Guidebook for Wanaka
Food Scene
Currently the best dining spot in Wanaka - great food and service. You can't book so best to arrive early.
116 locals recommend
Kika
2 Dunmore StCurrently the best dining spot in Wanaka - great food and service. You can't book so best to arrive early.
Excellent cafe - wide range of food always available from the counter and cooked meals available all day. Popular with locals.
33 locals recommend
Double Black Cafe
Excellent cafe - wide range of food always available from the counter and cooked meals available all day. Popular with locals.
Yum yum yum - best gelato in town, flavours changing with the season
17 locals recommend
Black Peak Gelato
123 Ardmore StYum yum yum - best gelato in town, flavours changing with the season
A drive to Bannockburn will take just under 1 hour. If you want to have lunch at Mt Difficulty, it is best to book in advance.
Stop off at Old Cromwell Town to explore heritage buildings, many with artisan businesses in them, located on the shore of Lake Dunstan.
27 locals recommend
Mt Difficulty Wines Cellar Door
73 Felton RdA drive to Bannockburn will take just under 1 hour. If you want to have lunch at Mt Difficulty, it is best to book in advance.
Stop off at Old Cromwell Town to explore heritage buildings, many with artisan businesses in them, located on the shore of Lake Dunstan.
A healthy alternative to takeaways! Fast service with plenty of different food options every day. Good value and decent portions. Eat in or take out.
84 locals recommend
Big Fig Wanaka
105 Ardmore StA healthy alternative to takeaways! Fast service with plenty of different food options every day. Good value and decent portions. Eat in or take out.
Best option for Fine Dining - modern French cuisine using local produce and beautifully presented. A wide selection of wines available for tasting and by the glass.
Also has the Maude Wines Tasting Room.
67 locals recommend
Bistro Gentil
76A Golf Course RdBest option for Fine Dining - modern French cuisine using local produce and beautifully presented. A wide selection of wines available for tasting and by the glass.
Also has the Maude Wines Tasting Room.
Sightseeing
The tree has become very popular thanks to social media - worth a visit even though there will always be other people there. Go for a nice walk along the lake to Waterfall Creek, stop in for a coffee or lunch at Edgewater or wine tasting at Rippon.
48 locals recommend
#ThatWanakaTree
59 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdThe tree has become very popular thanks to social media - worth a visit even though there will always be other people there. Go for a nice walk along the lake to Waterfall Creek, stop in for a coffee or lunch at Edgewater or wine tasting at Rippon.
Lake Hawea
Drive or bike
Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Valley RoadIconic pub with great atmosphere, popular with visitors and locals
Worth stopping by - the Whisky is 10 years away from being ready but you can buy boutique gin, vodka and a couple of delicious liqueurs (Orange, Cherry).
28 locals recommend
Cardrona Distillery
2125 Cardrona Valley RoadWorth stopping by - the Whisky is 10 years away from being ready but you can buy boutique gin, vodka and a couple of delicious liqueurs (Orange, Cherry).
Essentials
New World Wanaka
20 Dunmore StImported and local produce including quality meats, fish, chicken, cheeses, gourmet vegetables, fresh seasonal fruits, condiments etc.
37 locals recommend
Mediterranean Market Wanaka
20 Ardmore StImported and local produce including quality meats, fish, chicken, cheeses, gourmet vegetables, fresh seasonal fruits, condiments etc.
The Butcher's Block and Smokehouse
33 Reece CresLocal butcher
Entertainment & Activities
Rubys Cinema and Bar
50 Cardrona Valley RdSmall & intimate
Cinema Paradiso
72 Brownston StIconic
Puzzling World
188 Wanaka-Luggate HwyA must do - fun for all ages
We did this a few years ago - a great trip. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat through spectacular alpine environment.
Siberia Experience
We did this a few years ago - a great trip. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat through spectacular alpine environment.
Treble Cone
For intermediate and advanced skiers - fantastic views.
Cardrona improves every year - they are family friendly with excellent lift/hire/lesson packages for learners.
In summer, the Cardrona Mountain Bike Park is open every day from December 2, 2017 – April 2, 2018
71 locals recommend
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Valley RdCardrona improves every year - they are family friendly with excellent lift/hire/lesson packages for learners.
In summer, the Cardrona Mountain Bike Park is open every day from December 2, 2017 – April 2, 2018
Crossfire Wanaka
9 Mount Barker RdShooting, Archery, Mini Golf, Driving range and more
Wanaka Golf Course
12 Ballantyne RdAn enjoyable golf course with spectacular views
Parks & Nature
We recommend Rob Roy Glacier over Mt Roy! It is a 10km walk starting from the Raspberry Creek Car Park (1 hour drive from Wanaka). Walk through the valley then cross the swing bridge into beech forest.
Spectacular views and the best glacier access in NZ.
Raspberry Creek Car Park
We recommend Rob Roy Glacier over Mt Roy! It is a 10km walk starting from the Raspberry Creek Car Park (1 hour drive from Wanaka). Walk through the valley then cross the swing bridge into beech forest.
Spectacular views and the best glacier access in NZ.
Diamond Lake Circuit Track: 45 min return, 2.5 km
Diamond Lake Lookout: 1 hr return, 2 km
Lake Wanaka Lookout: 2 hr return, 5 km
Rocky Mountain Summit Track: 3 hr return, 7 km
25 locals recommend
Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake Circuit Track: 45 min return, 2.5 km
Diamond Lake Lookout: 1 hr return, 2 km
Lake Wanaka Lookout: 2 hr return, 5 km
Rocky Mountain Summit Track: 3 hr return, 7 km
Pop in for a visit to pick up maps and information
20 locals recommend
Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre
1 Ballantyne RdPop in for a visit to pick up maps and information
Drinks & Nightlife
Rhyme and Reason Brewery
17 Gordon RdNew brewery