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What to see and do in Wānaka

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Picture this. Refreshingly crisp, clear blue waters encompassed by jagged mountain peaks, whose snowy caps glisten in the dazzling sun. Throw in a cloudless, brilliant orange sunset and you’re living the Wānaka dream. I mean, it all depends on the weather, but hold on to that image. On top of all that beauty, you have access to adrenaline-inducing once in a lifetime activities and hikes, as well as farms, vineyards, and wellness centres.

What better way to explore all this than with a bunch of amazing, like minded people on Contiki! The Real New Zealand trip takes care of all that guesswork, enabling you to live your best Kiwi life. So gear up (or kick back), there’s guaranteed to be something here for you! 

A brief history of Wānaka

Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea are both of significant importance to Māori, Ngāi Tahu being the Iwi who have occupied the area for centuries prior to European settlement. Historic settlement sites dot the area, as do trails that formed a greater trade network across New Zealand’s South Island. Perhaps most significant was the collection and transportation of Pounamu, a stone of great importance to Māori. It was used for both its function and its beauty, forming tools and weapons as well as intricately carved pendants and pins. 

European settlement of the area began in the 1850s with the establishment of sheep stations, soon leading to a gold rush in the 1860s. A lot of the settlements of the central South Island (where you are) have roots in the gold rush, and for a time some were very affluent.

History buffs, feel free to dig deeper! Not you? That’s ok. Just know that despite the small towns and sparse population, this part of the country played an integral role in the formation of our great little nation, New Zealand

For the adrenaline junkies

If you’ve come to New Zealand looking for thrills, Wānaka is not a bad place to get your fill. Skydive and take in the views of Lake Wānaka, and be sure to cast your gaze towards Tititea/Mount Aspiring (if you can keep your eyes open!). Afraid of heights? Hit the lake. There are offerings ranging from kayaking through Mt Aspiring National Park, to jet boating at breakneck speeds, hiring your own jet ski, or finally learning how to wakeboard. 

Ever heard of Via Ferrata? It translates to “Iron Path”, and pretty much means rock climbing using fixed steel rungs, cables, rails and ladders. Sounds fun right? Now, imagine doing that up the side of a waterfall. If your heart says “Hell yeah, yes please!” then get going! If not, see it as an opportunity to overcome that pesky little fear of heights. Located a 20 minute drive from Wānaka, there’s really no excuse not to go.  

Got wheels? Hit the road and travel to Cardrona, where in the summertime you are gifted with the opportunity to throw yourself down a mountain in an off road tricycle. Give me one good reason not to. If you’re feeling even braver, head to Kawarau Bridge and throw yourself off that (with a rope attached, of course! It’s called bungee jumping). This is where it all started for the discipline of commercial bungee jumping, pioneered by AJ Hackett, who took inspiration from the traditional practice in Vanuatu. 

A plethora of other options exist, from blasting a V8 Mustang around the track, quad biking and canyoning, through to shooting guns at bits of wood if that’s your thing. 

The diary of an adrenaline junkie in New Zealand

The diary of an adrenaline junkie in New Zealand

Charlie Fabre
by Charlie Fabre May 20, 2024

For the adventurers

Tighten up those laces and prepare to hit those New Zealand trails, fellow hikers. You truly are spoilt for choice here. Let’s start with the most iconic of Wānaka trails, Roys Peak. 1578m elevation, 16 km return, and a solid 5-6 hours back to the carpark. Believe it or not, you’re not the first to want to walk this trail, and the carpark fills up quickly. Consider walking the 6km from Wānaka township to the base of the track – what’s another little bit? 

You will be rewarded with jaw dropping views of Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps, and Tititea/Mount Aspiring. You could try for sunrise or sunset, depending on how much you value sleep. Mount Iron or Isthmus Peak both provide wonderful alternatives if you’re not feeling up to Roys Peak. 

Then there is Tititea/Mount Aspiring itself. About an hour’s drive from Wānaka lies Mount Aspiring National Park, home to some of the most dramatically beautiful walks you might ever undertake. Let’s start with the easier stuff. The Rob Roy Glacier track will take you directly north through beech forest toward Rob Roy Peak, featuring glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, and surreal views of the surrounding mountains. Expect it to take around 4 hours on a return trip. This might be enough to fill your cup, if not there is plenty more in store!

If you’re looking to turn this into a multi-day party, head for Aspiring Hut. It should take 2 hours from the trail junction, just in time for dinner (probably, idk what time you eat). Stay the night if you can, but be sure to book ahead using the Department of Conservation website. The next day you have many trails to choose from, however I’d make straight for French Ridge Hut. About 4-5 hours from Aspiring Hut, and well worth the rewarding views. You’ll also find the most picturesque long-drop in New Zealand here, seriously, Google it. 

Alternatively, at the tip of Lake Wānaka lies Makarora and the Haast Pass. Up here you will find the Brewster Track, which leads to the iconic Brewster Hut. But don’t expect an easy ride. For a 5km return trip, it takes 6-8 hours. Luckily, Brewster hut does take bookings for you to stay the night! Rest up Champ. This is an advanced track, and involves crossing an unbridged river. 

If there is heavy rain the Haast River can be uncrossable, so please check the forecast and play it safe. Also don’t go any further than the hut unless you happen to be an experienced mountaineer, there is no marked track and it’s harder terrain than it may look. Rescue helicopters don’t count as scenic flights either. 

Mount Aspiring National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, and has more than enough trails to scratch that itch, so go get lost. 

hikers on Roys Peak, New Zealand

Image source:Contiki

For the ‘gram

What was the point in coming all this way if you don’t have good photos to make all your friends jealous? On top of all the amazing experiences listed above, here is a brief list of places most likely to get you influencer status in no time:

How to perfect your photo dump game on Insta

How to perfect your photo dump game on Insta

Sandeep Sandhu
by Sandeep Sandhu Dec 01, 2023

Day trips from Wānaka

A good chunk of the activities discussed in this article require a certain level of freedom and mobility. Hopefully you have come here with a set of wheels (or on the Real New Zealand Contiki!). If not, there are public transport options allowing you to travel between towns and cities. Provided you have a car, here are some of the best day trip options/ further destinations to make the most of your time in Wānaka:

kayaking in New Zealand

Image source:Contiki

Local cuisine

Despite the small, isolated nature of Wānaka, you happen to be in the heartland of some of New Zealand’s best produce. Whether it’s a beautiful medium rare steak with roast potatoes, a woodfired pizza, or a good hearty curry that entices you, I encourage you to indulge a little. However, there are a few Kiwi staples to keep an eye out for on your little southern sojourn:

Winter wonderland

This article has been heavily geared towards summer activities. If you happen to be visiting Wānaka in the winter, or New Zealand in general, your itinerary will change significantly. Whilst the landscape is still breathtaking and perhaps even more dramatic, your ability to swim and hike is virtually nil. What you can do is ski. New Zealand’s best fields are all a short drive away, so strap on those boots! Throw in a scenic flight and some mulled wine by the fire and you’re onto some serious main character behaviour. 

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