Official Visitor Guide 2019/2020

7:10pm Rippon www.wanaka.co.nz 1 IT BEGINS WITH THE LANDSCAPE...

SCAN TO SEE WANAKA or go to video-wanaka.nz 2 SCAN TO SEE WANAKA or go to video-wanaka.nz 6.55am 3 Kia Ora & Welcome to Wanaka

Located in the stunning alps of the , 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.

Wanaka’s mountain and Sitting on the 45th parallel, Wanaka lakeside setting and proximity has four distinct seasons - hot dry to Mt Aspiring National Park, summers, cool autumns, lush springs make it the ultimate base for and crisp winters, making it a year- outdoor activities. Discover round destination. pristine rivers, waterfalls, Summer is perfect for jet-boating, glaciers, native forests and kayaking, and swimming and in mountains. winter the snow-covered mountains For the adventure seekers’ draw skiers and snowboarders from there’s canyoning, skydiving, around the globe to four world-class via ferrata, off road tours and ski fields. Spring is the time to get airborne adventures. out and explore the tracks and trails, while autumn is renowned for being But it’s not just the outdoor the most colourful of the seasons. enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish DID YOU KNOW… shops and be spoilt for choice Wanaka is one of the few with a great selection of cool areas in New Zealand to enjoy cafes and restaurants. a semi-continental climate, with four distinct seasons.

4 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 5 Contents

Landscape & Nature 14

Adventure 16

Attractions 18

Skiing & Snowboarding 20

Walking & 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

Tiaki Promise New 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

6 Explore the Region

Wanaka Visit 1 to 9

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 Visit 10 to 12

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

Lake Hawea Visit 13 to 17

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 Visit 18 to 20

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

Luggate & Visit 21 to 22

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 Hotel afterwards.

Cardrona Visit 23 to 24

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.

7 Landscape & Nature

UNSPOILT NATURAL BEAUTY

Striking landforms, soaring Nature tours are a great way of mountains, and crystal clear seeing the diverse landscape lakes, the natural beauty of of the Wanaka region. Tours run Wanaka is an unforgettable all year-round, giving you an experience, where you can introduction to native wildlife immerse yourself in mountains, and flora. glaciers, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and a World Heritage Area. With a night sky so full of stars, Wanaka is just as stunning when Mt Aspiring National Park is a the sun goes down. And if you unique place by world standards, visit in autumn, you might even designated as a UNESCO World be lucky enough to experience Heritage Area. It’s a region the Aurora Australis. of soaring mountain peaks, hundreds of spectacular glaciers, DID YOU KNOW… lush beech forest, braided rivers, 15 Buff Weka – a rare alpine meadows and is home native bird – were to a diverse variety of native reintroduced to the islands New Zealand flora and fauna. on Lake Wanaka in 2009 and are now thriving

14 Landscape & Nature 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

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

Swim and laze on secluded beaches

11.58am Walk to some of the most East Matukituki Valley scenic spots imaginable

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

15 Adventure

YOUR WANAKA ADVENTURE AWAITS

Whatever your sense of Get out on the water. The adventure there’s an experience stunning Matukituki and for you in Wanaka, which has Makarora Rivers in the Mt Aspiring a well-deserved reputation National Park, the mighty Clutha as one of the world’s best River and the Hawea River white adventure towns. water wave, make kayaking or paddle boarding in the Wanaka With plenty of outdoor activities region outstanding for all abilities. and access to Mt Aspiring National Park, it’s easy to If you want to make the most of experience Wanaka’s adventure your time in Wanaka, then book activities for yourself - on land, an adventure combo. water or air. DID YOU KNOW… Maximise your adrenaline rush Sir Edmund Hillary honed - freefall from 15,000 feet, his climbing skills conquer waterfalls, take on on Mt Aspiring 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.

16 Adventure Highlights

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 on a SUP

Summit a peak with 2.36pm Siberia Valley experienced guides

More Information

>> Adventure Consultants pg 44 >> U Fly & U Fly Aerobatics pg 35 >> Basecamp Adventures pg 45 >> Wanaka Parasailing pg 51 >> Deep Canyon pg 46 >> Wanaka pg 51 >> First Tracks pg 47 >> Wanaka River Journeys pg 43 >> Go Jets Wanaka pg 40 >> Wildwire Wanaka pg 38 >> Lakeland Wanaka pg 41 >> Wilkin River Jets/Backcountry >> Learn To Fly pg 41 Helicopters pg 44 >> Packraft Wanaka pg 48 >> Skydive Wanaka pg 49 >> Wanaka Helicopters pg 50 >> Siberia Experience pg 42 >> Southern Alps Air pg 43

17 Attractions

BE AMAZED & DELIGHTED

Wanaka’s attractions are fun, Take in the views while playing exciting and often quirky. 18 holes of golf or have a laugh Get lost in a maze, see 500 and some good family fun, with collectable cars in one place, round of mini golf. get up close to historic fighter planes or challenge yourself on There’s always something to do a climbing wall. in Wanaka and it will generally be something you can’t do A trip to the movies in Wanaka anywhere else! is still a special occasion - no matter what is showing, while the DID YOU KNOW… Transport and Toy Museum is one Puzzling World created of the largest private collections the world’s first 3D maze 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.

18 Attractions 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 2.13pm Puzzling World spectacular views

More Information

>> Basecamp Adventure, Climbing Centre pg 45 >> Cinema Paradiso pg 46 >> Crossfirepg 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

19 Skiing & Snowboarding

PURE MOUNTAIN AIR & BREATH TAKING VIEWS

Located in the heart of the For an unforgettable luxury ski Southern Alps and boasting experience head to Soho Basin Australasia’s largest skiable Private Ski Area or access acres terrain, Wanaka offers you the of pristine powder on a heli- freedom to enjoy the best skiing skiing trip in the magnificent in New Zealand. Southern Alps.

Wanaka’s four ski areas - For a unique mountain experience Cardrona, , Soho stay on snow at Cardrona or a Basin and are all backcountry hut at Snow Farm located within a 40-minute drive and enjoy a sunrise over the from the town centre, giving you magnificent Southern Alps. access to the most diverse and scenic skiing in New Zealand. DID YOU KNOW… That Snow Farm is the only Extensive terrain parks‚ pipes‚ cross country ski area wide open trails, challenging in New Zealand steeps, powder stashes, spectacular views and over 50km’s of cross country trails, Wanaka has something for everyone.

20 Skiing & Snowboarding 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 PURE MOUNTAIN AIR & Take the kids tobogganing and tubing BREATH TAKING VIEWS 1.45pm Finish the day with après drinks at the Cardrona Hotel

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

21 Walking & Hiking

750KMS OF TRACKS TO EXPLORE

Walking around Wanaka is one Slightly more challenging terrain of the best ways to see the includes Mount Iron, offering beauty of the area. Whether it’s rewarding views over the entire walking to a world-class winery, Wanaka region and the nearby or climbing a mountain, there’s Outlet Track which follows the literally a track for every fitness Clutha River. Close to Makarora, level, with photo opportunities is the Blue Pools Track, a short around every corner. stroll through beech forest, to the gorgeous turquoise pools. Mt Aspiring National Park will tempt the serious hikers and DID YOU KNOW… climbers, and there are plenty of That Blue Pools and highly experienced guides to help Roy’s Peak, have been you summit a peak. listed as two of NZ’s But Wanaka’s for everyone, so Great Short and Great if a stroll is more your style, Day walks by DOC. 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.

22 Walking & Hiking 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 5.42pm try the Gilliespie Pass Circuit Mt Aspiring National Park - a 3 to 4-day loop

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.

23 & Road Cycling

EPIC RIDES WITH EPIC VIEWS

From scenic road rides around - with chairlift accessed trails the region with eye-popping and a variety of terrain on offer, views, to kilometres of flowing ranging from wide open scenic single track and epic high- beginner trails to World Cup country riding in the mountains, level downhill tracks. novices and experts alike can spend days exploring. With quiet, scenic roads and a variety of spectacular landscapes The Wanaka region offers from rolling hills, fast flats and mountain bike enthusiasts an high mountain passes to climb, ideal track to get the most out the Wanaka region is paradise for of your ride. Cruise alongside road cyclists. the Hawea or Wanaka lakefront, tackle the banks and berms DID YOU KNOW… of Deans Bank or explore the Heli biking from Mt Pisa undulating Minaret Burn or gives riders an awesome Upper Clutha River Tracks. 1750m of vertical descent Urban thrills come courtesy of the town centre Lismore jump- park, and Cardrona is home to New Zealand’s highest bike park

24 Mountain Biking & Road Cycling 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

6.12am Mt Burke French photo: Jay Quiet, scenic road riding

More Information

>> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34 >> Wanaka Bike Guides pg 50 >> Wanaka Bike Tours pg 36

25 Family Friendly

SO MUCH TO SEE & DO

Lakes, forests and mountains At Warbirds and Wheels you’ll to explore, unique wildlife to have the opportunity to learn discover, as well as a wide about the region’s aviation selection of activities suitable history, and a trip to Puzzling for kids, makes Wanaka an ideal World is a must do for families. family holiday destination. For the adventurous there is Family activities here do not plenty to do, zoom down a river mean you’ll always have to part in a jet-boat, climb a waterfall, with lots of money. Take a picnic kayak to a secluded island, learn by the lake, explore the many to fly a plane or hit the slopes for walking and cycling tracks, visit skiing in winter. farm animals at the Wanaka Lavender Farm or on a 4WD farm DID YOU KNOW… tour, or take in the latest film at The Wanaka Region has one of the boutique cinemas. over 15 playgrounds

26 Family Friendly 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 1.51pm mountain with day care Cardrona Alpine Resort and ski lessons

More Information

>> Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre with Clip ‘n’ Climb pg 45 >> Cardrona Alpine Resort pg 34 >> Cinema Paradiso pg 46 >> Crossfirepg 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 27 Food & Drink

EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE

Excellent restaurants and cafes, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Japanese, wineries, breweries and an Italian, Korean, Asian fusion artisan distillery, Wanaka offers and rustic pub meals, Wanaka more choice than you’d expect restaurants provide endless from a town this size. variety and consistent quality.

Fresh local produce, brilliant Join a guided wine tour and wines sourced from the sample some of New Zealand’s surrounding vineyards, along finest wines from the cellar door or with well-crafted local beers will visit the Wanaka Farmers Market, provide you with a taste of what where you will find everything the Wanaka region has to offer. from local produce and cakes, to award-winning breads, pastries, Finding the perfect coffee, chai and more. latte or freshly squeezed juice is easy - the Wanaka cafe culture DID YOU KNOW… is thriving, with plenty of great That Ode, Bistro Gentil coffee spots. and Kika are in the Cuisine Exceptional fine dining, with top 100? The definitive small elegant restaurants serving guide to New Zealand's contemporary cuisine, through to best restaurants casual eateries, Kiwi style food,

28 Food & Drink 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 3.48pm Rippon Vineyard lakefront café or bar and enjoy the view

More Information

>> All listings from pg 60 >> Wanaka Wine Tours pg 52

29 Events

HOME TO MORE WORLD CLASS EVENTS THAN MOST

From international triathlons, Tuki Festival, Challenge Wanaka to music and arts festivals, and the Wanaka Rodeo. Wanaka is home to more world Autumn is the most colourful class events than most. Warbirds season so it’s no surprise that over Wanaka, Challenge Wanaka, many spectacular events are Tuki Festival, Festival of Colour, held over this period. There’s the Wanaka A&P show, Rhythm , the & Alps and the Audi Quattro Festival of Colour and the Winter Games are just some of Motatapu Bike Race. the great events on offer. Explore the events listing and include Winter is when you can watch these in your holiday plans. incredible sporting feats and world firsts at the Jossi Wells Spring is a time where events Invitational and the Audi Quattro range from on snow to on dirt. Winter Games. Or be inspired by Drawcards include the Merino amazing films at the NZ Mountain Muster, a World Loppet cross- Film Festival. 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,

30 Events 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 Race 9-10 Wanaka A&P Show 16 Breca swim/run

APRIL 2-7 Festival of Colour 11.37pm Rippon Hall 6 Southern Lakes Half Marathon 10 Apr-12 Apr (bi-annual) Warbirds over Wanaka 2020 13 Contact Epic Bike Race 23-27 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

31 Department Of Conservation

Start your journey cycling tracks, huts, campsites, Great Walks through New Zealand's bookings, weather forecasts, & conservation stunning landscapes projects. at the Department of A 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka 9305 Conservation's (DOC) P +64 3 443 7660 Tititea/Mt Aspiring National W www.doc.govt.nz 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, i-SITE Visitor Centre CBD

Our friendly team guarantees The i-SITE offers a free information and to help you make the most of booking service. We will ensure you have your time here. We’re experts the experience of a lifetime! on everything to do in Wanaka, A 103 Ardmore St, Wanaka Queenstown, Fiordland, P +64 3 443 1233 the West Coast and wider i-SITE VISITORE [email protected] CBD Map New Zealand. W www.wanaka-isite.co.nz We can help with: • Attractions • Activities • Adventures • Accommodation • Transport 32 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 • Attractions • Accommodation • Transport • Activities We will ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.

A 100 Ardmore St, Wanaka P +64 3 443 1233 E [email protected] W www.wanaka-isite.co.nz