INSIDE GUIDE
Gallery 33: Wanaka’s number one destination for contemporary art, this permanent space is where you’ll find creations of the highest calibre by established and up-and-coming Oceanic artists and makers. Ranging in mediums from painting and sculpture to glass and ceramics, and with exhibitions changing monthly, there’s always a reason to pop in. If you’re in the market for a special piece of the province to take home with you, Wanaka Fine Art Gallery is also worth a visit. And, to browse or buy breathtaking prints from some of NZ’s best landscape, travel, adventure and fine-art photographers, be sure to stop by The Picture Lounge. WATCH
Your pick of new and classic films at Cinema Paradiso, a small but perfectly formed three-screen movie theatre where the seating options include comfy couches and the ice cream is homemade. Or, check out Ruby’s, just a few minutes’ drive away and showing a mix of mainstream and art-house films. It has assisted-listening options for the hearing-impaired. In-house dining is a feature at both locations, with each offering a selection of meals, bites and beverages to be enjoyed before, after, or during your film.
Wanaka might be small, but it boasts no shortage of design talent and its thriving shopping precinct is testament to that. Check out Perriam for premium New Zealand merino knitwear, Revology for cutting-edge objects and furniture (including the globally renowned Design #1 chair), Common People for street-luxe bags and accessories (and an exclusive edit of imported fashion and beauty buys), The Green Room Plant Collective for lush, living botanicals and botanical-inspired gifts, plus fashion institutions 47 Frocks, Bella and Escape for the ultimate curation of local and international brands.
From creative concepts to artistic interiors and thoroughly modern menus, Wanaka’s wining and dining scene is one of the most spectacular in Aotearoa. With a food philosophy built around consciousness, consideration and collaboration, One Hat restaurant Ode showcases local game meats, southern kaimoana and seasonal plant-based fare by way of its à la carte and tasting menus. At newcomer Lipsky & Sons, owner-chef Leungo Lippe’s classical French training, love of American cuisine and deep regard for local produce and its traditional preparations makes for a steak house-style menu bursting with potential. With oodles of cool and not an ounce of pretension, food truck The Dripping Bowl is a no-brainer for nourishing açaí bowls, supercharged smoothies, niche coffees and healthy, hearty soups served with a side of organic sourdough, all available on-the-go and at street-food prices.
Despite being synonymous with wine, Central Otago is home to a number of top-notch breweries and distilleries. Wanaka Beerworks, Ground Up Brewing, B.effect and Rhyme x Reason Brewery make for the ultimate craft beer crawl, while The Cardrona Distillery can’t be missed if you’re keen to see (and sample!) the single malt vodka, whisky, orange liqueur and gin all made from scratch on site. For wine tasting with a difference, we recommend Maude Tasting Room at Bistro Gentil. A relaxed setting with arguably the best views a paddle can buy, nestle in for the afternoon and let the knowledgeable hosts remind you why Wanaka’s wines are some of the best.
Sick of the same-old sterile hotel rooms and serviced apartments? Consider Two Stories – a delightful B&B whose bold colour schemes and daring decor speak to the owner’s interior design background. At the pricier end of the scale, luxury holiday rental agency Release Wanaka’s books feature many of the most stunningly architectural homes in the country. And for those looking to take glamping to the next level, try the impressively appointed yurts at Oasis. A back-to-basics vibe that still delivers on creature comforts, fall asleep to the soothing patter of rainfall on canvas, and awaken to the sound of native birdsong.
Out-of-towners flock to the same spots for good reason, but where do locals go to escape the crowds? George & Edi’s Rose and Sarah Agnew share Wanaka’s best-kept secrets.