Lake Wanaka is truly a resort of 4 seasons and literally hundreds of activities. From sedate to strenuous, Wanaka has some thing to offer everyone.
Autumn - Low off-season rates, unsurpassed scenery and generally mild calm weather will ensure a holiday to remember. Two days or two weeks? This is the time to see Wanaka at its finest. Bring your camera and lots of film!!! Leave Wanaka and drive towards Treble Cone. Glendhu Bay offers views of unparalleled beauty. The autumn colours of the Southern Lakes area really do have to be seen to be believed. From Wanaka you can search out and enjoy a photographic moment at every turn. Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, the Cardrona Valley are but a few of the places to guarantee an attack of camera clickitis!! There is never a better time to enjoy a round of golf with views from fairways and greens unrivalled anywhere. Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the region's vineyards. Central Otago is fast becoming acknowledged as one of the premium Pinot grape growing areas in the world. We can supply a map, or you may wish to take a conducted tour. Either way, give your tastebuds a treat and spend a few hours on a wine tasting excursion.
Winter and Skiing - CARDRONA and TREBLE CONE Ski areas are about 25 to 35 minutes drive from Lake Wanaka.
Cardrona faces south to catch plenty of cold dry snow and is possibly one of the most enjoyable intermediate ski areas in the world.
From first timers to advanced skiers EVERYONE has a great time at Cardrona. Wide open obstacle free runs ensure that even beginner skiers can enjoy the whole mountain after as little as 3 days skiing. For the more advanced skiers, yes there are steeps. The N.Z. Extreme skiing competition is held here each year.
Enjoy a glorious drive round Lake Wanaka, and 25 minutes later you in the car park at Treble Cone, the most scenic ski area in Australasia. The MORO EXPRESS 6-person high-speed lift ensures as much skiing as your legs can handle. The wide open saddle basin can now be skied from top to bottom. The scenery … spectacular.
Don’t forget Heli Skiing. Wanaka is situated in thousands of square kilometres of terrain utilised by Harris Mountain Heli Ski. With new wide skis, skiers of all abilities can enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Take the opportunity to ski smooth untouched snow in the heart of the mountains. Beginners can enjoy gentle rolling slopes that are guaranteed not to intimidate. High on the Pisa Range opposite Cardrona ski field is Waiorau Snowfarm, home of N.Z. cross-country skiing. Enjoy majestic scenery while skiing kilometres of groomed trails.
As we are keen skiers we try to anticipate your every need to ensure you have a great holiday staying at Bayview Motel. We provide a ski workbench to keep your skis in tiptop condition, drying room, secure ski storage and free ski videos to provide inspiration. (Also see New Zealand Ski Areas & Heli-Ski Sites).
Summer and Spring - Wanaka literally bursts into colour in October. Why not visit the world renowned Alexandra Blossom Festival; just an hours drive away. Wanaka has its own special attractions, including outstanding garden walks and nursery displays. Take a 4 wheel drive trip to the top of the Criffel Range to enjoy unsurpassed panoramic views of Wanaka and Lake Hawea or spend a leisurely few hours horse riding.
As the days lengthen and the temperature rises, enjoy our long twilight evenings and hot summer days. This is an ideal time to relax and fish for large, or very large trout. Visit Lake Hawea, 15 km away and the home of some of the best fishing in the Southern Lakes.
Para Pont from the lakes edge almost in the centre of town. Just 26 kilometres from Wanaka is the entrance to Mt. Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Area. This is an alpine wilderness of bush, glaciers, lakes, and hanging valleys. It is also your gateway to a host of activities. Day walks, tramping or multi day treks; the range is endless. Rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, Mountaineering are all catered for, so you can learn a new skill or be fully guided into this magnificent area.
Lake Wanaka and the surrounding rivers are a canoe enthusiast’s delight. Coast down the smooth waters of the Matukituki River winding its way through alpine valleys or seek out the turbulent stretches which abound near Lake Wanaka. Take the opportunity to visit Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World. Famous for his 3 dimensional maze, and now with a host of new attractions.
Wanaka is also famous for the collection of World War 2 fighter planes at the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum. Every alternate Easter tens of thousands watch these planes together with other restored aircraft from all over the world perform during WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA air show.
Do you wish to appreciate the dazzling splendour of the Southern Alps? Any of the scenic flights leaving from Wanaka can transport you for a few minutes or a few hours to scenes of magnificent splendour.
Wanaka Activities
On the Lake or In the Lake: Boating, fishing, yachting, windsurfing, jet ski, jet boating, cruising, water ski, Para ponting, swimming, sailing.
On the river: canoe, rafting. river surfing (white water sledging)
On the hills: Walking, climbing, hiking, 4x4 wheel driving, horse riding and trekking, mountain biking.
On the big hills (mountains): Rock climbing, mountaineering, abseiling, para ponting, skiing, snowboarding; cross-country skiing, heli skiing, snow ball fights and even mountain biking.
Around the town: Golf, Puzzle World, wine tasting, dining, mountain biking, strolling, sipping, and then dine some more.
Airport attractions: N.Z. Fighter Pilots Museum, fly a tiger moth or a World War 2 Mustang, Visit the transport museum, scenic flights, flightseeing or parachute jumping. Visit a micro brewery.