Wanaka Stories

Discover Wanaka through stories by locals and travellers

See & Do Winter 2017 in Wanaka From awe-inspiring views to friendly locals, two amazing ski resorts, New Zealand’s only cross country ski area and phenomenal heli-skiing, Wanaka really does have it all.What sets Wanaka apart though...

See & Do Tips for the best family ski holiday in Wanaka There’s nothing better than a family ski holiday, seeing the kids take their first turns and experience the magic of snow is priceless. If you haven’t done it before, a holiday...

People Autumn - the best season for photography Australian based photographer and the man behind Livefolk, Fabio Oliveria visited Wanaka during autumn. With camera in hand and an action-packed itinerary here's his story.    Read story

Real Weddings Estelle and Stas The intimate autumn wedding that went from one perfect location to the next... Read story

Eat & Drink The Gin Man Even if you are a gin sceptic, 'The Source' will change your mind. This complex spirit is bold, enjoyable and always surprising.

Eat & Drink The Chef Swapping formal chefs' whites for a white tee Leungo Lippe is the man behind the boutique take out Boaboa.

Eat & Drink The Wine Maker There’s wine... and then there’s wine that makes you wonder who made it, where it’s from and the story behind it.

See & Do Camping never looked so good Of Two Lands are a fabulous couple one half French, the other Australian who can often been found wandering with camera in hand... 

Eat & Drink The Barista You know that one barista who elevates the morning coffee ritual to the next level – well Rob is just that.

People Why Wanaka is a haven Tim Pierce is one half of the innovative and successful production company Two Bearded Men based in Wanaka. Tim shares why Wanaka is his haven.

See & Do Top Twins at the show! The Wanaka A&P Show celebrates 80 years!

Eat & Drink Archangel vineyard - A labour of love Archangel vineyard is a labour of love – a legacy of new hopes and dreams and part of a continuing story that began in 1940. Filled with unbelievable tales of journey,...

Real Weddings Gemma and Richie McCaw's Wanaka Wedding By now you know Richie and Gemma are big fans of Wanaka and decided to marry here this January.

People Seven months in Wanaka look like... Top Wanaka highlights by @lebackpacker - Johan Lolos is a Belgian-born self-taught travel/adventure photographer who likes to call himself a world explorer with a passion for the outdoors and the wilderness.

Real Weddings Loz and Scotty What a way to celebrate the New Years! This wedding really blew all the other parties out of the water.

People What keeps one of our favourite photographers coming back? The talented Mark Clinton is one of our all-time favourite photographers. He spends almost as much time here in Wanaka as he does in his home town of Sydney.

See & Do How to celebrate the New Year in Wanaka 2016 has absolutely flown by and its already time to start planning your summer holidays.Here’s a quick guide to some amazing events.

See & Do Discovering the magical Mou Waho Island 'Queenstown Life' visits Mou Waho - here's their story when they came to visit.

Real Weddings Pete and Nadia Like little wedding cake toppers, Pete & Nadia almost steal the spotlight from the grand backdrops in Wanaka

Adventure 5 Great Day Walks in Mt Aspiring National Park Mount Aspiring National Park is part of a World Heritage Area, and it's big! Explore it easily with these top 5 day walks 

Eat & Drink The Best Bars Are Always Hidden A parking lot, up some stairs - Lalaland is worth the search

People Why Wanaka might just be the best place in the world! Citizens Of The World - An online travel, fashion & design website - Share 6 reasons why Wanaka might just be the best place in the world! 

Adventure Speed boats & stunning landscape @Lebackpacker explores the Matukituki River in Mt Aspiring National Park with Wanaka River Journeys

Eat & Drink Wanaka Farmers Markets For a little town with a relatively small farmers market we have more than our fair share of artisan producers (which makes us very happy!). Here's 5 tips to help you...