Guide to Wanaka
Wanaka is the place to stay if you are set on enjoying Treble Cone's long runs to the max. An easy 30 minute drive from the ski area with a winning mix of stunning setting, apres-ski nightlife and memorable activities, Wanaka is the sort of place people fall in love with.
Set on the shores of the alpine lake it takes its name from, Wanaka is the perfect base for some Southern Lakes skiing. Gear up for the hill in the many specialist shops. Unwind with stories of the days thrills and spills at any number of welcoming bars and restaurants. Take a break from skiing and riding: Wanaka's activities range from a leisurely stroll to total outdoor adventure provided by a number of highly rated tour operators.
Best Bits about Wanaka:
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Breath taking views from the lakefront of Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps
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Plenty of personal space
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Step out of the tourist traffic
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Enjoying an apres ski beer overlooking the lake in the afternoon sun
Wanaka Activities
Maybe you fancy skydiving from 15,000 ft? ... An active day out in Wanaka is life on a grand scale! For a more relaxed approach, take an eco tour on the lake or spend an afternoon at the Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum out at the airport, which caters to kids of all ages.
You'll also find the Fighter Pilot Museum at the airport. The base for many scenic flights you can also become the pilot with U-Fly . And on the way you could spend some time at the quirky and iconic Puzzling World, but give yourself plenty of time to find your way out of its elaborate maze. Fabulous lake fishing is available all year round with EcoWanaka and Lakeland Adventures, two operators who can provide you with local knowledge and a safe, enjoyable outing. The Clutha and Hawea Rivers and part of the Matukituki Rivers are open all year round.
Wanaka Golf Club is located on the hill above town less than ten minutes easy walk from the lake and offers spectacular views of the lake and mountains. The 18 hole course is suitable for golfers of all abilities, and green fee players are welcome at all times. But bookings are advisable. The Pro Shop has a good range of equipment for hire including motorized golf carts and there is a very comfortable clubhouse with full bar facilities and cafeteria.
There are a huge number of walking and cycling trails around Wanaka or within a short drive of town. The Department of Conservation office is only a few minutes walk from Wanaka with very knowledgeable staff can advise you on track conditions and weather forecasts.
Brett Pihama and his team will take you Jet boating up the Matukituki river, view the glaciers tumbling into the native bush below the shoulders of Mt Aspirings' foothills. Walk the trails of New Zealand's first inhabitants and listen for the avian chorus that is slowly returning to parts of these areas.
As a special treat look up Wanaka Flight seeing and Aspiring Air and make use of winters still conditions for an unforgettable flight up to Mt Aspiring, along the Main Divide over to Milford Sound.
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