Portal about Travel & Study in New Zealand

   Español     Português    

PORTAL OCEANIA 

Wanaka

Wanaka is a nice small city in New Zealand's South Island which no tourist should miss. First, it is a very very beautiful town situated at the margins of Lake Wanaka and with the Alps forming a huge wall at the background. Mount Aspiring  which is the second highest mountain in New Zealand with 3027 metres of beauty, can be seen at a distance. The combination of lake and mountains in a clear day is something truly impressive. Wanaka is just 110 Km by road from Queenstown, or, you can fly from Christchurch which takes less than 1 hour and no more than NZ$ 80 one way, so, if your are visiting one of this cities, do not hesitate to extend the trip to Wanaka. you won't regret it.

Wanaka is a flat town, meaning a great place to explore by bicycle or by foot. You can have a walk or pedal by the lake side with constant breathtaking views along the way. When you feel hungry, stop by one of the great cafes or restaurants of the town and have a fantastic meal  together with one of the great wines produced in the region. A cousin of mine who travelled both Islands of New Zealand, described the lamb dish he had in one of the lake front restaurants as divine. He also said on the next day they had a Trout dish, whish was fresh and was captured in the lake. He described the trout as sublime and said both were the best meal they had in New Zealand. Dine a fantastic meal surrounded by that landscape is really a experience never to be forgotten.

But not only from food and beauty Wanaka lives. There are plenty activities to all tastes and pockets, both, at the lake or on land. In the lake you can try your luck with the trouts all year round or water skiing during the summer months. There are also exciting kayak journey in the rapids of the river or a peaceful paddle in the lake. A jet boat for sure will thrill your life with 360 degrees turns and an unforgettable speed run in the river. When you get tired of water activities you can take a walk in one of the fantastic tracks between mountains and valleys of the region. If you are fit, choose one of the tracks that goes up the mountain and have a bird eye view of the whole area and surroundings. Not fit?. No problem at all !. There are helicopter rides visiting the best panoramic views of the region. But if you are extremely fit and like real adventures, what about enter one of the climbing tours offered?!. These are only a few of the activities in Wanaka. There are much more...

Snow Ski in Wanaka is another great option. Wanaka snow fields are know as one of the best in new Zealand, providing fresh snow for longer periods than others ski fields. The season commences as early as June and can last up the end of October according about how strong the winter is. The ski field of Treble Cone  is located just 35 minutes from Wanaka, as well as the field of Cardrona, located on the same road. They both have restaurants, bars, equipments rentals shops, and even a medical place to take care of the falls. There are day passes available as well as there are tracks to suit all levels of ability, from beginners to "pros". Snow Park is another ski field but with a difference, meaning the field has not market tracks, so you can freely choose where you want to go. For those with more skiing abilities, or "crazy" enough, what about do what they call the Heli skiing, which consists of a helicopter that will drop you off on the top of the mountain, and from there, you go all the way down by yourself. Definitely it is an extreme, unforgettable, and unique experience in life.

Wanaka besides being a special place in New Zealand, is a very safe and quiet town without being dormant. The number of activities and things to do are endless. The town itself is beautiful, well organized, and the tourist feels very welcome by its friendly inhabitants. There is a little bit for everyone, including high quality English Courses for those which English is not the mother language, Restaurants, Cafes, pubs,  night club, and a very interesting maze for fantastic times of fun and enjoyment. Accommodation is not a problem, with very competitive prices compared with Queenstown and other parts of New Zealand. Wanaka offers a good range of properties, from Backpacker Hostels and Bed and Breakfast, to Luxury accommodations and hotels. For all reasons above mentioned, we strongly recommend you to include Wanaka in your plans to travel or study in New Zealand. You are going to have a great time in this magic place.

Courses in Wanaka

Lake Wanaka during Spring time.

Distances by road from Wanaka to: