Autumn in Wanaka
Most people think of Wanaka as either a summer or winter destination, but the same things that draw the crowds in the summer and the winter are actually always on display. The lake is fun to play on and the mountains and valleys are beautiful all year round. In fact, Autumn is probably one of the nicest times of the year to visit. The poplar trees with their fall foliage make the landscape really pop, and while there is no snow in the mountains, it’s a great time to go for a hike and explore the hills surrounding the town.
Some of the amazing activities available in Wanaka in Autumn are:
Classic Flight over Lake Wanaka
Go on a Scenic Flight around Lake Wanaka in a Classic Aeroplane. Flying in an authentic, fully refurbished 1941 Tiger Moth with open-air cockpit will really get your adrenaline pumping. Make sure to ask for a few acrobatics while you are up there so you can truly appreciate what it would have been like to be a fighter pilot during WWII. They also have a 1930’s Waco that can seat two people side-by-side in the cock-pit and, for the true flying buff, they offer flight training that can be undertaken in their classic planes. www.classicflights.co.nz
Paddle Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand - out in the middle, you can really get a sense of just how big it really is. When you’re driving around the edge of it, it can be deceptive since you don’t get to see all the little inlets and bays. Bex and Chris at Wanaka Kayaks are extremely knowledgeable about the area and it’s history. Choose to travel in a sea kayak, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) or, if paddling is not your thing, they also offer catamarans to explore the lake on a sailboat.
www.wanakakayaks.co.nz
Cardrona 4WD Quad Biking and Horse Treks
For those who want to get away from the water and explore the mountains, it’s a short drive to the Cardrona Valley where you can get up into the rugged countryside on either a Quad Bike or horse. This is a great way to enjoy some spectacular views that few other people can see. If your partner is a horse lover and you are a bit of a petrol head, then you can both ride your preferred steed of choice on the same trip. You can even organise to have the trek end at the famous Cardrona Pub.
www.thecardrona.co.nz
Eco Boat Tour
For nature lovers, Eco Boat Tours offers a Lake Wanaka Cruise and Island Nature Walk on Mou Waho Island that is located in the middle of Lake Wanaka and has its own lake in the middle of the island. It is one of the few places in NZ that you can still see wild Buff Weka’s, Alpine Weta’s, and native salamanders. As part of the eco trip, they plant a tree to help preserve the habitats for these animals for other’s to enjoy. www.ecowanaka.co.nz
Wanaka Mountain Bike Tours
Active travellers should check out Wanaka Mountain Bike Tours. They offer everything from Heli-bike trips to great XC rides around the area. Some of the trails are exclusive to their tours. You can use your own bike, but if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of traveling with a bike, they can arrange for you to use a top of the line model for any of their trips, as well as helmets, gloves and any additional protection needed. They can tailor the trip to fit riders of all abilities. If you’re a really keen biker be sure to ask them about the local trails in and around Sticky Forest.
www.wanakabiketours.co.nz
Wanaka Trike Tours
If you’re after a truly unique experience, get in touch with Ian at Wanaka Trike Tours and ask him to take you around Wanaka on his Rewaco 1800cc three-seater cruising trike. I highly recommend going on the Wanaka Wine Tour - it is a great way to really see the area - plus you get to taste some of the excellent wines from the region’s wineries.
www.wanakatriketours.co.nz
Warbirds over Wanaka
Warbirds over Wanaka is a biennial event that takes place over the Easter Weekend and brings together some of the world’s best pilots and a wide range of planes from classic WWI and WWII specimens to modern jets and sport aircraft of all shapes and sizes. This four-day flying extravaganza starts with a practice day on Friday, two days of performances and flying opportunities on the Monday for spectators who’d like to get a feel for what it is like to fly in those amazing machines.
www.warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz
Places to stay:
Wanaka Alpine Lodge is a lovely B&B just on the outskirts of town near the Wanaka Airport. Ian and Yvette are great hosts and are very helpful if you need some suggestions for activities while you are visiting.
www.wanakaalpinelodge.co.nz Benbrae Resort is another great option if you prefer to be based a bit further out of town in the Cardrona Valley. It is right next door to the Cardrona Pub and it is not that far to drive into Wanda township. www.benbrae.co.nz
Places to Eat:
The White House is one of the best restaurants in Wanaka. It is a bit hidden and many tourists and even some locals haven’t yet discovered it. It’s intimate and can get quite busy, so if you are travelling with a large party, do book in advance. The menu changes regularly and the wine list is quite impressive. It’s like going to a dinner party at a friend's house than out to eat. (33 Dunmore St. Wanaka, T: +64 3 443-9595) Looking for something quick? Try Francesca’s Wood Fire Pizza and the Burrito Trailer. Both are outdoor pop-up restaurants, but the food is just as good as any I’ve had. In fact, the Mexican corn on the cob from the Burrito trailer is as good as you’d find on the streets of Mexico.
More Wanaka info: www.lakewanaka.co.nz