Guidebook for Wanaka
Food Scene
Bistro Gentil
76A Golf Course RdModern Cuisine - Fine dining
Kika
2 Dunmore StGood cuisine with sharing plates. No bookings.
Good Pizza and pasta at reasonable prices. Usually best to book.
81 locals recommend
Francesca's Italian Kitchen
93 Ardmore StGood Pizza and pasta at reasonable prices. Usually best to book.
Good little Cafe in Albert Town. Great place to stop on a bike ride.
33 locals recommend
Double Black Cafe
Good little Cafe in Albert Town. Great place to stop on a bike ride.
Great food and beautiful garden to enjoy the food. Good place for lunch. They also have a shop selling international style foods and wares. Good for gifts.
35 locals recommend
Florences Foodstore & Cafe
71 Cardrona Valley RdGreat food and beautiful garden to enjoy the food. Good place for lunch. They also have a shop selling international style foods and wares. Good for gifts.
NOTE August 18: Ode has recently had a fire in the kitchen and the restaurant is currently closed whilst renovations are being undertaken. They are hoping to open again once all the repairs have been sorted.
Excellent organic and local cuisine. Choose between 3, 8 or 13 courses - then you are at the chefs mercy. Fear not the food, wine and service are fantastic.
9 locals recommend
Ode Conscious Dining
33 Ardmore StNOTE August 18: Ode has recently had a fire in the kitchen and the restaurant is currently closed whilst renovations are being undertaken. They are hoping to open again once all the repairs have been sorted.
Excellent organic and local cuisine. Choose between 3, 8 or 13 courses - then you are at the chefs mercy. Fear not the food, wine and service are fantastic.
Federal Diner
47 Helwick StThe cheese scones are phenomenal in the bustling cafe.
For healthy excellent take away salads and not so healthy patisseries and treats!
17 locals recommend
Fedeli Cafe
47 Helwick StFor healthy excellent take away salads and not so healthy patisseries and treats!
Excellent Japanese cooking. The sexy squid legs are a go to.
11 locals recommend
Sasanoki Japanese Kitchen
26 Ardmore StExcellent Japanese cooking. The sexy squid legs are a go to.
This is a slow cooked middle eastern inspired menu available for take aways
84 locals recommend
Big Fig Wanaka
105 Ardmore StThis is a slow cooked middle eastern inspired menu available for take aways
Drinks & Nightlife
Great views. Often a little quieter than the bars below (at least early on in the evening). Often have live music.
41 locals recommend
Bar Number 8
155 Ardmore StGreat views. Often a little quieter than the bars below (at least early on in the evening). Often have live music.
This cafe/restaurant/bar is always a popular spot to share a drink in this popular spot throughout the day
63 locals recommend
Kai Whakapai
121 Ardmore StThis cafe/restaurant/bar is always a popular spot to share a drink in this popular spot throughout the day
Cork Bar
14 Helwick StA great place to enjoy a drink in this new bar
A great little craft brewery and bar serving excellent beers. A little off the normal track so perfect local haunt (and for those in the know).
26 locals recommend
Rhyme and Reason Brewery
17 Gordon RdA great little craft brewery and bar serving excellent beers. A little off the normal track so perfect local haunt (and for those in the know).
Parks & Nature
A reasonably long drive but spectacular views all the way to the car park. After heavy rain the fords may not be passable so check with DOC. From the car park at the end of the road it is a relatively easy walk to Rob Roy Glacier or longer walks to Aspiring Hut and beyond. The trail follows a river through a beech forrest before opening up to a hanging valley with a waterfall and glacier. You can often see Kea's (Mountain parrots) here - please don't feed them.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/mount-aspiring-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/rob-roy-track/
37 locals recommend
Rob Roy Glacier Trail Head and Car Park
Wanaka Mount Aspiring RoadA reasonably long drive but spectacular views all the way to the car park. After heavy rain the fords may not be passable so check with DOC. From the car park at the end of the road it is a relatively easy walk to Rob Roy Glacier or longer walks to Aspiring Hut and beyond. The trail follows a river through a beech forrest before opening up to a hanging valley with a waterfall and glacier. You can often see Kea's (Mountain parrots) here - please don't feed them.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/mount-aspiring-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/rob-roy-track/
A reasonably easy loop walk around Diamond Lake. A longer walk goes in a loop up to the top of Rocky Mountain with spectacular views over Lake Wanaka.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/diamond-lake-and-hospital-flat/things-to-do/diamond-lake-and-rocky-mountain-walks/
11 locals recommend
Diamond Lake Conservation Area
1215 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdA reasonably easy loop walk around Diamond Lake. A longer walk goes in a loop up to the top of Rocky Mountain with spectacular views over Lake Wanaka.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/diamond-lake-and-hospital-flat/things-to-do/diamond-lake-and-rocky-mountain-walks/
Roys Peak Track: This has become an iconic Wanaka must do and as a result has become very popular. So much so that the track is now a dusty road. The views are spectacular, but it has lost some of it's appeal due to the number of walkers and the recent "track improvements". It will likely take 5-6 hours and you should be prepared for this pretty tough walk. 16km return and 1250m of climbing.
The track is closed from 1st October to 10th November for lambing.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/roys-peak-track/?region=otago&park=2c0492b6-fe7f-4871-8714-d79b37592071&activity=walking-tramping#activitypanel
64 locals recommend
Roys Peak
Roys Peak Track: This has become an iconic Wanaka must do and as a result has become very popular. So much so that the track is now a dusty road. The views are spectacular, but it has lost some of it's appeal due to the number of walkers and the recent "track improvements". It will likely take 5-6 hours and you should be prepared for this pretty tough walk. 16km return and 1250m of climbing.
The track is closed from 1st October to 10th November for lambing.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/roys-peak-track/?region=otago&park=2c0492b6-fe7f-4871-8714-d79b37592071&activity=walking-tramping#activitypanel
This hike starts at Kidd's Bush and heads up through the beech forrest. The climb is pretty steep and you are rewarded with great views of Lake Hawea. Once out of the forrest the trail continues along to the Sawyer Burn Hut. The trail is quite narrow and a little overgrown at the moment. This is an excellent trail if you want to go on a more traditional walking track and away from the busier tracks. 10km return and about 750m of climbing allow 4-5 hours. The trail access is sometimes closed so good to check with DOC. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/hawea-conservation-park/things-to-do/sawyer-burn-track/?region=otago&park=1fdc8564-aaa7-496a-8609-f08f309af
Sawyer Burn Hut
This hike starts at Kidd's Bush and heads up through the beech forrest. The climb is pretty steep and you are rewarded with great views of Lake Hawea. Once out of the forrest the trail continues along to the Sawyer Burn Hut. The trail is quite narrow and a little overgrown at the moment. This is an excellent trail if you want to go on a more traditional walking track and away from the busier tracks. 10km return and about 750m of climbing allow 4-5 hours. The trail access is sometimes closed so good to check with DOC. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/hawea-conservation-park/things-to-do/sawyer-burn-track/?region=otago&park=1fdc8564-aaa7-496a-8609-f08f309af
This is a mountain bike and walking trail which follows a loop. Developed by Bike Wanaka in partnership with DOC it provide a fun bike track suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. For more on cycling in Wanaka visit Bike Wanaka's website. http://www.bikewanaka.org.nz
6 locals recommend
DEANS BANK BIKE TRAIL HEAD
This is a mountain bike and walking trail which follows a loop. Developed by Bike Wanaka in partnership with DOC it provide a fun bike track suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. For more on cycling in Wanaka visit Bike Wanaka's website. http://www.bikewanaka.org.nz
This is a mountain bike and walking trail network. This has a network of single tracks which are suitable for intermediate to expert riders with some tracks featuring large jumps.
The area is a mixed use pine forrest owned currently by the Office of Treaty Settlement who kindly let us use it. It is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers.
For more on cycling in Wanaka visit Bike Wanaka's website. http://www.bikewanaka.org.nz
25 locals recommend
Sticky Forest
104B Kings DrThis is a mountain bike and walking trail network. This has a network of single tracks which are suitable for intermediate to expert riders with some tracks featuring large jumps.
The area is a mixed use pine forrest owned currently by the Office of Treaty Settlement who kindly let us use it. It is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers.
For more on cycling in Wanaka visit Bike Wanaka's website. http://www.bikewanaka.org.nz
A beautiful track along the waterfront that has some great views. This is a mixed use track and popular with cyclists and walkers. There are a couple of streams to cross and if recent rain the last one will be too deep to safely cross. After this stream the track goes up steeply and a good test of your fitness! At the top of the hill there is a hut and in the correct season wild raspberries. It is around 27km return to the hut. Although you can decide how far you want to walk and there are a couple of lovely beaches for lunch and a swim.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/minaret-burn-track/
Minaret Burn
A beautiful track along the waterfront that has some great views. This is a mixed use track and popular with cyclists and walkers. There are a couple of streams to cross and if recent rain the last one will be too deep to safely cross. After this stream the track goes up steeply and a good test of your fitness! At the top of the hill there is a hut and in the correct season wild raspberries. It is around 27km return to the hut. Although you can decide how far you want to walk and there are a couple of lovely beaches for lunch and a swim.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/minaret-burn-track/
The Fern Burn Hut walk is part of the Motatapu Track. This is a 3 day walk from Glendhu Bay to Arrowtown. However a walk up to the hut provides a good day walk. The track follows a river originally through pasture before entering a beech forrest. When you come out of the beech forrest the track becomes quite narrow as it makes it's way up to the hut.
It usually takes around 4-6 hours for return and is around 14km.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/arrowtown-area/things-to-do/motatapu-track/
Fern Burn Hut
The Fern Burn Hut walk is part of the Motatapu Track. This is a 3 day walk from Glendhu Bay to Arrowtown. However a walk up to the hut provides a good day walk. The track follows a river originally through pasture before entering a beech forrest. When you come out of the beech forrest the track becomes quite narrow as it makes it's way up to the hut.
It usually takes around 4-6 hours for return and is around 14km.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/arrowtown-area/things-to-do/motatapu-track/
Entertainment & Activities
Quirky cinema which has an assortment of different seating options, still has an intermission and serves excellent home made cookies and ice cream.
97 locals recommend
Cinema Paradiso
72 Brownston StQuirky cinema which has an assortment of different seating options, still has an intermission and serves excellent home made cookies and ice cream.
A small cinema with comfortable seats and plenty of atmosphere. Often shows fringe/foreign movies.
83 locals recommend
Rubys Cinema and Bar
50 Cardrona Valley RdA small cinema with comfortable seats and plenty of atmosphere. Often shows fringe/foreign movies.
A large 3D maze, optical illusions and puzzles to play with and buy. Great way to spend a few hours.
128 locals recommend
Puzzling World
188 Wanaka-Luggate HwyA large 3D maze, optical illusions and puzzles to play with and buy. Great way to spend a few hours.
Ski and Mountain Bike Park. Good beginner and intermediate skiing and boarding. Has an excellent freestyle skiing (park and pipe) and some of the world's best can often be seen from the chairlift performing their tricks.
In the summer it changes into a mountain bike park with bike rental and lift accessed riding. Their are also mountain carts and a walking track.
71 locals recommend
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Valley RdSki and Mountain Bike Park. Good beginner and intermediate skiing and boarding. Has an excellent freestyle skiing (park and pipe) and some of the world's best can often be seen from the chairlift performing their tricks.
In the summer it changes into a mountain bike park with bike rental and lift accessed riding. Their are also mountain carts and a walking track.
Ski resort with a spectacular view and usually a number of keas (mountain parrots) trying to steal your lunch. The skiing is best for intermediate to advanced skiers. Although they do have a beginners slope as well.
57 locals recommend
Treble Cone Ski Area
Mt Aspiring RoadSki resort with a spectacular view and usually a number of keas (mountain parrots) trying to steal your lunch. The skiing is best for intermediate to advanced skiers. Although they do have a beginners slope as well.
Cross Country ski field (the only one in NZ). Good place to try out this form of skiing. In the summer you can cycle on the trails or go for walks in the Pisa Conservation Area.
20 locals recommend
Snow Farm NZ
2127 Cardrona Valley RdCross Country ski field (the only one in NZ). Good place to try out this form of skiing. In the summer you can cycle on the trails or go for walks in the Pisa Conservation Area.
For something a bit different why not escape the crowds for a truly memorable day skiing. Suitable for good intermediate, advanced to expert skiers.
Harris Mountains Heli-Ski Wanaka
99 Ardmore StFor something a bit different why not escape the crowds for a truly memorable day skiing. Suitable for good intermediate, advanced to expert skiers.
A unique ski experience - cat skiing. No crowds and great powder and terrain. https://sohobasin.com/
28 locals recommend
Cardrona
A unique ski experience - cat skiing. No crowds and great powder and terrain. https://sohobasin.com/
Essentials
Mediterranean Market Wanaka
20 Ardmore StHigh quality supermarket with lots of great produce.
Sightseeing
This has become probably the most photographed tree in the country since it became popular on Instagram. It is now common to see crowds around the tree trying to get that iconic shot.
It is possible to get a great shot anytime of day or year. Dawn can produce some special light and less crowds - but I challenge you to get out of our comfy bed that early!
48 locals recommend
#ThatWanakaTree
59 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdThis has become probably the most photographed tree in the country since it became popular on Instagram. It is now common to see crowds around the tree trying to get that iconic shot.
It is possible to get a great shot anytime of day or year. Dawn can produce some special light and less crowds - but I challenge you to get out of our comfy bed that early!