Han & Doug's Wanaka Guidebook
Food Scene
Our favourite restaurant for a treat meal out. Stunning sharing style dishes and delicious cocktails. Booking ahead is essential.
116 recommandé par les habitants
Kika
2 Dunmore StOur favourite restaurant for a treat meal out. Stunning sharing style dishes and delicious cocktails. Booking ahead is essential.
Great quick healthy dishes with deli-style pick and choose options. Great coffee ☕️
84 recommandé par les habitants
Big Fig Wanaka
105 Ardmore StGreat quick healthy dishes with deli-style pick and choose options. Great coffee ☕️
Our hands-down favourite brunch spot in town. We've never had a dud off their menu and the coffee is top notch 👌
13 recommandé par les habitants
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery
71 Ardmore StreetOur hands-down favourite brunch spot in town. We've never had a dud off their menu and the coffee is top notch 👌
Tucked away in the Northlake area of Wanaka, this is a great option if you want a beer garden or a place with a playground for kids. Great local beer and very good burgers.
Hello Ranger
3 Northlake DriveTucked away in the Northlake area of Wanaka, this is a great option if you want a beer garden or a place with a playground for kids. Great local beer and very good burgers.
Paloma
28 Helwick StreetClassy wee spot for a cocktail or some yummy Mexican food.
Great burger joint which is best for takeaways and perfect for a lakeside dinner. We would say it easily rivals Ferg Burger in Queenstown. The kumara fries with aioli are deelish.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Red Star Burger Bar
26 Ardmore StGreat burger joint which is best for takeaways and perfect for a lakeside dinner. We would say it easily rivals Ferg Burger in Queenstown. The kumara fries with aioli are deelish.
THE place for a special occasion dinner in Wānaka. Beautiful food and wine, with exceptional service and views.
67 recommandé par les habitants
Bistro Gentil
76A Golf Course RdTHE place for a special occasion dinner in Wānaka. Beautiful food and wine, with exceptional service and views.
Hands down the best icecream and hot chocolate in town if not in New Zealand. Our fave flavours are Chocolate Macadamia, Dulce De Leche, and Strawberries and Cream. You can ask to try flavours before you choose.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Patagonia Chocolates
155 Ardmore StHands down the best icecream and hot chocolate in town if not in New Zealand. Our fave flavours are Chocolate Macadamia, Dulce De Leche, and Strawberries and Cream. You can ask to try flavours before you choose.
THE best pastries in town if not in Otago. Just YUM. Try the custard slice - you will not be disappointed. And the coffee's great.
53 recommandé par les habitants
Pembroke Patisserie
20 Alison AveTHE best pastries in town if not in Otago. Just YUM. Try the custard slice - you will not be disappointed. And the coffee's great.
Local Activities
Beautifully landscaped lavender gardens and cafe. These guys make their own products to sell in their farm shop. There's also lots of farm animals and areas to explore for kids.
44 recommandé par les habitants
Wanaka Lavender Farm
36 Morris RdBeautifully landscaped lavender gardens and cafe. These guys make their own products to sell in their farm shop. There's also lots of farm animals and areas to explore for kids.
A Wānaka institution! Comfy sofas, hot home-made cookies at the half-time interval. All cinemas should be like this.
97 recommandé par les habitants
Cinema Paradiso
72 Brownston StA Wānaka institution! Comfy sofas, hot home-made cookies at the half-time interval. All cinemas should be like this.
Probably the best views of any vineyard, ever. Worth going simply for the stunning view, but also the wine is good and biodynamically grown. The tasting room is usually open daily for free tastings. In winter they usually have a weekly chef's table in the beautiful vaulted hall. Check their website for details.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Rippon
246 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdProbably the best views of any vineyard, ever. Worth going simply for the stunning view, but also the wine is good and biodynamically grown. The tasting room is usually open daily for free tastings. In winter they usually have a weekly chef's table in the beautiful vaulted hall. Check their website for details.
Local winemakers, Maude Wines, have a tasting room with a gorgeous views and a lovely garden just above the golf course. A great place to sit in the sun with a platter and a glass of vino!
15 recommandé par les habitants
Maude Wines
76A Golf Course RdLocal winemakers, Maude Wines, have a tasting room with a gorgeous views and a lovely garden just above the golf course. A great place to sit in the sun with a platter and a glass of vino!
Erm, it may seem a bit goofy but this place is actually good fun if you have a rainy day.
128 recommandé par les habitants
Puzzling World
188 Wanaka-Luggate HwyErm, it may seem a bit goofy but this place is actually good fun if you have a rainy day.
The world's highest waterfall cable climb. I thought it would be relatively tame as there are metal steps stapled into the cliff that you follow but I actually found it fully adrenaline fuelled and epic. And you get to swim in waterfall pools on the side of a mountain. Epic!
7 recommandé par les habitants
Wildwire Wanaka
Wanaka Mount Aspiring RoadThe world's highest waterfall cable climb. I thought it would be relatively tame as there are metal steps stapled into the cliff that you follow but I actually found it fully adrenaline fuelled and epic. And you get to swim in waterfall pools on the side of a mountain. Epic!
Another huge adventure activity that gets you fully immersed in the landscape. Highly recommend.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Deep Canyon
99 Ardmore StAnother huge adventure activity that gets you fully immersed in the landscape. Highly recommend.
A classic Wānaka right of passage - if you're going to skydive you might as well choose the most stunning scenery to fall towards, right?
17 recommandé par les habitants
Skydive Wanaka
Mustang LaneA classic Wānaka right of passage - if you're going to skydive you might as well choose the most stunning scenery to fall towards, right?
Tramps & Day Hikes
This day hike is a Wānaka classic for a reason: the views over lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains are stunning and hard to beat. Two thirds of the way up you get an social media worthy photo opportunity on a small ridgeway path overlooking the lake.
Hike time: 5-6 hours return
Skill level: easy, but be aware that you need a good level of general fitness.
Our notes: take clothing layers as the weather can be very different at the top and a lot colder if you plan to stop for long. In winter/spring there is often snow at the top - check with the DOC office if unsure of conditions. The track is very exposed (no tree cover or shade) so take sunscreen, hats and plenty of water. You can do a much longer (and harder) day hike from the top of Roy's Peak along the ridge line and down into the Cardrona valley called the Skyline trail. You need to organise return transport for this option.
It goes without saying that when hiking in NZ you should always follow the DoC safety guidlines:
Your safety is your responsibility
•Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
•Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
•Follow the five essential steps of the Safety Code.
1. Choose the right trip for you
Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
2. Understand the weather
It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
3. Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
4. Share your plans and take ways to get help
Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned using the Outdoors Intentions form.
5. Take care of yourself and each other
Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
64 recommandé par les habitants
Roys Peak
This day hike is a Wānaka classic for a reason: the views over lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains are stunning and hard to beat. Two thirds of the way up you get an social media worthy photo opportunity on a small ridgeway path overlooking the lake.
Hike time: 5-6 hours return
Skill level: easy, but be aware that you need a good level of general fitness.
Our notes: take clothing layers as the weather can be very different at the top and a lot colder if you plan to stop for long. In winter/spring there is often snow at the top - check with the DOC office if unsure of conditions. The track is very exposed (no tree cover or shade) so take sunscreen, hats and plenty of water. You can do a much longer (and harder) day hike from the top of Roy's Peak along the ridge line and down into the Cardrona valley called the Skyline trail. You need to organise return transport for this option.
It goes without saying that when hiking in NZ you should always follow the DoC safety guidlines:
Your safety is your responsibility
•Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
•Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
•Follow the five essential steps of the Safety Code.
1. Choose the right trip for you
Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
2. Understand the weather
It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
3. Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
4. Share your plans and take ways to get help
Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned using the Outdoors Intentions form.
5. Take care of yourself and each other
Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
This track offers an easy route into a dramatic alpine landscape that includes snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. Older children should be able to complete the track.
10 km return via same track
Walking and tramping
3–4 hr
Easy: Walking track
Seasonal restrictions Access is restricted to the lower lookout when avalanche danger is present May to November.
The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The last 30 km are unsealed. The last 10 km is a fine weather road only and subject to washouts and flooded creeks that can be impassable – check road conditions before you leave.
The drive takes about an hour. Transport services from Wanaka to the car park are available.
It goes without saying that when hiking in NZ you should always follow the DoC safety guidlines:
Your safety is your responsibility
•Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
•Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
•Follow the five essential steps of the Safety Code.
1. Choose the right trip for you
Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
2. Understand the weather
It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
3. Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
4. Share your plans and take ways to get help
Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned using the Outdoors Intentions form.
5. Take care of yourself and each other
Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Rob Roy Glacier Trail Head and Car Park
Wanaka Mount Aspiring RoadThis track offers an easy route into a dramatic alpine landscape that includes snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. Older children should be able to complete the track.
10 km return via same track
Walking and tramping
3–4 hr
Easy: Walking track
Seasonal restrictions Access is restricted to the lower lookout when avalanche danger is present May to November.
The track starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, 54 km west of Wanaka on the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. The last 30 km are unsealed. The last 10 km is a fine weather road only and subject to washouts and flooded creeks that can be impassable – check road conditions before you leave.
The drive takes about an hour. Transport services from Wanaka to the car park are available.
It goes without saying that when hiking in NZ you should always follow the DoC safety guidlines:
Your safety is your responsibility
•Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
•Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
•Follow the five essential steps of the Safety Code.
1. Choose the right trip for you
Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
2. Understand the weather
It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
3. Pack warm clothes and extra food
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
4. Share your plans and take ways to get help
Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned using the Outdoors Intentions form.
5. Take care of yourself and each other
Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
Walk or mountain bike this track to Isthmus Peak (1385 m) and cross the undulating skyline ridge.
The track overlooks Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, with great views of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
16 km return via same track
Walking and tramping
5 to 7 hr
Advanced: Tramping track
Mountain biking - Expert: Grade 5
Seasonal restrictions November to December – These tracks are annually closed for fawning between 20 November and 20 December. March to May – Safari hunting takes place on Glen Dene Station. Be alert and stay visible, especially during the March to May roar hunting season.
Dog access No dogs
From the carpark, follow the poled route on the true right of Stewart Creek, until it joins a 4WD track. From here a steep, rocky climb winds upwards to a skyline ridge.
You can mountain bike these tracks but on many sections you will have to dismount and push your bike.
On reaching the ridge, a sign points to the Isthmus Peak track on the right, and on the left, the Glen Dene Ridge track takes you into the conservation area. The Glen Dene Tramping track along the tops traverses a number of unnamed peaks.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Isthmus Peak
Walk or mountain bike this track to Isthmus Peak (1385 m) and cross the undulating skyline ridge.
The track overlooks Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, with great views of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
16 km return via same track
Walking and tramping
5 to 7 hr
Advanced: Tramping track
Mountain biking - Expert: Grade 5
Seasonal restrictions November to December – These tracks are annually closed for fawning between 20 November and 20 December. March to May – Safari hunting takes place on Glen Dene Station. Be alert and stay visible, especially during the March to May roar hunting season.
Dog access No dogs
From the carpark, follow the poled route on the true right of Stewart Creek, until it joins a 4WD track. From here a steep, rocky climb winds upwards to a skyline ridge.
You can mountain bike these tracks but on many sections you will have to dismount and push your bike.
On reaching the ridge, a sign points to the Isthmus Peak track on the right, and on the left, the Glen Dene Ridge track takes you into the conservation area. The Glen Dene Tramping track along the tops traverses a number of unnamed peaks.
Lake beaches & swimming spots
Just 5 minutes walk down the road from the Studio, this beach is where we fell in love with Wanaka. Looking directly out onto Treble Cone and Black Peak mountains it's hard to get a bad view day even if it's raining! This a great beach for kids as it stays shallow for a long way out. There are toilets at the South end.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Bremner Bay Beach
2 Aubrey RdJust 5 minutes walk down the road from the Studio, this beach is where we fell in love with Wanaka. Looking directly out onto Treble Cone and Black Peak mountains it's hard to get a bad view day even if it's raining! This a great beach for kids as it stays shallow for a long way out. There are toilets at the South end.
This is a sheltered beach spot and great if the wind is blowing. Eely point has a dedicated swimming area (look for the orange bouys) and raised picnic platforms amongst the pines.
Eely Point Reserve
Lakeside RoadThis is a sheltered beach spot and great if the wind is blowing. Eely point has a dedicated swimming area (look for the orange bouys) and raised picnic platforms amongst the pines.
Bike Rides & Trails
Nestled amongst the wonderful town of Wānaka, tranquil waters of Glendhu Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park, Bike Glendhu was born to be tackled by two-wheeled explorers and shared by all who are willing to earn it.
This is an awesome place if you love to MTB. They also hire electric mountain bikes if you fancy a go but don't have quite the puff to get up the steeps (like me!). The cafe is great and there's a mini pump track for small kiddies.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Bike Glendhu
42 Motatapu RdNestled amongst the wonderful town of Wānaka, tranquil waters of Glendhu Bay and Mount Aspiring National Park, Bike Glendhu was born to be tackled by two-wheeled explorers and shared by all who are willing to earn it.
This is an awesome place if you love to MTB. They also hire electric mountain bikes if you fancy a go but don't have quite the puff to get up the steeps (like me!). The cafe is great and there's a mini pump track for small kiddies.
Locals favourite MTB trail area set amongst pine forest and only 5 minutes ride from our Studio.
25 recommandé par les habitants
Sticky Forest
104B Kings DrLocals favourite MTB trail area set amongst pine forest and only 5 minutes ride from our Studio.
Cardrona skifield doubles as a down hill MTB area in the off-season. Heaps of trails and chair lifts to help with the uphill 😜
71 recommandé par les habitants
Station de ski de Cardrona
Cardrona Valley RdCardrona skifield doubles as a down hill MTB area in the off-season. Heaps of trails and chair lifts to help with the uphill 😜
Beautiful and easy walking and biking trail that runs all the way from Wanaka to Albert Town and follows Clutha River/Mata Au. You can join it by heading down Aubrey Road to the lakeside and turning onto the footpath there.
"A picturesque riverside walk along the Clutha River/Mata-Au."
3 km one way
Walking and tramping
45 min one way
Easiest: Short walk
Mountain biking
Easy: Grade 2
Dog access Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
Lake Wanaka Outlet Track (Albert Town end)
23 Hikuwai DriveBeautiful and easy walking and biking trail that runs all the way from Wanaka to Albert Town and follows Clutha River/Mata Au. You can join it by heading down Aubrey Road to the lakeside and turning onto the footpath there.
"A picturesque riverside walk along the Clutha River/Mata-Au."
3 km one way
Walking and tramping
45 min one way
Easiest: Short walk
Mountain biking
Easy: Grade 2
Dog access Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
Groceries
Smaller Supermarket in the centre of Wānaka. This was the only supermarket in town until a couple of years ago. Still a good option.
119 recommandé par les habitants
New World Wanaka
20 Dunmore StSmaller Supermarket in the centre of Wānaka. This was the only supermarket in town until a couple of years ago. Still a good option.
Bigger supermarket in the Three Parks area close to town. Has a cafe.
9 recommandé par les habitants
New World Three Parks
83 Sir Tim Wallis DrBigger supermarket in the Three Parks area close to town. Has a cafe.
Great spot to pick up more boujee picnic items and treats!
37 recommandé par les habitants
Mediterranean Market Wanaka
20 Ardmore StGreat spot to pick up more boujee picnic items and treats!