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Official Visitor Guide 2019/2020

www.wanaka.co.nz

7:10pm Rippon

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IT BEGINS WITH THE LANDSCAPE...

SCAN TO SEE WANAKA or go to video-wanaka.nz

36.55am Roys Peak

SCAN TO SEE WANAKA or go to video-wanaka.nz

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Located in the stunning alps of the South Island, New Zealand, visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding beauty.

Unique and captivating at the same time, it inspires you to discover and gives you the freedom to explore.

Kia Ora & Welcome to Wanaka

Wanaka’s mountain and lakeside setting and proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, make it the ultimate base for outdoor activities. Discover pristine rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, native forests and mountains.

For the adventure seekers’ there’s canyoning, skydiving, via ferrata, off road tours and airborne adventures.

But it’s not just the outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish shops and be spoilt for choice with a great selection of cool cafes and restaurants.

Sitting on the 45th parallel, Wanaka has four distinct seasons - hot dry summers, cool autumns, lush springs and crisp winters, making it a year-round destination.

Summer is perfect for jet-boating, kayaking, and swimming and in winter the snow-covered mountains draw skiers and snowboarders from around the globe to four world-class ski fields. Spring is the time to get out and explore the tracks and trails, while autumn is renowned for being the most colourful of the seasons.

DID YOU KNOW… Wanaka is one of the few areas in New Zealand to enjoy a semi-continental climate, with four distinct seasons.

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THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE WANAKA

To make the most of your time in Wanaka:

Talk to the experts at the Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Centre or visit www.wanaka.co.nz

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Landscape & Nature 14

Adventure 16

Attractions 18

Skiing & Snowboarding 20

Walking & Hiking 22

Mountain Biking & Road Cycling 24

Family Friendly 26

Food & Drink 28

Events 30

Activities & Attractions 33

Accommodation 53

Food & Drink 60

Shops & Services 67

Contents

Tiaki PromiseNew Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.

The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.

By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

Nau Mai, Haere Mai Ki Aotearoa, Welcome to New Zealand.

While travelling in New Zealand I will:

• Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace

• Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all

• Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind

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Wanaka

Infused with small town charm - the stunning lakeside town of Wanaka is surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps. Visitors are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding beauty.

Matukituki Valley

The starting point of many popular walks and hikes, notably the Rob Roy Glacier, as well as jet boat and helicopter adventures.

Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea is an outdoor adventurers’ paradise and is a great place to bike, boat, swim, fish, kayak, kite surf, paddle board, walk or just laze about on the peaceful beach and soak up the incredible views.

Makarora

Mt Aspiring National Park is easily accessible from Makarora by helicopter, plane, jet-boat or on foot, where you can explore some of the most beautiful terrain in the South Island.

Luggate & Wanaka Airport

Wanaka Airport is a day trip destination in a class of its own, with a multitude of airborne and attractions to visit. Be sure to check out the historic Luggate Hotel afterwards.

Cardrona

Cardrona is famous for its historic hotel, world-class ski fields and the bra fence! You can also experience horse trekking, quad biking and now whisky tasting.

Explore the Region

Visit to18 20

Visit to23 24

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Visit to13 17

Visit to1 9

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Landscape & Nature

UNSPOILT NATURAL BEAUTY

Striking landforms, soaring mountains, and crystal clear lakes, the natural beauty of Wanaka is an unforgettable experience, where you can immerse yourself in mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and a World Heritage Area.

Mt Aspiring National Park is a unique place by world standards, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. It’s a region of soaring mountain peaks, hundreds of spectacular glaciers, lush beech forest, braided rivers, alpine meadows and is home to a diverse variety of native New Zealand flora and fauna.

Nature tours are a great way of seeing the diverse landscape of the Wanaka region. Tours run all year-round, giving you an introduction to native wildlife and flora.

With a night sky so full of stars, Wanaka is just as stunning when the sun goes down. And if you visit in autumn, you might even be lucky enough to experience the Aurora Australis.

DID YOU KNOW… 15 Buff Weka – a rare native bird – were reintroduced to the islands on Lake Wanaka in 2009 and are now thriving

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Landscape & Nature

11.58am East Matukituki Valley

More Information

> Aspiring Helicopters pg 45

> Classic Flights pg 39

> Eco Wanaka Adventures pg 47

> Lake Wanaka Cruises pg 47

> Lake Wanaka Yacht Charters pg 47

> Paddle Wanaka pg 48

> Ridgeline Adventures pg 49

> Wanaka 4x4 Explorer pg 50

> Wanaka Water Taxi pg 51

Highlights

Take a scenic flight to view Mt Aspiring - land on a glacier

Visit in Autumn for the beautiful colours

Explore on horseback

Experience the high country with a farm and nature tour

Capture the reflective beauty of Glendhu Bay

Visit Mou Waho Island and experience New Zealand how it used to be

Swim and laze on secluded beaches

Walk to some of the most scenic spots imaginable

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Adventure

YOUR WANAKA ADVENTURE AWAITS

Whatever your sense of adventure there’s an experience for you in Wanaka, which has a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s best adventure towns.

With plenty of outdoor activities and access to Mt Aspiring National Park, it’s easy to experience Wanaka’s adventure activities for yourself - on land, water or air.

Maximise your adrenaline rush - freefall from 15,000 feet, conquer waterfalls, take on rapids, scale a peak, or let the experts take you - spin in a jet boat, land on a glacier, get upside down in a plane, or go off-road on a high-country adventure.

Get out on the water. The stunning Matukituki and Makarora Rivers in the Mt Aspiring National Park, the mighty Clutha River and the Hawea River white water wave, make kayaking or paddle boarding in the Wanaka region outstanding for all abilities.

If you want to make the most of your time in Wanaka, then book an adventure combo.

DID YOU KNOW… Sir Edmund Hillary honed his climbing skills on Mt Aspiring

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Adventure

2.36pm Siberia Valley

Get an adrenaline rush – freefall from 15,000 feet

Climb alongside an iconic waterfall

Cruise by kayak to the islands on Lake Wanaka

Skim across braided rivers on a jetboat

Try canyoning and plunge down water polished chutes

Fit more in with a combo trip: flight + jetboat + walk

Take on the rapids of the mighty Clutha River on a SUP

Summit a peak with experienced guides

Highlights

More Information

> Adventure Consultants pg 44

> Basecamp Adventures pg 45

> Deep Canyon pg 46

> First Tracks pg 47

> Go Jets Wanaka pg 40

> Lakeland Wanaka pg 41

> Learn To Fly pg 41

> Packraft Wanaka pg 48

> Skydive Wanaka pg 49

> Wanaka Helicopters pg 50

> Siberia Experience pg 42

> Southern Alps Air pg 43

> U Fly & U Fly Aerobatics pg 35

> Wanaka Parasailing pg 51

> Wanaka Rock Climbing pg 51

> Wanaka River Journeys pg 43

> Wildwire Wanaka pg 38

> Wilkin River Jets/Backcountry Helicopters pg 44

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Attractions

BE AMAZED & DELIGHTED

Wanaka’s attractions are fun, exciting and often quirky. Get lost in a maze, see 500 collectable cars in one place, get up close to historic fighter planes or challenge yourself on a climbing wall.

A trip to the movies in Wanaka is still a special occasion - no matter what is showing, while the Transport and Toy Museum is one of the largest private collections in the world.

Enjoy a walk through the flowers, feed the friendly farm animals, relax over a cup of herbal tea or indulge in some lavender and honey ice-cream at the Wanaka Lavender Farm.

Take in the views while playing 18 holes of golf or have a laugh and some good family fun, with round of mini golf.

There’s always something to do in Wanaka and it will generally be something you can’t do anywhere else!

DID YOU KNOW… Puzzling World created the world’s first 3D maze

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Attractions

2.13pm Puzzling World

More Information

> Basecamp Adventure, Climbing Centre pg 45

> Cinema Paradiso pg 46

> Crossfire pg 46

> Puzzling World pg 48

> National Transport & Toy Museum pg 48

> Wanaka Golf Club pg 50

> Wanaka Lavender Farm pg 37

> Warbirds and Wheels pg 52

> World of Deer Museum pg 52

Highlights

Taste local craft beers

Visit the largest toy and transport collection in the Southern Hemisphere

Indulge at intermission with freshly baked cookies at Cinema Paradiso

Learn about New Zealand’s aviation & automotive history

Race each other to the top of a climbing wall at Basecamp

Complete the maze at Puzzling World

Visit beautiful gardens at the Wanaka Lavender Farm

Play a round of golf with spectacular views

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Skiing & Snowboarding

PURE MOUNTAIN AIR & BREATH TAKING VIEWS

Located in the heart of the Southern Alps and boasting Australasia’s largest skiable terrain, Wanaka offers you the freedom to enjoy the best skiing in New Zealand.

Wanaka’s four ski areas - Cardrona, Treble Cone, Soho Basin and Snow Farm are all located within a 40-minute drive from the town centre, giving you access to the most diverse and scenic skiing in New Zealand.

Extensive terrain parks‚ pipes‚ wide open trails, challenging steeps, powder stashes, spectacular views and over 50km’s of cross country trails, Wanaka has something for everyone.

For an unforgettable luxury ski experience head to Soho Basin Private Ski Area or access acres of pristine powder on a heli-skiing trip in the magnificent Southern Alps.

For a unique mountain experience stay on snow at Cardrona or a backcountry hut at Snow Farm and enjoy a sunrise over the magnificent Southern Alps.

DID YOU KNOW… That Snow Farm is the only cross country ski area in New Zealand

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Skiing & Snowboarding

PURE MOUNTAIN AIR & BREATH TAKING VIEWS

More Information

> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34

> First Tracks pg 47

> Harris Mountain Heli-Ski pg 40

> Ridgeline Adventures pg 49

> Snow Farm pg 42

> Southern Lakes Heliski pg 49

> Yello! pg 69

Highlights

Ride the park and pipe with the pros at Cardrona

Enjoy the most spectacular views of the Southern Alps

Hike to the summit of Treble Cone for fresh tracks

Try cat skiing experiences with Soho Basin

For the ultimate snow experience go heli-skiing

Cross-country ski to an alpine hut

Take the kids tobogganing and tubing

Finish the day with après drinks at the Cardrona Hotel

1.45pm Cardrona Alpine Resort

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Walking & Hiking

750KMS OF TRACKS TO EXPLORE

Walking around Wanaka is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the area. Whether it’s walking to a world-class winery, or climbing a mountain, there’s literally a track for every fitness level, with photo opportunities around every corner.

Mt Aspiring National Park will tempt the serious hikers and climbers, and there are plenty of highly experienced guides to help you summit a peak.

But Wanaka’s for everyone, so if a stroll is more your style, there’s a great selection of short tracks close to town, that offer something suitable for the whole family. Lakeside walks will take you to #thatwanakatree, Rippon Vineyard, and Bremner Bay.

Slightly more challenging terrain includes Mount Iron, offering rewarding views over the entire Wanaka region and the nearby Outlet Track which follows the Clutha River. Close to Makarora, is the Blue Pools Track, a short stroll through beech forest, to the gorgeous turquoise pools.

DID YOU KNOW… That Blue Pools and Roy’s Peak, have been listed as two of NZ’s Great Short and Great Day walks by DOC.

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Walking & Hiking

5.42pm Mt Aspiring National Park

More Information

> Adventure Consultants pg 44

> Eco Wanaka Adventures pg 47

> First Tracks pg 47

> Lake Wanaka Yacht Charters pg 47

> Siberia Experience pg 42

> Wilkin River Jets/Backcountry Helicopters pg 44

> Download the “Wanaka Tracks” walking & biking app to help you decide which track is the best one for you.

Highlights

For an easy family walk head to the Blue Pools

Follow the beautiful Clutha River on the Outlet track

Get great views on the Mt Iron Loop Track only 1.5hrs

Stay overnight at a back-country hut

Hawea lakefront for a relaxed quiet walk

Half-day missions - Roy’s Peak and the Rob Roy Glacier Track.

For the more serious tramper try the Gilliespie Pass Circuit - a 3 to 4-day loop

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Mountain Biking & Road Cycling

From scenic road rides around the region with eye-popping views, to kilometres of flowing single track and epic high-country riding in the mountains, novices and experts alike can spend days exploring.

The Wanaka region offers mountain bike enthusiasts an ideal track to get the most out of your ride. Cruise alongside the Hawea or Wanaka lakefront, tackle the banks and berms of Deans Bank or explore the undulating Minaret Burn or Upper Clutha River Tracks.

Urban thrills come courtesy of the town centre Lismore jump-park, and Cardrona is home to New Zealand’s highest bike park

- with chairlift accessed trails and a variety of terrain on offer, ranging from wide open scenic beginner trails to World Cup level downhill tracks.

With quiet, scenic roads and a variety of spectacular landscapes from rolling hills, fast flats and high mountain passes to climb, the Wanaka region is paradise for road cyclists.

DID YOU KNOW… Heli biking from Mt Pisa gives riders an awesome 1750m of vertical descent

EPIC RIDES WITH EPIC VIEWS

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Mountain Biking & Road Cycling

6.12am Mt Burke

More Information

> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34

> Wanaka Bike Guides pg 50

> Wanaka Bike Tours pg 36

Highlights

Challenge yourself with 11km of flowing single track at Deans Bank

Lap the lifts at Cardrona – NZ’s highest bike park

Check out the talent at Lismore Park jump park

Take a day trip to Hawea – stopping at the lakefront for a bite to eat

Heli biking – there is no better way!

Explore the network of trails in Sticky Forest

Cruise along the lakefront

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Family Friendly

SO MUCH TO SEE & DO

Lakes, forests and mountains to explore, unique wildlife to discover, as well as a wide selection of activities suitable for kids, makes Wanaka an ideal family holiday destination.

Family activities here do not mean you’ll always have to part with lots of money. Take a picnic by the lake, explore the many walking and cycling tracks, visit farm animals at the Wanaka Lavender Farm or on a 4WD farm tour, or take in the latest film at one of the boutique cinemas.

At Warbirds and Wheels you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the region’s aviation history, and a trip to Puzzling World is a must do for families.

For the adventurous there is plenty to do, zoom down a river in a jet-boat, climb a waterfall, kayak to a secluded island, learn to fly a plane or hit the slopes for skiing in winter.

DID YOU KNOW… The Wanaka Region has over 15 playgrounds

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Family Friendly

1.51pm Cardrona Alpine Resort

More Information

> Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre with Clip ‘n’ Climb pg 45

> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34

> Cinema Paradiso pg 46

> Crossfire pg 46

> Eco Wanaka Adventures pg 47

> Lake Wanaka Cruises pg 47

> Puzzling World pg 48

> National Transport & Toy Museum pg 48

> Snow Farm pg 42

> Wanaka Lavender Farm pg 37

> Wanaka Water Taxi pg 52

> Warbirds and Wheels pg 52

> World of Deer pg 52

Highlights

Feed the fish and ducks on the lakefront

Encounter cute alpacas and farm animals

Entertain the whole family at a boutique cinema

Marvel at the masses of toys at the Transport and Toy Museum

Spend rainy days at Clip and Climb

Take a trip to Mou Waho Island to visit the cheeky wekas

Entertain the kids on mountain with day care and ski lessons

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Food & Drink

EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE

Excellent restaurants and cafes, wineries, breweries and an artisan distillery, Wanaka offers more choice than you’d expect from a town this size.

Fresh local produce, brilliant wines sourced from the surrounding vineyards, along with well-crafted local beers will provide you with a taste of what the Wanaka region has to offer.

Finding the perfect coffee, chai latte or freshly squeezed juice is easy - the Wanaka cafe culture is thriving, with plenty of great coffee spots.

Exceptional fine dining, with small elegant restaurants serving contemporary cuisine, through to casual eateries, Kiwi style food,

Mexican, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Asian fusion and rustic pub meals, Wanaka restaurants provide endless variety and consistent quality.

Join a guided wine tour and sample some of New Zealand’s finest wines from the cellar door or visit the Wanaka Farmers Market, where you will find everything from local produce and cakes, to award-winning breads, pastries, and more.

DID YOU KNOW… That Ode, Bistro Gentil and Kika are in the Cuisine top 100? The definitive guide to New Zealand's best restaurants

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Food & Drink

3.48pm Rippon Vineyard

Highlights

Pick up some treats at the Wanaka Farmers Market

Indulge in award-winning produce

Try a drop from all 6 of our local breweries

Dine at a Wanaka’s first hat awarded restaurant – Bistro Gentil

Grab a takeaway and enjoy on the beach

Let someone do the driving and take a wine, beer or whisky tour

Delicious meals made from our local produce

Situate yourself at a vibrant lakefront café or bar and enjoy the view

More Information

> All listings from pg 60

> Wanaka Wine Tours pg 52

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Events

HOME TO MORE WORLD CLASS EVENTS THAN MOST

From international triathlons, to music and arts festivals, Wanaka is home to more world class events than most. Warbirds over Wanaka, Challenge Wanaka, Tuki Festival, Festival of Colour, the Wanaka A&P show, Rhythm & Alps and the Audi Quattro Winter Games are just some of the great events on offer. Explore the events listing and include these in your holiday plans.

Spring is a time where events range from on snow to on dirt. Drawcards include the Merino Muster, a World Loppet cross-country ski race and the Deans Bank 10 Hour bike race.

Summer is the perfect time of year for sports events and outdoor festivals. These include Rhythm & Alps at New Year,

Tuki Festival, Challenge Wanaka and the Wanaka Rodeo.

Autumn is the most colourful season so it’s no surprise that many spectacular events are held over this period. There’s Warbirds over Wanaka, the Festival of Colour and the Motatapu Bike Race.

Winter is when you can watch incredible sporting feats and world firsts at the Jossi Wells Invitational and the Audi Quattro Winter Games. Or be inspired by amazing films at the NZ Mountain Film Festival.

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Events

11.37pm Rippon Hall

2019

JANUARY 2 Wanaka Rodeo 19-20 The Red Bull Defiance 26 The Ruby 26 The Big Easy

FEBRUARY 16 Challenge Wanaka 2020 (bi-annual) Tuki Festival 2020

MARCH 8-9 The Motatapu Race9-10 Wanaka A&P Show 16 Breca swim/run

APRIL 2-7 Festival of Colour 6 Southern Lakes Half Marathon 10 Apr-12 Apr (bi-annual) Warbirds over Wanaka 2020 13 Contact Epic Bike Race23-27 Wanaka Autumn Arts School

JUNE Ski Fields Open 28 Jun–7 Jul NZ Mountain Film Festival

AUGUST 23 Aug – 7 Sept Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ

SEPTEMBER TBC Jossi Wells Invitational TBC Merino Muster

OCTOBER 27 Deans Bank 10 Hour

DECEMBER TBC Beer Fest 25-26 Christmas & Boxing Day 31 New Year Celebrations in Wanaka & Hawea 30-31 Rhythm & Alps

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i-SITE VISITOR CENTRE

Our friendly team will take the hassle out of your holiday and ensure you make the most of your time here. They’re experts on everything to do in Wanaka and around the South Island. We can coordinate, help and book:

• Itinerary plans• Accommodation• Activities

We will ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.

A 100 Ardmore St, WanakaP +64 3 443 1233E bookings@lakewanaka.co.nzW www.wanaka-isite.co.nz

CBD Map

• Attractions• Transport

Our friendly team guarantees to help you make the most of your time here. We’re experts on everything to do in Wanaka, Queenstown, Fiordland, the West Coast and wider New Zealand.

We can help with:

• Attractions• Activities • Adventures• Accommodation• Transport

The i-SITE offers a free information and booking service. We will ensure you have the experience of a lifetime!

A 103 Ardmore St, Wanaka P +64 3 443 1233 E bookings@wanaka.co.nz W www.wanaka-isite.co.nz

i-SITE Visitor Centre CBD

Department Of Conservation

Start your journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes at the Department of Conservation's (DOC) Tititea/Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre. Staffed by DOC rangers who have firsthand, in-depth local knowledge, we provide up-to-date advice on local day walks, multiday tramps,

cycling tracks, huts, campsites, Great Walks bookings, weather forecasts, & conservation projects.

A 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka 9305 P +64 3 443 7660 W www.doc.govt.nz