Wanaka

Designated as New Zealand’s first ‘Lifestyle Reserve’, Wanaka seeks to preserve the spectacular natural scenery that surrounds the town, along with the genuine sense of community, of which the region has an abundance. In much the same way that wildlife reserves and national parks have become holiday destinations, the concept of a lifestyle reserve acts as a drawcard for those wanting to experience the ultimate New Zealand alpine lifestyle.

A small, friendly mountain town, Wanaka sits on the shore of a crystal-clear lake, and at the foot of the Southern Alps. Easily accessible ski fields in the winter and mountain-bike and hiking trails in the summer, means Wanaka is always buzzing with adventure seekers. The town is also the gateway to the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park, a collection of high mountain peaks, verdant forests and plunging waterfalls.

Wanaka also offers some less-energetic pursuits. Seek out the Rippon Vineyard for a cool-climate Pinot Noir, or drop into the Wanaka Beerworks for a refreshing Brewski or Cardrona Gold. Stuart Landborough’s Puzzling World is a unique attraction full of optical illusions, eccentric architecture and a Roman-style toilet (no stalls here!).

Skiing

Treble Cone offers a real New Zealand mountain experience to all snow lovers. For those new to snow sports, Treble Cone has a FREE beginner surface lift and un-crowded slope, located alongside the comforts of the Base Lodge and Cafe. For the more adventurous, the far-reaching boundaries offer some of the best free riding terrain in New Zealand, plentiful with natural gullies, wide faces and legendary powder.

Martyn Williams

From the Air

Wanaka can provide you with high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops and an appealing mix of fine living, family fun and adventure, but it's obvious that the Wanaka district is nicely obsessed with aviation.

At the airport you can arrange to go flight-seeing or sky-diving, and every two years the town hosts a spectacular airshow, Warbirds over Wanaka, revolving around classic military aircraft. Classed as one of the best warbird shows in the world, it features historic aircraft, RNZAF jets, aerobatic formations and helicopters.

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Family Fun

Named as one of the ‘World’s 25 Best Ski Towns’, Wanaka’s reputation as a classic ski town is growing, making it a great base for your family snow holiday. Wanaka may seem like Queenstown’s younger sibling, but what it lacks in size, it easily makes up for in style. Once you’re there, you’ll appreciate its quieter tone and relaxed pace, but you won’t be disappointed by the ease of access and range of family activities, both on and off the snow.