Wanaka

One of the most prizely-held gems of New Zealand’s South Island is the charming little town of Wanaka, located around 70 km away from the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Known before also as Pembroke and built along the banks of the surrounding Lake Wanaka, this characterful lakeside town is replete with some of the most stunning views of Kiwi landscape. In addition to the beauty of Lake Wanaka, Wanaka sits on the footsteps of the Southern Alps and is often used as the entry point into Mount Aspiring National Park. To the town’s south is the Crown Ridge mountain range and Queenstown and glacial valleys surround this town.

A vast wilderness of pristine ski-resort snow waiting to be used as a playground by skiers and snowboarders and backcountry options for the more experienced mountain lovers out there too! The starkly desolate and other-worldly feeling of Lake Wanaka as a result of its barren surroundings can be truly experienced for those that are interested in kayaking through the waters of the frigid lake. Sky-diving above the lake is another popular pastime of the wanderer in Wanaka. Hiking and mountaineering at the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park are amongst other activities Wanaka is famous for. Fishing is popular amongst locals further down the town as the glacial streams and rivers start to flow with more pace. Bungee jumping into the Kawarau river is another hugely popular activity that tourists do while in the town too.