Wanaka

One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Lake Wanaka and the Mountain Aspiring National Park is on the many walkways that are located beside the lake. An excellent short walk (1 hour return) is up Mt Iron. The terrain is easy to negotiate and the views are unforgettable. The Lake Outlet Walk which begins at the Lake Wanaka outlet and finishes at Albert Town, offers easy walking and great views of the Clutha River. It also provides wonderful fishing for keen anglers. Another more challenging walk (offering superb views), is up Mt Roy on the western side of the Lake.

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth largest lake, reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness, and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. You don't have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the delights of the park (although any one of a dozen world-class local guides can accompany you to the top).

Wanaka’s natural environment is a haven for rare native birds and plant life, including endangered buff weka on Mou Waho island - a nature reserve in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Buff weka, a large brown flightless bird was rescued from near extinction and now thrive - along with native falcon, wood pigeon, bellbird, gecko and rainbow trout - in the sanctuary of Mou Waho’s native forest. The top point of Mou Waho has 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, the mountains and river valleys, and Arethusa pool - a little crystal clear lake just below the island's summit.

Wanaka’s natural environment is a haven for rare native birds and plant life, including endangered buff weka on Mou Waho island - a nature reserve in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Buff weka, a large brown flightless bird was rescued from near extinction and now thrive - along with native falcon, wood pigeon, bellbird, gecko and rainbow trout - in the sanctuary of Mou Waho’s native forest. The top point of Mou Waho has 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka, the mountains and river valleys, and Arethusa pool - a little crystal clear lake just below the island's summit.

Getting to Wanaka is just the first part of your spectacular journey. By air, bus or self-drive, getting here is easy. A scenic 60 minute drive from Wanaka, Queenstown Airport is an international gateway into the Lake Wanaka Region. A number of transfer options are available including self-drive, private transfers and shuttles and the regular bus services.

The seasons are particularly noticeable in Wanaka. Spring (October - December) brings an abundance of blossom.

January to March are hot and dry and temperatures can reach up to 30°C during the day, though nights can be quite cool. . Autumn brings splendid colours of gold and red (April - June), Winter brings crisp days and plenty of snowfall allowing snow lovers to enjoy the freedom of the mountain slopes. In the heart of the Southern Lakes you'll find the time and space to revitalise your soul. Wanaka has an average annual rainfall just half the national average at just 682mm (27 inches).  Wanaka Rodeo is held in early January. Rippon Open-Air Music Festivalis a biennial open-air music festival held in a vineyard in early February. April's Warbirds Over Wanaka International Air Show combines classic vintage and veteran aircraft, machinery, fire engines, and tractors with dynamic Air Force displays and aerobatic teams in the natural amphitheater of the Upper Clutha Basin. It's one of the top four Warbirds Airshows in the world and is held every second Easter in even-numbered years. In autumn, celebrate the Festival of Colour which offer 5 days of intense arts, dance, theater, and music. There are also numerous ski festivals during the winter.