Nestled at the base of the Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Wanaka provide a picturesque frame to the settlement of Wanaka itself. Wanaka has all the beauty of its next door neighbour Queenstown, but at a more sedate pace. This beautiful township combines a mixture of adventure and relaxation all in the one destination. It is also a common base in which to ski or snowboard at the popular ski resorts of Treble Cone or Cardrona. Under the imposing Mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park the region is a haven for tramping, heli skiing, horse trekking, fishing and even panning for gold. Wanaka’s airport is the centre point for all things aerial. The New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum provides a rare insight into the pilots and ground crew who fought in the two World Wars. Exhibits include Tiger Moths and Spitfires and the interactive stories screens take you right back to the era these amazing planes ruled the skies. Scenic and tandem sky diving flights depart at regular intervals and if you are an aircraft fanatic, tie your holiday in with “War birds over Wanaka”, held every 2 years – the next one is 2010. While you are there check out the Wanaka Toy and Transport Museum, the boutique brewery of Wanaka Beer works, and visit “Have a Shot” - incorporating a golf range, clay bird and small bore range.

Cruises and boat activities abound around the lake. Lake Wanaka is a playground for sailors, water skiers, windsurfers and kayakers and there are many specialised trips on offer as well as hire boats from the town’s shoreline. Guided Trout Fishing tours will take you fly fishing on the lakes, rivers and streams in the area. For those with an adventurous spirit, the adrenalin rush of Canyoning and Rock Climbing is waiting at your doorstep. At Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World you can get lost in the great maze, visit the tilted house, marvel at the hologram room with the hall of following faces and enjoy the view from the Roman toilets.

The main town of Wanaka is full of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. For something a bit different take in a film at the quirky Paradiso Cinema. Relax in the old armchairs and old sofas for the show and visit the Cafe Paridiso for homemade icecream, coffee or a glass of wine during the interval. There is an abundance of good places to eat from the Doughbin- a 24 hr home-style bakery - to a fine dining experience in front of a roasting open fire.

There are many great walks in Wanaka from a one hour stroll to a four hour hike. Walk the 35 minute Waterfall Creek Track from the Wanaka lakefront to the Rippon Vineyard for a spectacular picnic spot and a bottle of local wine. This track and many others are open to bikers as well.

For such a small place, Wanaka offers a great range of accommodation from B&B Home stays to luxurious lodges and motels. The peak times of the year are January and August when it is advisable to book well ahead. Wanaka retains the feel of a village, while offering the traveller a vast range of experiences. Its beauty and magnificent backdrop of colour, regardless of season make Wanaka an excellent place to unwind, eat well and explore.

Wanaka