THE WANAKA WAY
It’s a bucket-list destination at any time, but while the rest of the world is otherwise engaged, now is an ideal time to explore Wanaka, a natural wonderland and adventure playground that has conservation and community at the forefront of its thinking.
Wanaka has conservation and community at the forefront of its thinking.
The global pandemic has halted our dreams of international travel. No longer can we escape to Tuscany or Greece for a European summer. Even a weekend getaway to Sydney is out of reach right now.
So is it time to revisit how we think about travel, and seize the opportunity to lower our carbon footprint and become eco-conscious travellers? No surprises, New Zealand has a destination that can tick all those boxes whilst fulfilling our escapist desires. With its snow-capped peaks, adventurous activities and world-class dining scene, Wanaka has long been a favourite holiday location for Kiwis and international travellers alike.
It was the Romans who first started to travel for enjoyment, taking off to summer villas for the ultimate leisurely escape. Thousands of years on and that desire to escape is even more present in our modern world.
And while a relaxing getaway tops the list for many, there’s also been a noticeable shift towards an eco-conscious kind of travel. As sustainability moves to the forefront of travellers’ minds, places such as
Wanaka offer a unique experience for those of us who want to indulge in relaxation while still being mindful of our impact on Mother Earth.
SUSTAINABLE STAYS
When it comes to eco-friendly accommodation, there’s plenty to choose from in Wanaka. The iconic Edgewater resort has made significant sustainable changes in the past few years, with recycled toiletry initiatives, a selection of low-impact activities and gift-shop funds going towards native plant restoration.
For travellers looking for a more nature-inspired stay, the Criffel Station offers boutique glamping and cottage accommodation on a rustic family-run deer farm, giving you an up-close experience of authentic sustainable farming in the stunning high country.
TRAVEL WANAKA
GIVE BACK
Many travellers are embracing conscious travel by seeking out ways to give back to the local community during their visit. Community-based native plant nursery, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, hosts weekly volunteer days teaching cultivation techniques and advice on planting and nurturing native plants in the wild. Protecting the local wildlife and landscape is a strong focus for many in the community.
Alongside Te Kākano’s conservation initiatives, the Upper Clutha Lakes Trust (UCLT) started the Wanaka Water Project in 2018, a project that works to preserve the long-term health of the local lakes and rivers. Donating to the Million Metres charity is a great way to give back during your visit, by supporting the UCLT’s goal to plant 24,000 trees to protect the waterways and encourage biodiversity.
ECO EVENTS
Hosted by WAO Wanaka, a grassroots organisation that focuses on reaching a carbon-zero future, the 2020 RESET Summit is a six-day event that educates, inspires and supports the transition towards a carbon-zero community. This year’s summit, centred around the theme of ‘Reset’, kicks off on 27 October. It will feature hands-on discussions, workshops and tours with thought leaders and eco-experts around building a regenerative future. Tickets from Eventbrite.
CONSCIOUS CHOICES
Cut down on your plastic footprint by going single-use free on your Wanaka holiday. SUCfree (Single Use Cup free) is a wonderful initiative that seeks to cut out Wanaka’s single-use cups by 2022. For a small deposit, customers can opt for reusable ‘Again Again’ cups at local cafés, restaurants and bars, which are fully reimbursed once returned.
LOW-IMPACT ACTIVITIES
For the eco-conscious traveller, there’s no shortage of low-impact activities in Wanaka. Wander around the lakefront on the Waterfall Creek Track, where you’ll see many Te Kākano planting projects along the way. Paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways to relax while taking in the magnificent views of the stunning lake that has been lovingly protected by the local community. wanaka.co.nz