3 days | 31km
Route: Wanaka local - Cardrona
Highlights: Fishing, swimming, Puzzling World, Basecamp, kayak, SUP
Best time of year: All year
Day 1 Wanaka
Bike 1 Hr | 1km
Bike or walk, everything is right here in the heart of Wanaka and getting around won’t be a problem. Take the kids to Lismore Jump Park to practise their biking techniques – you don’t have to be a daredevil to find a track they can master, then it’ll be time to hit town for a well-earned ice cream by the lake.
In the afternoon, just hang out at the lakefront and enjoy all the activities on offer. Hire a paddle boat, a kayak or a SUP and get out on the water, or just sit back and watch the kids swim out to the pontoon or do bombs off the wharf. The Dinosaur Park is always a hit, as is feeding the trout and eels – but watch out the ducks don’t steal all your bread!
Finish the day by watching a movie at Cinema Paradiso, complete with comfy couches, an old Morris Minor and intermission. The home-made ice cream and hot cookies are world famous!
Things to see and do:
Day 2 Wanaka
Walk 2 Hrs | 7km
Start the day with a walk up Mt Iron before it gets too hot – the panoramic views around the Upper Clutha Basin are well worth the effort. Once you’re back at the bottom, then it’s time for some fun and games at Puzzling World – just make sure you allow plenty of time. There’s heaps to do and it will take longer than you think, but don’t worry they have a great café and some very unusual toilets.
After lunch head out on the lake for a spot of fishing, the little kids (and some of the big ones) too will love it. You’ll get two for the price of one here – a boat cruise and some fishing and even better still, they’ll put the fish straight on the BBQ and lunch is sorted as well.
If you don’t like water, then there’s always the Transport & Toy Museum out at the airport. This place will blow you away, it has one of the largest private collections of vehicles and toys in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has an amazing toy shop, so while the kids are busy, you’ll have time to do a bit of sneaky shopping and stock up for those special occasions.
Things to see and do:
Day 3 Wanaka
Drive 17 mins | 24km
Explore a unique slice of the high country up the Cardrona Valley on a horse trek. See some of the history of the area and ride through a working sheep station and then stop off at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a hot chocolate, coffee, beer or wine. If you ride around Rippon Vineyard then your ride will finish near the tasting room and it would be rude not to try at least one glass of the local wine.
In the afternoon chill out at the local pool or if they’re still feeling frisky, a trip to Basecamp climbing wall should sort that out!
Things to do:
