Wānaka

A scene of pure natural beauty

Driving the Haast Highway from Wānaka to the West Coast, you might be reluctant to leave that beautiful lake behind you – but there are plenty of compensations to come as you get deeper into Mount Aspiring National Park. The first is this set of stunningly clear blue-tinged pools that are as popular with fat trout as they are with tourists. About 12 kilometres north of the little settlement of Makarora, an accessible track leads from the car park through forest to the river bank. Here, two swing bridges, allow you to look straight down into the amazingly blue-tinted water. Read more

For cute alpine vibes

With snowy mountains, an old-school pub and scenery that wouldn’t look out of place in the Scottish Highlands, this old gold rush settlement packs the best of the New Zealand winter into one photogenic wee package. There’s not much more to Cardrona than its famous ski fields and pub, but they’re so good they simply must be experienced. Established in 1853, the Cardrona Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the country – its cute but basic-looking clapboard facade belying the quality of the food and comprehensive drinks list. Look forward to traditional pub grub with a local twist. Read more

A ski area for the experts

Treble Cone tends to be the ski field of choice for advanced skiers and snowboarders, thanks to the long groomed runs and off-piste terrain. The ski field, which has the largest ski terrain in the South Island of 550 hectares, is about a 90-minute drive from Queenstown over the Crown Ranges or through Cromwell. Treble Cone has the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes at 700m, with the longest run 4km. It’s typically much less crowded than the other fields in the region. There’s some beginner terrain, but it is smaller than the other fields with only 10% dedicated to learners. The rest is divided equally between intermediate and advanced terrain. Read more

An undie-rrated attraction

Cardrona's controversial bra fence is a kooky, quirky tourist attraction that boasts a chequered past. It began around 1999, when four bras mysteriously appeared overnight on a fence. The colourful attraction raised eyebrows among a few stuffy locals but passersby started adding their undergarments to the fence on the way past. The fence eventually became so popular, it had to be moved from the main highway to the driveway entrance of Kelly Spaans and Sean Colbourne's horse trekking and quad biking business. Nowadays hundreds of colourful bras of all shapes and sizes adorn the fence, providing a good photo opportunity along the picturesque road. Read more

Adventures in nature

Wanaka River Journeys takes you deep into glacier country, courtesy of the opal-coloured Matukituki River. With each bend the mountains get higher, the views more spectacular. An hour into the journey you'll see Avalanche Glacier in the distance - hanging precariously on the side of a mountain. It regularly calves, meaning large chunks break off in a dramatic ballet of destruction into the valley below. Further up the river there's a dense native forest to explore by foot where you'll come to a secret waterfall - gushing through an ancient forest and down into a divinely clear pool.

A high country adventure playground

Located just a 40-minute drive from Wānaka or over an hour from Queenstown along the Crown Range Road, Cardrona’s Snow Farm is best-known as NZ's first dedicated cross-country ski area, with 55 kilometres of groomed and untouched backcountry trails winding around the Pisa Alpine Conservation Area. The self-propelling snow sport is just one of the activities on offer at the top of the 13km access road. In the colder months you can strap on oversized footwear for a scenic walk through snow, or push a high-performance sports car to the limit – on ice. There are tubes for kids, too. Read more

A bloomin'-good day out

Started by two brothers, Tim and Stef Zeestraten, the Wānaka Lavender Farm is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Wānaka and a nice break from the adrenaline-fuelled activities that the region is known for. Sit outside and enjoy a scoop of lavender and honey ice cream, get lost in the fields or play games on the lawn. This is the kind of space to actually relax while on holiday, and makes for a nice break on a busy South Island itinerary. Peak blooms are mid-summer if you're after those iconic lavender fields images. Read more

The exclusive ski area

Skiing at Soho Basin, the land directly behind the existing Cardrona Alpine Resort, is as good as it gets. The basin offers terrain for expert and advanced intermediate skiers. No more than 24 punters per day can currently buy themselves access to the 264 hectares of backcountry terrain and transport to the top of each run in a personal snowcat. There's no waiting for a chairlift. No was walking to find a summit. The experience includes a gourmet three-course lunch and wine from Amisfield Bistro in an alpine hut. Read more

The secret wildlife island

At the peak of Lake Wānaka’s most remote island is a magical sight: a secret lake, complete with its own island. Mou Waho Island is a predator-free sanctuary for the buff weka about 45 minutes’ boat ride from downtown Wānaka. You’re guaranteed to see a buff weka when on the island and guests of Eco Wānaka Adventures might even get to spot the island's other residents: mountain stone wētā in one of the purpose-built “wētā hotels” and the Southern Alps gecko. Read more

Aotearoa’s little slice of untouched wilderness

The tight descent into Siberia Valley is a "hope we make it” moment for first-timers in a small plane. The narrow valley is surrounded by Mt Dreadful and Mt Difficulty and the vast snow-covered landscape is nothing short of magnificent in fine weather. Southern Alps Air's Siberia Experience flies over several glaciated valleys, before a three-hour walk to a jet boat pickup point, where you're taken on a high-speed journey back to civilisation with Wilkin River Jets. This is the kind of trip foreigners come from around the world to experience. Read more

Fly your own plane

The best way to see the Southern Alps is on a scenic flight – its vast beauty can only be appreciated with height. U-Fly Wānaka offers trial flights where you take the controls, allowing you to pilot a plane into paradise. The shortest is a 20-minute flight encompassing Lake Wānaka, while the longest flight heads into Mt Aspiring National Park. You don't need any experience flying and you'll have an experienced instructor guiding you through everything. You're able to "take the controls as much or as little as you like." Read more

When snow turns to gravel

What do you get when you combine go-carts with the luge, and race down the side of a ski mountain? It's called Mountain Carting and might be the most fun you'll ever have. It is what happens at the top of Cardrona when the ski runs turn into gravel tracks. The buggies have three grunty offroad tyres and a low metal frame - there are no motors or pedals. The ‘Captain’s Run’ is the most panoramic of all the tracks and runs for more than two kilometres following the mountain-edge. Read more

An epic waterfall adventure

Wildwire Wānaka runs the world's highest waterfall cable climb, and best of all, you don't need any climbing experience. Thrill seekers ascend a "via ferrata” climbing system to enjoy magnificent views over Lake Wānaka, climb a waterfall, cross swing bridges and find secret pools. You have the choice of three climbs, the first and easiest is called "Go Wild". If you can climb up a ladder, and walk for two hours, you'll find this easy. You'll be ascending the first 150 metres of the lower waterfall and cross three suspension bridges. It's a three-hour experience with about an hour of climbing.

Wānaka best boutique shopping

The resort town comes with a somewhat laissez-faire vibe where everyone is welcome as they are (whether you are strolling to streets in a designer get up, or having coffee in your activewear and jandals, you can be sure you’ll fit right in). The town is home to many creative brains and wonderful businesses curating and making beautiful things. From tea houses stocked with lovely brews to recycling centres filled with pre-loved items and boutiques brimming with the best in New Zealand fashion, you'll have no trouble finding something to treasure. Read more

An alpine track for all seasons

The massive Rob Roy Glacier is locked in a rock-rimmed bowl below 2606m Rob Roy Peak named after Scottish hero Rob Roy McGregor. The hiking track winds its way up to a narrow gorge, over a swing bridge and along a well-formed track around the cliff faces, slips and boulders. From the lookout, the mesmerisingly-beautiful blue gleam of the ice is an impressive sight. Rob Roy is a track for all seasons, but autumn often offers perfect hiking conditions. It's also the time of year when the 60-minute drive from Wānaka is at its most breathtaking. Read more

The quiet alternative to Roy's Peak

At 16km return, the Isthmus and Roy’s Peak tracks are the same length, and both reward trampers for the hard yakka to reach their summits with spectacular views. But you might just be lucky enough to have the Isthmus Peak summit to yourself. The views from the track keep changing, across golden-grassed farmland to the snowy mountains reflected in Lake Hāwea’s steely blue surface. All that plus not just one but two mountain-ringed glacial lakes. Read more

Lake Hāwea's rugged backyard

Explore the remote landscapes of Lake Hāwea's Dingleburn Station with Mark Orbell's Ridgeline Adventures. Less than 40 minutes after leaving Wānaka's lakefront cafes, you'll be encircled by the region's most staggering scenery, navigating an improbably narrow gravel road in a 4WD Land Cruiser. Walk a spidery track high above the lake's eastern shore, descend through farmland to traverse a shaded forest, and follow the gentle flow of the Dingleburn River before settling down for a picnic. Read more

Award-winning drops

If you judge a tourist attraction by its views, then the Cardrona Distillery should shoot to the top of your bucket list. In 2013, Desire Reid turned bare land halfway between Queenstown and Wānaka into this purpose-built distillery that produces single malt whiskey, vodkas and liqueurs that quench the thirst of punters around the world. Take a guided tour of the production facility (including bespoke copper stills imported from Scotland), then take a seat either in the cosy tasting room or, if you’ve remembered to pack your woolies, at one of the tables dotted around the garden, and sample the award-winning drops.

New Zealand's coolest pizzeria

At the end of Highway 89 you'll find New Zealand's coolest pizza bar. It's covered in snow, nestled up in the mountains and has exceptional views. Captain's Pizzeria is perched on the side of Cardrona Alpine Resort so the only way to get there is by snowboarding or skiing down an intermediate level trail. To get to the pizzeria, you'll be taking the gondola to the top, but this time you'll be riding an intermediate trail. It has surely one of the best restaurant views in the world. Read more

Wine and culture

After working internationally for Les Mills World of Fitness, Joe Waide returned to New Zealand, and is embracing his Ngā Puhi heritage to provide Māori cultural tours under the banner WanaHaka. Factor in visiting interesting vineyards on two wheels, and an afternoon spent with Joe is a unique experience. On the 20km e-bike journey, take in the views at Rippon Vineyard, hear of Māori explorer Reko and the region's history, and sample Aitken's Folly's small-batch pinot noir and chardonnay. Read more

Three of Wānaka best restaurants

If all those gorgeous snowy mountain vistas have made you hungry, call in for tapas at Kika in Dunmore Street. The brainchild of award-winning chef James Stapley, this is where you go for such delights as tea-smoked duck waffles and beef tartare with confit egg yolk. Federal Diner is where the locals head for epic cheese or date scones. If you have time for only one meal in Wānaka, make it at Big Fig run by sisters Shaz and Chrissie Lahood. Their motto of ‘slow food served fast’ has earned them a legion of fans with offerings such as their take on a Turkish gozleme (fried pitta dough filled with harissa chicken). ​ Read more

Scone central

Forget your average cheesy or date scone sitting in a cabinet all day, Edgewater steps it up with eight varieties, all made to order, from buttermilk to date and orange blossom, ham and cheese, or house smoked salmon. It takes about 30 minutes to bake them so make sure you give yourself enough time when visiting. Instead of driving to the cafe, you can get there by walking along the beautiful Glendhu Bay track from town which curves along the lake. Sit outside on the sunny terrace and enjoy the scones with some afternoon tea. Read more

For a cold one

Wānaka punches well above its weight when it comes to craft beer. Rhyme & Reason is a small outfit in the backblocks of the town where you can work through 12 taps in the operational brewery. The brewery also allows visitors to bring their own food. Ground Up is a tasting room specialising in small-batch experimental beers, from mango lassi sours to hazy IPAs. B.social Taproom & Eatery pours sessionable drops from b.effect brewery in an outdoor beer garden, and Wanaka Beerworks is a micro brewery and shop home to Brewski and Jabberwocky labels.

Where conservation meets luxury

Situated 20 minutes from Wānaka, Mahu Whenua is a luxury homestead and eco-sanctuary that sits on 136,000 acres made up of four high country sheep stations between Wānaka and Queenstown. The landscape is impressive, the views unparalleled, the vibe is luxurious comfort. Everything is at your fingertips, including New Zealand's first private national park. One of the best features of being a guest at the luxury lodge is getting to have this enormous space at your disposal to explore. Read more

Secret star domes

In a quiet little corner of Lake Wānaka, Mt Gold Glamping is a luxury off-grid glamping escape, designed for marvelling at the Milky Way. The perfectly appointed little camp was established by Amy Northcott and her husband Mike in an effort to introduce more people to the outdoors. There are two star domes on the private farm. The bed is positioned under a section of transparent roof so you can watch nature's greatest light show unfold above you. Just below the tents is a gas fire, with seating and a hammock. Read more

A huddle of geodesic domes

Cross Hill Domes are the latest glamping offering at The Camp, adding luxury and indulgence to the classic Kiwi campground on the shore of Lake Hāwea. The domes blend heavy-duty construction with comfort and style. At the back is a five-star bathroom pod, a spacious dressing area and a chic wee kitchenette. Dome guests share the use of the rustic lodge which sports a roaring fire, kitchen, lounge and sun deck. Guests can also hang out in the lodge’s Whisky Room or pre-book a massage. Continental breakfast is included and a three-course dinner can be added when booking. Read more

Upmarket Mongolian-style yurts

Wānaka’s Oasis Yurt Lodge sits somewhere between a luxury nature experience and high-end camping. Six modern canvas yurts based on traditional Mongolian design surround a shared lodge, creating a community environment perfect for independent travellers who also enjoy spending time meeting their fellow adventurers or a group space for a corporate retreat, small wedding or get together with friends. It is well-placed as a base to explore Wānaka and its surrounds but is also a comfortable space to stay, relax and enjoy some time out. Read more

Stay where you play

The highest hotel in the country - Cardrona's Alpine Apartments - is a one-minute walk from the ski-lifts of Cardrona Alpine Resort. There are 15 on-mountain apartments, some of which have been revamped in a super-chic alpine style, with beds set against windows overlooking the mountains below. The on-mountain Mezz Café is open every night until 6pm, and the apartments are equipped for self-catering in the evenings.

For lakeside camping

Situated in a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wānaka, Glendhu Bay Motor Camp offers up a taste of classic old school Kiwi camping (clock the adorably retro Kitchen Cabin’s formica chair and table set) alongside its breathtaking lake views. A wood-fire barbecue area, boat ramp and hireable hot tub add just the right amount of bells and whistles.

For more information visit lakewanaka.co.nz