When in Wanaka

Wanaka is a spectacular resort town located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

When in Wanaka one should…

• See and photograph #ThatWanakaTeee

Yes a tree has its own hashtag! Fun to see it during the day and at sunset.

Day time

Sunset view

• Enjoy the Lake Wanaka waterfront

It is a rock like beach with a beautiful view of the alps. There’s water sports along the lake front like kayaking and swimming. The water is cold in February so not quite my swimming temperature.

Lake front during the day

Sunset

• Walk along the Waterfall Creek Track

This track provides an easy walk, flat along Lake Wanaka.

It is 2.5 km one way with the option to continue to Glendhu Bay. It starts at #ThatWanakaTree and loops at Waterfall Creek Seat (SN I couldn’t actually find the seat) where you can see Ruby Island.

Ruby Island

• Get your country foodie on

See recommendations below under ‘Eat at’. Our anniversary was on the day we were at Wanaka. We were spoilt for choice from a food perspective which made celebrating extra special.

• Op shop till you drop

For a small town it really has a big focus on sustainability with Wastebusters in Wanaka, Upper Clutha Hospice Shop and Salvation Army Family Store Wanaka. This is a post for another day!

•And if one is fit enough and wants a challenge, hike Roy’s Peak

Full disclosure, my husband did this hike. I enjoyed a much needed sleep in!

Roy’s Peak summit view

Sunrise close to Roy’s Peak summit

Eat at:

Wanaka is turning into a bit of a foodie central. Here’s some delicious places we dined at…

Tititea, named after Mt Aspiring / Tititea, is known for their lamb shoulder which hubby and I shared. The meat is tender and falls off the bone. Albeit it could be fattier the sauces more than made up for it.

Signature slow roasted Te Mana lamb shoulder

Alchemy Bistro and Bar provides a wonderful lake front dining experience. We stopped in for a light lunch and drinks. We had the Korean fried chicken and the lamb skewers. Flavours were both on point. Serving portions were small but packed a punch with flavour.

Korean fired chicken > lamb skewers > refreshing drink

Kika is one of the top restaurants in Wanaka and rightfully so. Highly recommend and if you only have one night in Wanaka, this is the restaurant to eat at! The flavours of each dish was on point, each were cooked well and portions were just right. We ordered…

Kika fried chicken, tomato sugo, paprika & basil powder (crunchy and tomato flavours provided the perfect tang) > Corn ribs, chipotle corn puree, lime butter, popcorn queso frresco (delicious balance with the spicy chipotle and texture of the popcorn) > Market fish, verjuice beurre blanc, roasted Japanese turnips, grapes (sole fish was cooked to perfection, the sauce paired so well and the Japanese turnips provided the sight crunch providing the different textural element) > Patate fritte, black garlic, mustard, tarragon, onion ash (Potatoes were so crunchy with the sour flavour of the onion and richness of black garlic – the perfect side dish) > Cherry ripe mousse , coconut sorbet, chocolate, cherry, praline (the perfect ending – rich, chocolatey yet balanced with the coconut sorbet and  cherry pieces)

Black Peak Gelato is the ice cream place to go to in Wanaka. Highly recommend the brownie sundae. We had ours with the hokey pokey ice cream, a New Zealand classic. Yum!

Black Peak ice cream

Pembroke Patisserie – what a hidden gem. Located near our accommodation and not on the lakefront, this patisserie boasts delicious French pastries and treats. The salted caramel tart was my fave along with the Danish. A delicious start to the day!

Sweet treats on display and delicious pastries

Big Fig served up slow food, fast. A great laidback breakfast, brunch or lunch place.

Lemon ricotta pancakes (with blueberries, lemon curd, pistachios and sweet labneh – served in a cast iron dish, perfect start to the day) > Middle eastern granola (with poached fruit and yoghurt with honey, cardamom & orange blossom, provided a healthy option)

Accommodation:

There is accommodation around Lake Wanaka and Alberton which is a 2 minute drive to the lake. We stayed in Alberton for 2 nights.

Style for Summer/Autumn:

Anything from a cute frock for foodie adventures to casual or outdoor gear for hiking or walking to swimming attire if you enjoy water sport.

Happy Travels!