Guidebook for Wanaka
Food Scene
Good kiwi tucker and atmosphere. It's on the lake front with outdoor dining. It is also a nice bar for drinks.
34 locals recommend
Lake Bar
155 Ardmore StGood kiwi tucker and atmosphere. It's on the lake front with outdoor dining. It is also a nice bar for drinks.
Urban Grind
72 Ardmore StThis is our favourite breakfast spot!
Try the pork belly burger and you will be satisfied. They also have a lot of other options and some vegetarian friendly meals for a quicker cheaper bite.
Boaboa Food Company
Try the pork belly burger and you will be satisfied. They also have a lot of other options and some vegetarian friendly meals for a quicker cheaper bite.
Drinks & Nightlife
Water Bar Wanaka
145 Ardmore StNice atmosphere for a drink on the lake front.
Great atmosphere for a drink, often a good night life, outdoor seating and an outdoor fireplace to keep warm.
11 locals recommend
Rove Bar & Eatery
33 Ardmore StreetGreat atmosphere for a drink, often a good night life, outdoor seating and an outdoor fireplace to keep warm.
Parks & Nature
Waterfall Creek track along the lake front with great views of the Wanaka township. You can go as long or as little as you like.
53 locals recommend
Lake Wanaka
49 Hardie PlWaterfall Creek track along the lake front with great views of the Wanaka township. You can go as long or as little as you like.
Skip Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, and hike to Rob Roy Glacier instead, it is much more scenic and secluded. About a 3-4 hour return (10 km total), allow time for a half day trip. The drive up the Matukituki Valley is a great part of this adventure.
37 locals recommend
Rob Roy Glacier Trail Head and Car Park
Wanaka Mount Aspiring RoadSkip Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, and hike to Rob Roy Glacier instead, it is much more scenic and secluded. About a 3-4 hour return (10 km total), allow time for a half day trip. The drive up the Matukituki Valley is a great part of this adventure.
If you can hike we recommend you take this switch back track to the top of Mount Roy. It is 16 km roundtrip, and takes about 5-6 hours total. You will reach the top of Mount Roy at 1578 m and gain stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the surround area.
7 locals recommend
Rob Roy Track - Matukituki River Bridge
Westview RoadIf you can hike we recommend you take this switch back track to the top of Mount Roy. It is 16 km roundtrip, and takes about 5-6 hours total. You will reach the top of Mount Roy at 1578 m and gain stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the surround area.
Entertainment & Activities
Wanaka has a few vineyards, but Rippon is close to our home and has great wine. We recommend a tour and tasting if you have the time or it is great for a rainy day.
40 locals recommend
Rippon
246 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdWanaka has a few vineyards, but Rippon is close to our home and has great wine. We recommend a tour and tasting if you have the time or it is great for a rainy day.
Sightseeing
The drive to Mount Aspiring National Park is stunning. There are walking tracks along the way as you drive along the lake. You can take a drive up the Treble Cone road and gain great views of the National Park and surrounding area.
Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road
Wanaka Mount Aspiring RoadThe drive to Mount Aspiring National Park is stunning. There are walking tracks along the way as you drive along the lake. You can take a drive up the Treble Cone road and gain great views of the National Park and surrounding area.
Essentials
It's the only real market in our town...Be aware it can be very busy during high tourist season (Christmas, New Years, and Chinese New Year) so allow extra time. Early mornings and some evenings are the best time to get your groceries.
119 locals recommend
New World Wanaka
20 Dunmore StIt's the only real market in our town...Be aware it can be very busy during high tourist season (Christmas, New Years, and Chinese New Year) so allow extra time. Early mornings and some evenings are the best time to get your groceries.