Wanaka

Where is it?

Wanaka lies just over 50km (as the crow flies) to the northeast of Queenstown. It is situated at the apex of a point formed by Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. It is this twin body of water and surrounding mountains that give the place its chief appeal.

What's it like?

A smaller more chilled out version of Queenstown, Wanaka offers the same blend of wild sports and scenery as it's better established neighbour.
Wanaka began life serving the local gold prospecting but was really only discovered when New Zealanders started to seriously hit the outdoors just after the war.
The town itself is OK but that isn't the reason people are drawn here.

What to see and do.

In the town, - if the pull of the outdoors is not strong enough - visitors can pass time in Puzzling World. Now this may sound a bit naff and childish but in fact, it's rather good. There are numerous optical illusions and hands on puzzles and games but the centrepiece is a genuinely challenging maze requiring considerable cerebral input to get around. The New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum is dedicated to those who took the fight to the enemy in the skies of two world wars. Exhibits include a number of still flying planes of the period including one of few remaining Spitfires.
Elsewhere in the town are a Toy and Transport museum and a Beerworks (a brewery visit - hurrah!!). All these are really only things to do before heading out into the wide blue yonder.
Most everything that can be done in Queenstown can be done here although you may struggle to find a bungy jump. Go walking or climbing in the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park. Go Canyoning, River Sledging, Jet boating, Rafting or fishing on the myriad local waters or check out the scenery from above by flying, paragliding or tandem skydiving. You can also horse ride, bike ride or, in season, ski and snowboard through the spectacular Southern Alps terrain.

Eating, Sleeping and Drinking

With increased popularity amongst a discerning and sophisticated clientele, there is a profusion of good places to eat, drink and sleep for all budgets.
Accommodation is generally cheaper than Queenstown but demand is high in January (the famed New Years revels) and August (ski season) so booking is advised.