Featured Activities
A day carving powder is best followed by proper sustenance.
Whether you’ve had a big day skiing or you are looking for a post-mountain activity, look no further than the Cardrona Distillery. Tucked into the Cardrona Valley, a fellow neighbour to Cardrona Alpine Resort, stands a quaint family-owned artisan distillery. Inside the schist and stone building, is where the passionate team handcrafts Single Malt Whisky, Gin, Vodka and Liqueurs – all made with pure Alpine water sourced from the heart of Mount Cardrona. If you are fascinated by the process, you can jump on an insightful 75-minute Classic tour from 10am to 3pm every day of the week. And if you are looking for a more exclusive experience then opt for the a 3-hour Family Reserve tour, offering an in-depth nosing and tasting session.
When it comes to craft breweries in Wānaka, it’s all about what kind of vibe you’re after.
For a relaxed, industrial atmosphere, check out Rhyme & Reason. Stills, mash tuns and a whole line-up of brewing silverware make up the backdrop of the garage space. Set up shop at one of the family-style long tables, listen to live music and wait for your next turn of giant Jenga. Brewery tours are available on request and give insight into the brewing process and future brews. A tasting paddle is the way to go for the indecisive, offering four fresh tap beers of your choice.
You may already be familiar with family-owned wine company, Maude — the vineyard has been operating out of the neighbouring Maungawera Valley for over two decades. Now, the vineyard boasts a second-generation medley of wines and its own cellar door in Wānaka so you can sample the goods, all at once. The Maude Wines Tasting Room can be found inside sister restaurant, Bistro Gentil. The new service takes the standing work out of the wine tasting experience — unless you’d like it — with the ability to bring the entire Maude line-up and your own seasoned tasting guide table-side.
Either way, you’ll likely want to turn that tasting session into dinner and a bottle. You’re in luck. The bistro is something straight from the European countryside. It’s led by chef Mario Rodrigues and offers modern French cuisine using produce from the establishment’s garden and Central Otago.
Maybe you want to be amongst all the hustle and bustle of downtown Wānaka for your après. A simple walk down Ardmore Street in your ski boots will reveal an abundance of après hotspots, each with their own unique character.
First off, you’ll probably notice Kai Whakapai Cafe and Bar. The outdoor seating is almost always full on a busy day and the occasional live musician will occupy the courtyard at the front of the bar. A friendly staff member will greet you and will gladly oblige as you sample brews from their rotating taps.
We can’t talk après eats without mentioning a local favourite; food trucks. No one really knows when the food trucks in Wānaka decided to pull up their handbrakes on Brownston Street. Regardless, there’s something for every appetite in the re-imagined food truck market. The hardest part is deciding what to order. There’s Burrito Craft which offers inventive Mexican food, including loaded tacos and hunger-busting burritos which come packed to the seams. Or try Firebird for incredible fried chicken and spicy seasoned hot chips.
