Winter in Wanaka  
by Victoria Warman

The snow is on the mountains, the air is crisp and Lake Wanaka is bustling with skiers and snowboarders who have come to enjoy the area’s four very different ski areas. 

Thirty minutes from Lake Wanaka and less than one hour from Queenstown Airport is Cardrona Alpine Resort, one of the few New Zealand ski areas with on-mountain accommodation. Known for its excellent children’s facilities, wide ranging terrain, serious half pipes and New Zealand’s biggest terrain park, Cardrona is a favourite with snowboarders, families and extreme skiers.

Across the valley from Cardrona is New Zealand’s only Nordic ski area - the Snow Farm. A favourite with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark, cross-country skiing and skating is rapidly gaining popularity.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wanaka is Treble Cone, covering 550 hectares, and the South Island’s largest ski area. Treble Cone’s varied terrain and stunning views make for some of the most exhilarating runs in New Zealand.

But it’s not all about the mountains in Lake Wanaka. Winter brings beautiful clear, sunny days ideal for walking in Mount Aspiring National Park. The views of the snow-capped mountains, bright against the deep blue sky are spectacular. Closer to home, tracks around the lake a popular as are cruises out to Moa Wahu Island or Stephenson’s Arm, you may even get lucky and catch a fish for dinner.

View from Treble Cone

A day out to Wanaka Airport to visit the museums and brewery is fun for all the family and across the road is Have a Shot for those keen to work on their target practice. Further down the road and you reach the vineyards of Bannockburn within an easy 45-minute drive. Although the vines are bare, the restaurants are a great place to head for lunch and enjoy a few tastings of award-winning local wines.

If you head up the Cardrona Valley then you could try BaseCamp Wanaka indoor climging venue or Cardrona Adventure Park is a great place to enjoy some fun filled action. For a more sedate pace try horse back riding.

Have a Shot - Mini Golf

Finish off the day with a luxurious soak in the new Oakridge Spa Pools followed by a delicious meal in the restaurant or at any of the other restaurants in town – there are over 30 to choose from ranging from Thai to Indian, Japanese to European and everything in-between.

Mull over the next day’s activities with a cup of locally roasted coffee – skiing, walking, mountain biking, shopping, spa treatments, relaxing – it’s good be in Lake Wanaka in winter.

Oakridge Pool & Spas