversary weekend on March 18 at Glendu Bay, just outside of Wanaka.

If a spot of shopping is more your style; one of Wanaka’s advantages is all the main stores are in one central spot covering a few streets, though there is a fast growing retail area called Three Parks, which is attracting the big box retailers. You can start your shopping pilgrimage at PRECINCT on Helwick Street. This must be one of the cutest new alleyway collection of boutiques with cool local brands. PRECINCT began life in the 70s as the local police station, but now the quarter-acre section in the middle of Wanaka’s retail sector has been transformed into a two-storied collection of shops and eateries.

After building an appetite and maybe fancy a spot of fishing? Head over to HOOK just outside Wanaka in Albertown where you get to catch your very own Chinook salmon from Hooks spring feed lake. The setting is so relaxing where you can wander around the property or sit out on the bean bags in the sun and relax while someone else does all the work in preparing, cooking and plating your freshly caught salmon.

Also, in Albertown on Alison Avenue is a little bit of Paris with French based treats at Pembroke Pâtisserie where quality hand crafted French pastries, breads & cakes are created. Fresh Allpress coffee is also on offer and you can sit outside in the sun or indoors.

Getting There

Wanaka is an easy 60 minute Drive via The Crown Range and Cardrona Valley

Dine – Hook: a unique and exhilarating lake to plate fishing experience. You can feed the fish, explore the beautiful grounds, or just play a game.

49 Monteith Road, Albert Town

HOLLAND

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