Once upon a time there was a small, rural town, a home to long-time locals and a service stop for the high country stations all around. This southern haven became a bolthole for lovers of the outdoors as word spread of the treasure troves of adventuring to be found just a hacky-sack’s kick away and the tight-knit community of like-minded mountaineers, climbers and good-timers who were making Wānaka their home.
Locals from this era talk mistily of the good old days, when Barrows (the local pub) was the town’s hot-spot where shepherds rubbed shoulders with tradies, snow-bunnies swapped stories with dyed-in-the-wool locals and where everyone knew your name, and your etched beer glass awaited your arrival.
The town is now larger and interests more diverse but the inclusive culture and community remains. The next generation of adventurers continues to flock to the region, eager to access the alpine playground on Wānaka’s doorstep.
