Lake Wanaka

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Lake Wanaka

Towards the southern end of the South Island there is a dramatic landscape of lakes, mountains, deep valleys and coastal plains – this is the region known as Otago.


It is a region of climatic extremes, a continental climate in the central areas with hot dry summers and cold winters, and a milder climate on each of the East and West coasts, although the East is predominantly drier than the West.

The West is known for it’s fiord coastline especially the famous Milford Sound, the East is much gentler and has two large coastal towns in Oamaru and Dunedin, whereas the central areas contain stunning scenery around the Lake Wanaka and Queenstown areas.

 Wanaka is a special place in the heart of the Sothern Lakes. The area, having taken it’s name from the lake, is surrounded by snow clad mountains, ancient forests, and pristine lakes and rivers. Here you can escape, relax, rejuvenate and exhilarate, all you have to do is choose !

In winter Lake Wanaka is home to four international standard ski resorts, whereas in the summer you can fish, kayak, hike and bike to your heart’s content. There are mountains, deep lakes, and crystal clear air – simply the best formula for natural beauty. Lake Wanaka is a true paradise.

Wanaka provides the gateway westwards to Mt Aspiring National Park, home to the beautiful cone shaped Mt Aspiring. Here you will find some of the best rock and ice climbing, canyoning and high level mountain biking that New Zealand has to offer. 

Mt Aspiring itself at 3,027 metres is the country’s only 3,000 metre peak outside of Mt Cook National Park. Also to the west lies the ski resort of Treble Cone, which has some of the most exciting extreme ski runs in New Zealand.

 South of Wanaka brings you to the Cardrona Valley, famous historically as a gold rush area, and more recently for it’s alpine ski resorts. Cardrona, a frontier township, has probably the most famous bar in the country at the Cardrona Hotel – why not stop for a cool beer and reflect on the lives of the early prospectors, who would have passed by this way those years ago.

 If skiing is your sport than you need go no further – for here you will find the best skiing in the world during the northern hemisphere summer. Many top level skiers can now take advantage of the excellent facilities at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Whilst Snow Park NZ comprises an all terrain snow park and Snow Farm in the Pisa ranges is the area for Nordic and cross country skiing.

 But if your preference is for the summer climate then come to Wanaka and enjoy the tranquillity and breathtaking scenery. Fish in the lakes and rivers, horse ride in the valleys, or take a scenic flight over the peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps.

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