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Wanaka NZ – in the heart of New Zealand’s southern lakes region – is the gateway to Mount Aspiring national park and Te Wahipounamu world heritage area.
Wanaka NZ - one of our favourite places in New Zealand. This spectacular lake side town is around one hours drive from the better known Queenstown , and is located roughly between the South Island's wild West Coast and Central Otago regions. This region of soaring mountains and deep alpine lakes is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes, and a popular year-round holiday destination. And just like Queenstown, Wanaka is a stunningly beautiful town. Perhaps a little less "hectic" than Queenstown, Wanaka has a charm all its own. The town centre is located lakefront, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal and a drink (or two) while gazing across the lake towards the distant snow capped peaks.
There's Lots To Do In Wanaka NZ As a holiday destination, Wanaka has something for everyone. During the long, 
hot summers, local rivers and lakes are bustling with holiday makers enjoying a range of water based activities such as
jet boating
, water skiing and fishing. Local trout are plentiful, and it always amazes me when I stand on the small jetty in the Wanaka town centre and see huge trout swimming just metres below!
The surrounding mountains contain extensive hiking tracks, mountaineering and rock climbing sites for enthusiasts. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has heaps of information on the various walks in the area. During winter in Wanaka NZ, 
the scenery changes, and snow covers the surrounding peaks, creating a winter wonderland.
In my opinion, winter is the prime time for photographers, and it's very hard to accurately describe just how beautiful the region is during winter. The mountains surrounding the lake provide top ski and heli skiing facilities, attracting snow lovers from around the world. Several alpine resorts are easily accessed from town. Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski and snowboard area. It's famous for its amazing views over the region, and its huge, uncrowded runs. 
Cardrona is located between Wanaka and Queenstown. With dedicated slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, chutes for the advanced, and an extensive freestyle park, Cardrona has something for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
And if you are a freestyler, then Snow Park is the place for you. As the largest terrain park in New Zealand, Snow Farm caters for freestylers of all skill levels. Great design makes Snow Farm THE freestyle choice for snowboarders and skiers in New Zealand. You can learn more about skiing in the region HERE. For the more adventurous, how about a private helicopter tour , a vintage plane ride or a back country 4WD tour? Wanaka New Zealand 
is popular for its canyoning sites. Guides take canyoners into the Matukituki where they experience crystal clear pools, chutes and waterfalls.
As New Zealand’s premier rock climbing destination, the area around nearby Mt Aspiring National Park boasts hundreds of sites, that range from grade nine to grade thirty. Thrill seekers are well catered for in the region. A tandem skydiving experience is perhaps the best way to see the region (if you are game!). Dropping from 15,000 feet, you will experience up to 60 seconds freefall over this amazing alpine region. Alps, glaciers and lakes unfold below you. Wanaka NZ is also a prime fishing destination. Brown and rainbow trout and salmon abound in the pristine waters of local lakes, rivers and streams. One of our favourite family activities in Wanaka is Puzzling World. 
This unique complex contains a large maze, and many interactive puzzles and illusions. It's a great place for kids and adults alike. You can sit at tables and test your skills (and patience!) unravelling a range of puzzles (which are also available to buy), test your navigation skills in the maze, and marvel at our favourite, the Hall of Following Faces.
A great place to spend a few hours. Every two years Wanaka NZ comes alive over the Easter long weekend with 
Warbirds Over Wanaka.
This dynamic airshow attracts over 65,000 visitors to Wanaka and is the largest Warbirds show in the Southern Hemisphere. Featuring a range of historic and current warbirds, static and aerial displays, Warbirds Over Wanaka is something special for Warbird fans. The next show will be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of April 2012.
You can view and book a full range of Wanaka activities HERE. Wanaka NZ - A Little History The name Wanaka comes from Oanaka, meaning 'place of Anaka' in Maori (Anaka was a Maori chief). Until the early 19th century, 
Wanaka NZ was a summer home for local Maori. But in 1836, a Maori tribe from the north attacked and virtually destroyed the settlement.
In 1853, a man named Nathaniel Chalmers was the first known European to view Lake Wanaka. But it was the discovery of gold in the 1870s that brought significant numbers to the region. So rich were the gold reserves that at one stage there were nearly two hundred gold dredges working the local Clutha river. The original settlement was founded in 1863 and was known as Pembroke, so named after a British colonial secretary. It was not renamed as Wanaka until 1940. 
Tourists began coming to the region around 1881 following the launch of a paddle steamer on Lake Wanaka. And since that time, the region's popularity has grown steadily to the point where it is now a favourite New Zealand destination for many. It's visually stunning, has lots to do for people of all ages, and has a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes.
An interesting piece of local history is the historic Cardrona Hotel. Located around 20 kilometres out of Wanaka at the base of the Cardrona ski fields, the pub is a favourite place of ours for a meal and a glass of local wine. In fine weather, the outdoor dining area is a great place to sit and pass a couple of hours. On colder days, the roaring open fire welcomes visitors. It's also mid way between Wanaka and Queenstown on the Crown Range road. Wanaka NZ - A Little Luxury? Wanaka has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. And if you are looking for a special treat, Wanaka has several luxury accommodation choices. Whare Kea lodge has luxury accommodation on the edge of Lake Wanaka, and an alpine chalet on a mountainside near Mt Aspiring national park. The chalet, accessed by scenic helicopter flight from Whare Kea, is a base for heli-skiing, ski touring and picnics on the mountainside. Maple Lodge Wanaka is surrounded by seven acres of maple trees, in a quiet, peaceful location. Decorated in a traditional rustic theme, guests can relax by the fire in the comfortable lounge area or gaze at the stars from the jacuzzi. Maple Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore all that this wonderful region has to offer. Nature and Wildlife In The Region Wanaka NZ is a home to several species of rare native birds and plants. The endangered buff weka can be found on Mou Waho island, a dedicated nature reserve located in the middle of Lake Wanaka. 
A large brown flightless bird, the buff weka was a food source for early Maori and European settlers. It was saved from extinction by the Department of Conservation (DOC), who developed a relocation programme to Mou Waho, where they now thrive. Mou Waho is also home to several other birds such as the wood pigeon, the native falcon, and the bellbird. Gecko (a small lizard) and rainbow trout also live in the island's forest.
The views from the top of Mou Waho are stunning, and you can see 360 degrees. The island also has its own small lake, the Arethusa pool. 
Some Interesting Facts About Wanaka NZ * The Clutha river, which is New Zealand’s largest river by volume, has its source in Lake Wanaka. * The Crown Range road, between Wanaka and Queenstown, is New Zealand’s highest main road, with a peak of 1121 metres. We highly recommend this route (provided the weather conditions are favourable). The views are absolutely brilliant. 
* The road to Haast Pass on the West Coast took more than 30 years to build due to the rock in the area. * Lake Wanaka is mentioned in the Mission Impossible III movie. Click on the following link to view a full range of Wanaka activities.
For more information on Wanaka NZ, click here to go to the Tourism New Zealand web site.
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