Wanaka, New Zealand 2022

The city also hosts Warbirds Over Wanaka, the largest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the years, the majestic lake has become a popular spot for nature lovers and adventurous travellers from all corners of the globe. Famously known as the surrounding setting for ‘Laketown’ in ‘The Hobbit’ movie series, Lake Pukaki is another long large jewel in the Mackenzie Basin.

• The Wanaka Jet boat experience departs directly from Wanaka lakefront and brings you across the lake taking in the scenery there and into the Clutha River .
• Enjoy the unique history of the island, which dates back to Prohibition.
• This hotel is centrally located in Wanaka and has a great reputation.
• Lakes District Council is hesitant to put up fencing, fearing it might detract from the surrounding natural beauty.
• Our editors will review the submissions and decide if it should be revised.
• You’ll travel by van to Lake Hawea, where you’ll get off and start your return journey.

Another popular spot for snowboarders and skiers is Lake Ohau. It is located directly beneath Ohau ski area and is approximately four hours drive south from Christchurch and two hours north from Queenstown. It offers amazing mirror images, views across Aoraki/Mt Cook and beech forest hikes. Access tracks at the lake’s edge provide challenging 4×4 driving routes and access to beautiful hiking trails and backcountry huts. Our ‘Manuka’ trip stays at Lake Ohau Lodge on the shores of the lake.

Current Use And Tourism

This may be disappointing for skiers who have previously skied in Canada, the USA, and parts of Europe. Did you know that Cardrona Ski Resort is home to the most skiers in New Zealand? Cardrona is ideal for beginners with its wide and open terrain, but it’s also popular with intermediate skiers and the more advanced. #ThatWanakaTree is a tree so well-known that it has its own hashtag.

The cause of some controversy locally, it is believed the first bras appeared on the fence here in late 1998. Today, Cardrona’s bra population has risen to thousands. The donation box at the site has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. The stop has become so popular with tourists that the town of Cardrona has earned the cheeky nickname ‘Bradrona’. The Wanaka Tree can be found just a short distance from Wanaka Town Center along the lakefront to Roy’s Bay.

Summers are hot and dry – perfect for water-sports, hiking and biking. Winters are crisp and cool with four different ski areas that offer great options for snowboarders and skiers. Spring is the ideal time to get out and explore the lakeside tracks and trails, and the vibrant colours of autumn are perfect for photography. Wanaka, a South Island town, appeals to both adventure-lovers and relaxation-minded travellers.

Puzzling World is a Wanaka landmark that has been around for more than 40 years. It offers enough activities to last half an entire day. The Wanaka Jet boat experience departs directly from Wanaka lakefront and brings you across the there and into the Clutha River . It’s here at the Clutha River that your driver will really push the boat to its limits with 180-degree and 360-degree turns. FYI: The main difference between investing in helicopter flight and fixed wing flight is the helicopter can land in remote areas and fly closer towards the mountains. Wanaka Beerworks located at 891 Wanaka-Luggate Highway is home to the super-popular Brewski and Jabberwocky beers.

Places Near Lake Wanaka

The lake is now a popular resort, and is much used in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming. The nearby mountains and fast-flowing rivers support adventure tourism year-round. It only takes about an hour or so of walking to reach and it’s a great place to stop for morning tea. Whilst enjoying a hot beverage, you can also take in a perfect view of the lake. Although I didn’t want to hike today it was actually really enjoyable.