Lake Wanaka located right at the heart of the Southern Lakes, is the gateway to the Mt.
Aspiring National Park, internationally renowned for its glaciers and magnificent tramping and
climbing.
From Queenstown Airport, Wanaka is a 45 minute scenic drive over the Crown Range or
alternatively, can be reached via Cromwell (approx 1 hrs drive).
The mountains surrounding the lake provide a winter snow paradise featuring world class ski
resorts & heliski facilities. Cardrona and Treble Cone offer quality terrain to suit absolute
beginners and hard-core skiers alike.
Harris Mountains Heli-skiing will fly you to the best slopes
within its 3000 sq km range of pristine peaks. Waiorau Snow Farm is New Zealand's only Nordic and
cross-country ski area and offers the Snow Park for snowboarders.
Lake Wanaka invites you to slow down and revel in life's riches: if what you enjoy is time outdoors,
then Wanaka and the surrounding areas have more than enough to offer. Venture into the surrounding
hills and mountains and enjoy skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, tramping and climbing.
Enjoy the company of friends over a game of golf, test your mental mettle at the puzzle centre or
experience one of the many walking and cycling tracks that weave around the lakes and ascend the nearby
hills to give spectacular views of Mt Aspiring in the distance and the magnificent wilderness area.
For those who prefer to relax, there is plenty to indulge in – take a scenic cruise on the Lake, sample
locally made, exquisite wines, visit art and craft galleries, the Warbirds museum, wonderful cafes and
restaurants, spend a day or three fishing one of the great river valleys, or simply idle the days away
swimming or enjoying lakeside strolls.
Beyond Wanaka:
The list of day trips from Wanaka is endless . . . in all directions, there is plenty to explore.
Cardrona: The historic Cardrona Valley and Crown Range road join Wanaka to Queenstown.
One of New Zealand’s oldest hotels, the historic Cardrona Hotel, has been recently refurbished and is
located in the small Cardrona Village.
A great place to stop and share an ale with the locals.
Lake Hawea: Wild and beautiful Lake Hawea is a short 15 minute drive from Wanaka. A
long narrow, glacial lake, it is the smallest and most northerly of the New Zealand Southern Lakes.
It is quiet and relaxed, and provides a tranquil spot for a picnic. Further on, Makaora is 65 km from
Wanaka on SH6 and is a major centre for hiking and fishing within Mt Aspiring National Park.
Cromwell: Less than half an hours drive is the town of Cromwell – along the way you
will view endless vineyards and orchards where you can pick your own fruit or buy from roadside stores.
An interesting stop is The Big Picture, an interactive wine tasting experience with café attached.
In the center of Cromwell is the old historic town located on the edge of the lake. Further afield,
are the wineries of Bannockburn and numerous picnic spots.
A stay in Lake Wanaka combines the ease and warmth of small town living with the quality and attention
to detail of the best resorts.
A compact township provides easy access to excellent shops, restaurants
and services.
Take time to explore this exquisite piece of real New Zealand and revitalise your spirit.
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