The World Heli Challenge is one of the most remarkable free ski and freeride events on the international event calendar. Next on 30th July - 9th August
The name Wanaka has been interpreted as the southern version of "wananga" which refers to ancient Maori schools of learning. In these schools tohunga (men of learning) would be taught whakapapa (genealogies) which stretched back to over a hundred generations which they would be required to commit to memory.
Today Wanaka is still "a place learning" with schools for language, flight training, ski and snowboard instructing, outdoor pursuits and the arts.
Lake Wanaka offers a world class English language education system and we welcome students from other countries. There is a great cultural diversity and a marked degree of social stability. The landscape and natural heritage are some of the most beautiful anywhere.
Lake Wanaka offers some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand with very stable weather conditions, ideal for training. Close to Queenstown, Milford Sound and Fiordland the environment enables students to learn in a variety of conditions and terrain.
