Wanaka

Wanaka

About Wanaka

Lake Wanaka - a land of striking mountains, deep alpine lakes and air as clear as crystal. Long hot summers and cold snowy winters create a land of outdoor adventures. A land for relaxing, surrounded by scenery that feeds the soul and inspires the heart.
Bullock Creek Chalet
Property Description: Bullock Creek Chalet is perfect for family holidays. This private, mountain chalet style home has lots of character and enjoys commanding views over Lake Wanaka and the mountainous landscape beyond. The fully equipped kitchen, dining and living areas open up onto the private gardens. A deck with sitting area and BBQ is the perfect place to relax in the sun looking out to the amazing view. The four spacious bedrooms are inviting and comfortable, two of which open up to the garden and one upstairs opens to its own private balcony. Features: Lake & Mountain Views, 4 Bedrooms + Kids Room, 3.5 Bathrooms, Fully Equipped Kitchen, Log Fire, BBQ Facilities, Dining & Living Area Inclusions: Free Wifi, luxurious linen, toiletries, tea & coffee Arrival Info: Clients should arrive at 3PM on the day of arrival and vacate the property by 11AM on the day of departure. If you require special arrival/departure times, please contact us ahead of time and we will try to arrange this for them. Bond: A minimum amount of $NZ1000.00 or the equivalent of one night rental will be charged on the day of the Client’s arrival. This bond will be fully refunded once we have confirmed that there is no excessive cleaning required, excessive rubbish to be removed, and any loss or damages to the property. A credit card authorisation is required by Release Wanaka as security against the Client’s failure to perform the obligations set out in these Terms & Conditions, in the event that the above Bond amount does not cover the cost of excessive cleaning or rubbish removal, loss, damage and unpaid telephone and/or other charges. Liability: By paying deposit you agree and are responsible or liable for any accident, loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience arising from the rental. All claims of accident, loss, damage, injury or inconvenience are acknowledged to be solely you and the owner of the property.
Clearbrook Motel & Apartments Wanaka
Offering convenience and comfort, Clearbrook Motels Wanaka provides guests with self-contained apartment style accommodation, flats and townhouses to suit an array of travellers visiting Wanaka. Clearbrook Motels Wanaka is set in a premium location, being a 2 minute walk to Wanaka's town centre, making for the perfect base for your New Zealand ski holiday. Guests of this 3 star property will be delighted with free WiFi, personal laundry facilities, kitchens, smart TV and selected rooms offer private balconies with sensational views of the surrounding mountains. Skiers and snowboarders are going to thoroughly enjoy Clearbrook Motels warm and secure ski lockers, providing guests a dry space to store their ski and snowboard equipment after a day on the skiing and snowboarding. </br></br> Clearbrook Motels Wanaka is a favourite amongst skiers and snowboarders with its close proximity to Wanaka’s two iconic ski resorts, Treble Cone and Cardrona. From Wanaka skiers and snowboarders will only need to travel approximately 35 minutes to reach Cardrona and 35 minutes to Treble Cone. Transfers from Wanaka to Treble Cone and Cardrona occur most days at specific pick up points in Wanaka. </br></br> Wanaka’s quaint town sits on the shores of Lake Wanaka and is a hub for adventure seekers looking to ski the local surrounding mountains, bask in the local wilderness and those looking to uncover the local alpine lakes. With the southern Alps making for the perfect back drop, Wanaka’s quaint town makes for the perfect hub to base yourself for your next New Zealand ski holiday.
Horseshoe Bend Estate
Property Description: Expansive manicured lawns surround the two luxury private villas ensconsed in the bubble that is Horseshoe Bend. This beautiful 17-acre riverside property sleeps up to 12 guests and has everything you should need to entertain yourselves for days on end without having the leave the property. Features: Features include the vast gardens, huge outdoor entertaining areas, tennis court, swimming pool, steam room, hot tub and pétanque court. The outdoor barbecue area has plenty of comfortable seating, heaters if there is a chill in the air, plus an outdoor fire and pizza oven. It makes for a fantastic entertaining space. The fenced pool area houses the heated outdoor pool (summer only) plus a spa, and the tennis court and petanque court are great additions, enabling some (friendly!) competition. Inclusions: Free Wifi, luxurious linen, toiletries, tea & coffee Arrival Info: Clients should arrive at 3PM on the day of arrival and vacate the property by 11AM on the day of departure. If you require special arrival/departure times, please contact us ahead of time and we will try to arrange this for them. Bond: A minimum amount of $NZ1000.00 or the equivalent of one night rental will be charged on the day of the Client’s arrival. This bond will be fully refunded once we have confirmed that there is no excessive cleaning required, excessive rubbish to be removed, and any loss or damages to the property. A credit card authorisation is required by Release Wanaka as security against the Client’s failure to perform the obligations set out in these Terms & Conditions, in the event that the above Bond amount does not cover the cost of excessive cleaning or rubbish removal, loss, damage and unpaid telephone and/or other charges. Liability: By paying deposit you agree and are responsible or liable for any accident, loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience arising from the rental. All claims of accident, loss, damage, injury or inconvenience are acknowledged to be solely you and the owner of the property. Bedding: Main Villa: 1 x King, 2 x Super King (split) Tennis Court Pavilion: 1 x King, 1 x Super King (split) one with children's bedroom attached (2 singles)
Wanaka Overview
Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is a quaint lakeside resort town surrounded by the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Located near four world-class ski resorts, this prime location makes Wanaka a snow lover’s dream destination, there are just so many mountains for skiers and snowboarders to explore!
 
Wanaka is ideal for a quieter New Zealand ski holiday, slightly removed from the 'hustle and bustle' of Queenstown. Wanaka has easy to access to all the incredible winter activities you can imagine, from skiing and snowboarding through to relxing hot pools and massages.
 
The town itself overlooks Lake Wanaka and is bordered by the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The towering mountain ranges make Wanaka a haven for skiers, snowboarders and winter holiday enthusiasts. Wanaka is a great base to visit the South Islands well known ski resorts Cardrona & Treble Cone; or adventurers can travel further south towards Queenstown and ski Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
 
Wanaka caters to singles travellers, couples, families, groups and school ski trips, with a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. The vast terrain available in the region is ideal for all levels of experience, with runs for beginner skiers, through to advanced terrain suited to advance level ski and snowboarders. Having access to so many ski resorts, Wanaka is also ideal for groups with mixed ski or snowboard skill level; groups can split up to visit different mountains easily. There is a selection of accommodation options in Wanaka, from budget accommodation through to luxury hotels. There are plenty of runs for avid skier or snowboarder to explore, as well as activities for any non-skiers visiting during winter.
Where to stay in Wanaka
While smaller than neighbouring Queenstown, Wanaka offers a range of accommodation option to suit a variety of budgets and different holiday styles. If you love to save your money for activities and dining out or are travelling on a budget, Wanaka’s budget accommodation, hostels and lodges are clean and comfortable. There are a range of 2-3 star options from dormitory style backpacker’s through to economical B&B or motel style accommodation.

Travelling with family or in a group? There are a variety of self-contained apartments in Wanaka or holiday homes that give you that little bit more space. If cooking on holiday isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotel style properties that cater to families and have larger rooms to accommodate groups, but still have access to dining.

For those skiers and snowboarders that enjoy the finer things in life, Wanaka has a selection of luxury resort hotel or luxury houses available. There are also so stunning alpine lodges on the outskirts of Wanaka, perfect for a tranquil escape.

If you are looking for the cheapest deal, we recommend visiting Wanaka at the start or end of the ski season, which runs from approximately June to October each year. While travelling in June or late-September to October may be cheaper, keep in mind that can mean snow may not be as consistent. As Cardrona is a very popular family ski resort, if possible, avoiding both Australian and New Zealand school holidays can mean you have a more enjoyable time. Also, school holidays tend to be slightly more expensive due to the demand. The most popular time to visit Wanaka for consistent, good quality snow is in July and August. If you are travelling over peak periods and school holidays, make sure to lock in accommodation nice and early to ensure you get the best option and best price.
Skiing & Snowboarding Wanaka
Wanaka is a stunning place to ski or snowboard, with panoramic lake views from the top of Cardrona and Treble Cone, there are photo opportunities at every turn. With several world-class ski resorts within close proximity, Wanaka is a skier or snowboarders ultimate snow holiday destination! Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter activity in the region and has access to some of the premium options for New Zealand Skiing. Cardrona Alpine Resort is 20 minutes from the centre of Wanaka with 2 pipes, multiple terrain parks, 400 hectares of terrain and impeccable family facilities, it’s no surprise that Cardrona is one of New Zealand’s favourite ski resorts. In 2020 Cardrona also purchased neighbouring Treble Cone ski resort, so visitors can now ski both peaks on one lift pass.
 
Treble Cone is the perfect addition to a Wanaka ski holiday, with the largest skiable area and longest vertical rise in New Zealand, Treble Cone ski field is also well-known for its off-piste terrain and uncrowded runs. While Treble Cone may be paradise for intermediate to advanced skiers and boarders, beginners are looked after, with a designated learner area.
 
For those that don’t mind a slightly longer commute, Coronet Peak Ski Resort is located about 1 hour 20 minutes from central Wanaka & The Remarkables Ski Resort is about 1 hour 30 minutes from town. One thing is certain, Wanaka in an unforgettable snow holiday destination.
Getting Around Wanaka
Most visitors to Wanaka hire a car from either Queenstown Airport or Christchurch Airport. This is also a convenient option to commute to Wanaka’s ski resorts. For anyone who does plan to self-drive, it is essential to carry If you don’t feel comfortable driving up the steep mountain roads, both Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resort offer transport options from Wanaka or the bottom of the mountain.
How to get to Wanaka
The closest airport to Wanaka is Queenstown Airport, flight time into Queenstown is roughly 3 hours from Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney. These flights can be expensive over peak winter travel dates or school holidays, so we recommend considering flying into Christchurch or Dunedin if you are budget conscious. Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is a 55 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, just over 3 hours’ drive from Dunedin, and about 5 hours’ drive from Christchurch.

The majority of visitors to Wanaka hire a car and drive from their chosen airport. It is important to make sure your hire car has snow cover, roof racks and snow chains. Ski season is from late June through to early October. Each resort has slightly different opening dates & dates may vary slightly each year. Peak travel to Wanaka is in July and August, so if you are looking to avoid the crowds ski early or late in the season. Due to the increasingly popular family facilities available at Cardrona Alpine Resort, it is advisable to also travel outside of Australian and New Zealand school holiday dates if possible.

School groups and clubs often visit the Wanaka during these holidays as well, so if you are planning to travel during this time, it is essential to pre-book nice and early.
Things to do in Wanaka in Winter
Wanaka is a premium alpine skiing and snowboarding destination, but there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy while holidaying in this beautiful part of New Zealand. Visitors can try snowshoeing and dog sledding at Snow Farm, over have a snowball fight at the Snow Fun Zone. For adrenaline seekers, try ice-driving or take a scenic flight around Wanaka and finish on a glacier. For wine lovers and beer connoisseurs, the Otago region also has a variety of Wineries & Breweries to explore. Another great activity to add to any Wanaka holiday is a visit to the Cardrona Distillery, take a tour and learn about the distilling process and finish with a tasting of their in-house liquors, vodka, gin and delicious Cardrona single malt whisky.
Dining & Après in Wanaka
Best Après in Wanaka:
Après ski in Wanaka can be tailored to any budget or vibe, from upmarket wine tasting rooms to well-established pubs and breweries!
 
On-mountain après can be enjoyed at the top of McDougall’s Chondola at the Vista Bar, sit on a beanbag with a glass of Mumm champagne or cold craft beer and people watch from the top of Cardrona. If beanbags aren’t your seat of choice, The Lounge is another slope side après option, located at the base area of the mountain.
 
If you head back into Wanaka, The Bullock Bar in town is a local favourite and great if you are after a casual pub atmosphere. If you are chasing a cocktail, Lalaland Lounge Bar Wanaka or Bar Number 8 both have a great view of the lake and delicious selection of cocktails to choose from. Finally, no visit to ’Cardies’ would be complete without a visit to the Cardrona Hotel. This iconic hotel is on the road out of town and it’s almost essential to stop for a drink and a cheeky photo for the gram.
 
Best Restaurants in Wanaka:
For a small town, Wanaka has a delightful selection of dining options! We asked our team of ski specialist their opinions to collate our list of the best restaurants in Wanaka.
 
The Mezz in an awesome alpine restaurant located on Cardrona, offering full-service breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a bar for those seeking the full après ski experience. If you love tapas-style dining then you will love Wanaka’s Kika, a restaurant with great food, excellent service and even better wine! Another must-try Wanaka restaurant is Big Fig, they do amazing slow-cooked meats and Lebanese inspired veges. A great budget-friendly dining option in Wanaka is Brownston Street Food Trucks, specifically the tacos at Burrito Crafts truck should not be missed. Food trucks are great for families too, as you can all get something different. These are only a few of the delish dining options in Wanaka.
 
If you have a favourite restaurant in Wanaka that you want added to our list, let us know!