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Tease your mind in world of conundrums that is Puzzling World. From the Hologram Room, the Tilted House, the Hall of Following Faces to the Ames Room - there is something unreal about them all. Even the toilets are worth a visit!! |
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Meander along one of our tracks in an avenue of gold. For a couple of weeks during autumn, Lake Wanaka is a breathtaking site as the poplars and willows shed their leaves in a riot of gold, red and orange. Sometimes the simplest pleasures in life are the most memorable.
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A winding path through native silver beech forest leads to a swing bridge strung high above the Makarora River with stunning views back to the mountains of the Main Divide. Carry on deep into the forest with the sounds of bellbirds and tuis echoing through the trees to discover crystal clear pools of deep azure blue, carved out of the rock by centuries of erosion. The glacier-fed water is so clear that, despite the pools being several metres deep, you can see right to the bottom and watch as the resident trout cruise through their spectacular habitat. |
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Mount Aspiring National Park, just a short drive from Wanaka, has some of New Zealand’s most scenic walks.
From Wanaka, the drive up the Matukituki Valley towards the park offers tantalising glimpses of the high peaks and glaciers. Treble Cone Ski Area is passed on the left and, further up the valley, remnant wetlands on either side of the road are home to a number of New Zealand’s wading birds. |
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Lake Wanaka’s world class ski resorts boast an unrivalled diversity of terrain coupled with spectacular scenery for the ultimate winter holiday destination.
Four international ski areas provide excellent skiing and snowboarding for every age and ability. Cardrona Alpine Resort is renowned for its family facilities as well as its pipes and terrain parks. Treble Cone boasts the largest skiable area in the South Island while Snow Park is a freestyler’s paradise, New Zealand’s only dedicated freestyle resort. Next door, the Snow Farm is home to some world-class cross-country skiing with plentiful tracks high on the Pisa Range.
The Southern Alps that surround Wanaka are also renowned for heliskiing and heliboarding. From the Mt Aspiring region to Mt Cook, the largest helisking area outside of North America with pristine snow waiting to be accessed by local heli-ski operators. |
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Wanaka is the perfect place to take to the air and view the spectacular scenery. Whether its a from a plane, a helicopter, a pit special, a tiger moth or tandem freefalling - the scenery is amazing.
Many people also fly to Milford Sound from Wanaka and save themselves time while getting one of the most stunning scenic flights anywhere in New Zealand.
If you'd like to try your hand at flying then Wanaka offers you the choice of fixed wing or helicopter. |
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Whether it's taking a leisurely cycle along one of the lakeside tracks or hitting the single tracks in Sticky Forest - there is something for everyone on two wheels in Wanaka |
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Walk around the lake and visit Rippon Vineyard for a wine tasting. You can also take a picnic too and sit outside admiring the stunning view. They also hold great events such as the Rippon Music Festival and Sculpture in Central Otago.
Or take a wine tour and visit some of the many vineyards in Central Otago and sample some award winning wines.
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Challenge your body and mind with only a thin rope between you and the ground 20 metres away. The adrenaline goes into overdrive; the rush is extreme and the sense of achievement, huge. Lake Wanaka has one of the largest rock climbing areas in New Zealand to test your head for heights and discover just how steel-like those nerves are as well as take you off the beaten track to enjoy some of the region’s most spectacular scenery. |
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Lake Wanaka has been voted in the top ten most romantic places in the world so what nicer place could you choose for your wedding.
Wanaka has a talented group of professionals who know how to put on a great wedding in their beautiful region. |
www.alpineimages.co.nz |
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The Lake Wanaka region offers an impressive array of angling opportunities to the visiting fisherman.
Set in truly magnificent scenery, the area boasts three major lakes, a host of small still waters and a number of quality streams and rivers, from small intimate snow fed streams to the mighty Clutha River - New Zealand's largest.
Try your hand at catching one of the rainbow or brown trout in the rivers or a salmon from the lake. |
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Experience the braided and ever-changing rivers and the thrills of jet boating. Fed by glaciers and surrounded by the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park, the Matukituki and Wilkin Rivers are one of New Zealands most pristine jet boating rivers. |
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See some of the world’s top ironman athletes as they take on one of most scenic ironman distance triathlons in the world, Challenge Wanaka. Thousands of spectators line the route cheering on the hundreds of athletes as they take on the gruelling 226km course which features a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run. The finish line is in the heart of the Lake Wanaka township and in true ‘Challenge’ style, there’s a fun finish line party with fireworks to welcome the athletes home into the night. |
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Imagine a vista so beautiful it takes your breath away – a glacier hanging high above a flowering alpine meadow with waterfalls and icefalls cascading down to the valley below while above the soaring peak of Rob Roy rises high into the deep blue sky. Usually the privilege of those prepared to trek for days into remote mountainous regions, the Rob Roy Glacier walk is just one hour’s drive from Lake Wanaka and a two-hour walk through the foothills of the Southern Alps. |
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In 1945 New Zealand had a population of less than 1.5 million. During World War II this small country provided (on a per capita basis) the largest number of aircrew (57,000) and the largest number of fighter aces (94) of any country in the world. It is a sad fact, also, that they contributed the largest number of aircrew killed on a per capita basis.
Discover the daring exploits of these brave young men and learn more about the aircraft they flew. Immerse yourself in an age gone by as you come face-to-face, through photographs and personal stories, with New Zealand’s fighter aces. |
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A century ago it was home to thousands of gold prospectors, lured by the glitter of gold. The township of Cardrona began in 1865, when hundreds of settlers came to the Cardrona Valley, eager to stake their claim. Within three years there were four hotels, three European stores, four Chinese stores, four butcheries, one blacksmith and a baker.
Today’s travellers can still enjoy refreshments at the hotel before heading off for a horse trek on Appaloosa horses outfitted in Western saddles or one of several activities available for the whole family at Cardrona Adventure Park. |
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Visit the lake within a lake and meet the rare Buff Weka along with a host of native New Zealand wildlife on Mou Waho Island.
A track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native and exotic bush up Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top lies Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it. From the top is a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and Arethusa Pool below.
The weka were re-introduced to Lake Wanaka’s islands by a DOC breeding initiative and share Mou Waho with the native falcon, wood pigeons, bellbirds, gekos and even rainbow trout in Arethusa Pool. |
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Celebrate the arts against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Wanaka in autumn. With inspiring performances of theatre, dance, music and cuisine from local, national and international acts, the Festival of Colour also showcases the work of some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent writers, artists and photographers.
Throughout the Festival the theme of colour and environment prevails in the visual arts and literary programmes, making the most of the surrounding vibrant colours and dramatic landscape. This includes a natural history film festival, bringing the environment to the big screen as seen through the eyes of some of world’s top filmmakers. |
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Experience the most spectacular warbirds airshow in the Southern Hemisphere. For three days over Easter, Lake Wanaka becomes centre-stage for an extravaganza of aerial action featuring some of the most famous warbirds in the world joining forces with the classic aircraft of yesteryear and the modern jets of today. On the ground, a variety of military vehicles, vintage machinery and vehicles add to the experience.
Now acclaimed as the largest warbird airshow in the southern hemisphere, this is the one event of 2008 not to be missed. |
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Enjoy a coffee from one of the cafes in town while enjoying the views and taking in the local scenes.
Why not have a delicious hot chocolate made from scratch at Jumping Tangents - Little Brown House. They are truly to die for!
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What a fabulous experience!! Quirkily cool cinema where you order your meal (pastas, hearty salads, trendy wraps, good pizzas), and have it before or after the movie, or during the good old-fashioned intermission.
Old movie posters line the walls and benches in the cafe/bar whilst inside the screening hall you lounge in worn leather armchairs, shabbily plush sofas or even a convertible morris minor!
They'll make you a fresh batch of their stunningly good dark choc chip cookies to have with your steaming mug of tea whilst you put your feet up on the sofa. Alternatively the chilled whites wash the popcorn down well too.
The BEST date night! |
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Grab the kids an ice cream and go down to the edge of the jetty by the Information Centre and feed the eels and trout. They are huge as they are protected – kids love doing this.
Visit the playground and enjoy a spin on the rides or a slide down the dinosaur at the park by the lake!
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- Lake Outlet Walk
This gentle track follows the Clutha River from the Lake Wanaka outlet to Albert Town. Popular with mountain bikers and walkers, it offers spectacular riverside views as well as access to some of the area’s best fly fishing 1km downstream from the outlet. Outlet to Albert Town: 1 hour.
- Mt Roy Walk
The 360° panoramic view from the top of this mountain is magnificent. The track starts 6km from Wanaka on the Mt Aspiring Road. There is little shade so a sunhat and water are essential in summer. Please leave all farm gates as you find them. The track is closed from 1 October to 10 November for lambing. Round trip: 6-7 hours.
- Diamond Lake Walk
This loop track leads to the summit of Rocky Hill with superb views over the glacier-carved landforms. It starts 20 minutes drive from Wanaka on the Mt Aspiring Road and skirts the lake before climbing steadily to the summit. Please leave all gates as you find them. Round trip: 3 hours.
- Mt Iron Track
Mount Iron is an impressive rocky hill carved by glaciers. The summit offers panoramic views of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. The track begins 2km from Wanaka on SH84 and climbs through kanuka woodland to the summit. A route down the steep eastern face forms a loop back to the car park. Round trip: 1.5 hours.
- Minaret Burn Track
12 km from Wanaka Township signposted off Mt Aspiring Road on to West Wanaka Road. Track begins from carpark. This track is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. The first section of the track undulates above Lake Wanaka before a 4WD track leads to Colquhuons Beach. Enjoy the spectacular lake and alpine scenery from this pleasant picnic and swimming spot.
- Reko's Point Conservation Area
A track for walkers, mountain bikers and fishermen. From Stevensons Road the track follows the true right riverbank of the Clutha River / Mata-Au passing a pleasant picnic area before rising onto the terrace for a wonderful view of the river. This track forms part of the Clutha Mata-Au River pathway proposal that intends eventually to provide a public walkway from Lake Wanaka Outlet to Balclutha. |
Rocky Mountain - Diamond Lake
Minaret Burn Track
Mt Roy
Rob Roy Glacier
Mt Iron Track |
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Challenge Wanaka
Rippon Festival
Contact Epic
Warbirds Over Wanaka
Burton NZ Open |
