WANAKA & CENTRAL OTAGO
Wanaka and Central Otago is New Zealand’s ultimate alpine playground, where pristine turquoise lakes meet the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. This region is the South Island’s heartland for adrenaline and natural beauty.
Known for its dry climate and dramatic landscapes, Central Otago also boasts a rich gold rush history and is globally celebrated as the premier wine region for world-class Pinot Noir.
Most Popular Attractions
Alpine Hikes & Lookouts:
Roy’s Peak: The region’s most famous and challenging day hike, offering iconic panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks.
Isthmus Peak Track: An excellent, slightly quieter alternative to Roy’s Peak, providing stunning views of both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Rob Roy Glacier Track: A spectacular half-day walk in Mount Aspiring National Park leading to close-up views of a hanging glacier and ice falls.
Mount Iron Track: An easy, accessible walk near town that circles and climbs a rocky knoll, offering excellent 360-degree views of Wanaka.
Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track: A moderate hike near Wanaka with rewarding views of Diamond Lake and the Matukituki Valley.
Haast Pass: A stunning scenic drive through Mount Aspiring National Park, featuring many short walks to waterfalls and the famous Blue Pools.
Blue Pools Track: A short walk through native beech forest to a swing bridge over crystal-clear, glacier-fed turquoise pools.
Cardrona Alpine Resort: A popular ski field in winter for skiing and snowboarding, converting to a world-class mountain biking park in summer.
Treble Cone: The largest ski field in the Southern Lakes region, famous for its long runs, off-piste terrain, and stunning lake views.
Snow Farm: New Zealand’s only Nordic (cross-country) skiing area, also offering snow-shoeing and a winter playground.
Lake Wanaka & Town Attractions:
That Wanaka Tree (#ThatWanakaTree): A lone willow growing out of Lake Wanaka, arguably the most photographed tree in New Zealand.
Puzzling World: A quirky attraction featuring a Great Maze and eccentric rooms filled with illusion and bizarre architecture.
Wildwire Wanaka (Via Ferrata): The world’s highest waterfall cable climb, scaling up a sheer rock face beside a waterfall.
Mou Waho Island: A scenic boat trip to a protected reserve island in Lake Wanaka, featuring a small lake (Arethusa Pool) on top of the island.
Jet Boating on the Matukituki River: A thrilling, high-speed ride through the braided rivers and pristine wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park.
Gold Rush & Heritage Trail:
Arrowtown: A beautifully preserved historic gold mining town (near Queenstown, often grouped with Central Otago) with a museum and charming old buildings.
Lakes District Museum (Arrowtown): A repository of local history detailing the gold rush era, early pioneers, and Maori heritage.
Cardrona Hotel: A historic and iconic pub and accommodation established in 1863 during the Central Otago gold rush, one of the oldest in New Zealand.
Historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct: A preserved area of stone buildings relocated and restored to their original form after the Clyde Dam construction flooded the old town center.
Naseby: A small town in the Maniototo known for its curling rink, gold rush history, and mountain biking trails.
Food, Wine & Spirits:
Rippon Vineyard: One of Central Otago’s founding and most scenic wineries, offering tastings of their renowned Pinot Noir overlooking Lake Wanaka.
Cardrona Distillery: A local craft distillery offering tours and tastings of their artisanal whisky, vodka, and gin.
4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail (Cromwell): A self-guided walk connecting four wineries in the Cromwell basin, allowing visitors to sample the region’s top wines.
Cinema Paradiso: A beloved small, boutique cinema in Wanaka known for its comfortable seating, intermission cookies, and vintage car couches.
Wanaka Lavender Farm: A beautiful farm offering walks through purple lavender fields, a chance to meet farm animals, and sample local honey and lavender ice cream.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Roy’s Peak Track (or Isthmus Peak): Conquer the challenging but rewarding climb for the iconic panoramic views over Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. For fewer crowds, hike the stunning Isthmus Peak for views of both Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka.
Take a Scenic Flight or Glacier Landing: Experience the ultimate high-altitude perspective of the Southern Alps, Mount Aspiring, and Fiordland. Options include fixed-wing flights or a scenic helicopter ride with a snow landing on a pristine glacier (from approximately $350 – $750 USD).
Go Wine Tasting in Cromwell: Explore the Central Otago wine region, famous for its world-class Pinot Noir. Stop at several vineyards around the Cromwell basin, such as Rippon, and enjoy cellar-door tastings.
Lose Yourself at Puzzling World: Spend a few hours at this unique, quirky attraction just outside Wānaka, featuring the Great Maze and the Illusion Rooms for mind-bending fun. (Admission is approximately $20 – $30 USD).
Skydive Over Lake Wānaka: Get your adrenaline rush by freefalling from up to 15,000 feet, boasting one of the most stunning skydiving backdrops in the world with views of the lakes and snow-capped peaks (from approximately $250 – $400 USD).
Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail: Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and ride the spectacular 41.6km loop trail, which winds alongside Lake Dunstan, through gorges, and features unique floating platforms.
Visit the Blue Pools Track: Take the easy, short walk in Mount Aspiring National Park to the suspension bridge over the Makarora River to see the stunningly clear, turquoise glacial water of the Blue Pools.
Take a Jet Boat Ride on the Matukituki River: Experience high-speed thrills and 360-degree spins through the braided, glacial rivers in the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Enjoy Water Sports on Lake Wānaka: Hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), kayak, or boat, and explore the lake, paddling out to That Wānaka Tree or the nearby islands like Ruby Island.
Drive the Crown Range Road: Take the spectacular but winding high-mountain pass between Wānaka and Queenstown, famous for its breathtaking views (Note: Check conditions in winter, as snow and ice may require chains).
Go Mountain Carting or Mountain Biking at Cardrona: In the winter, hit the ski slopes. In the summer, ride the chairlifts for downhill mountain biking or experience the thrill of a three-wheeled mountain cart down the slopes.
Local Tips & Transport
Self-Drive is Best: A rental car or campervan is the most flexible and recommended way to explore Central Otago. The region’s beauty lies in its wide-open spaces, and a car allows you to easily connect Wānaka with Cromwell, Alexandra, and the remote sections of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Driving Conditions: New Zealand roads can be narrow and winding. Always drive on the left and take extra care, especially on the iconic Crown Range Road to/from Queenstown. In winter, some roads (like the Crown Range) may require snow chains, which you should hire with your vehicle. Many backroads in the region are unsealed (gravel).
Town Mobility: Wānaka town itself is small and highly walkable. For longer distances, you can easily rent a bike or e-bike, which is a popular way to access many local trails.
Airport Transfer: The nearest major airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Regular bus services (like Ritchies Connectabus or Intercity) connect ZQN and Queenstown to Wānaka. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Outdoor Safety: Always check the local weather and track conditions before heading out on a hike, especially in Mount Aspiring National Park. For longer hikes, notify someone of your plans (The Department of Conservation, or DOC, has good resources). The UV Index can be extremely high; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses year-round.
Seasonality: The region is a year-round destination:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Ideal for hiking, water sports, and long daylight hours.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): It’s the busy ski season, with Cardrona and Treble Cone being key resorts.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Features stunning gold and red foliage, especially around the vineyards and Arrowtown.
The Wine Culture: Central Otago is one of the world’s most southerly wine regions. Don’t just sample the wine; visit a few cellar doors for a “wine-tasting” experience (often around $10-$20 USD, sometimes waived with a purchase) to truly understand the region’s focus on Pinot Noir.
Hidden Gems:
- Highlands Motorsport Park (Cromwell): A unique, world-class attraction offering everything from go-karts and fast-laps in high-performance cars to a National Motorsport Museum and the famous ‘Loo with a View’.
- Mou Waho Island: Take a boat trip to this unique island nature reserve in the middle of Lake Wānaka, which features a small lake on top of the island. It’s home to the rare flightless Buff Weka bird.
- The Secret Sauna (Lake Hāwea): A hidden wood-fired barrel sauna right on the shores of Lake Hāwea, perfect for a relaxing post-hike experience.
- Cinema Paradiso (Wānaka): A quirky local cinema where you can watch a movie from a comfy sofa or even a classic car seat, complete with a legendary warm cookie and ice cream during intermission.
Language: New Zealand’s official language is English. However, you will hear and see the use of Māori names, such as Wānaka (the official Māori name, meaning “Sacred knowledge/place of knowledge”) and Hāwea. Pronouncing them correctly (Waa-nuh-kuh) is a sign of respect.
Top Restaurants
Big Fig [$15-$25] – A popular local favorite in Wanaka, famous for its “slow food served fast,” featuring slow-cooked meats (like lamb shawarma) and hearty, flavorful salads and sides with a Middle Eastern influence.
Federal Diner [$15-$25] – A beloved local hideaway in Wanaka, tucked away from the main street, known for its excellent coffee, all-day bistro-style menu, and a great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar [$15-$25] – A long-standing, laid-back Wanaka institution on the lakefront, serving up hearty kiwi food, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere from morning till late.
The Cow [$20-$35] – A rustic and cozy spot in Wanaka with a roaring fire, famous for its hearty Italian-inspired food, specializing in gourmet wood-fired pizza and spaghetti dishes.
Waipiata Country Hotel [$20-$40] – A genuine, no-frills country pub in Waipiata (Central Otago) known for its serious, high-quality, honest cooking, including legendary house-made pies and slow-cooked merino lamb shoulder.
The Old Clyde Bank [$15-$30] – Located in a beautifully restored 1861 bank building in Clyde (Central Otago), it operates as a cafe by day and a creative restaurant on weekend evenings, with a menu that changes often.
Red Star Burger Bar [$15-$25] – Serving up gourmet, home-style burgers in Wanaka for nearly 20 years, it’s a local go-to for a high-quality, filling meal after a day of adventure.
Federal Espresso [$10-$20] – The smaller, casual outpost of Federal Diner, often considered a local secret for a quick, excellent coffee and a pastry or light bite.
Paloma Taqueria & Bar [$15-$25] – A vibrant spot in Wanaka with a mission to make the best possible tacos using high-quality New Zealand ingredients, perfect for a fresh and flavorful meal.
The Albie Tavern [$20-$35] – A local neighborhood cafe, bar, and restaurant in the Northlake area of Wanaka, focused on great food and drink done simply and well, fostering a family-friendly community feel.
Urban Grind [$15-$30] – A popular, modern dining spot in Wanaka that has been a long-time local fixture, serving diverse and modern cuisine in a contemporary setting.
Speight’s Ale House [$20-$35] – Located on the Wanaka lakefront, it’s a classic, family-friendly kiwi pub offering generous portions of hearty New Zealand fare and a selection of local and Speight’s beers.
WanaFusion [$20-$35] – Wanaka’s only modern Asian restaurant, offering fresh and flavorful dishes with a blend of different Asian cuisines in a modern setting.
The Stoaker Room Bistro & Bar [$25-$45] – Found in Cromwell and Wanaka, this unique restaurant cooks local produce (like meats and seafood) in French Oak Pinot Noir Barrel Cookers, called ‘Stoakers’, for a distinct flavor.
The Cardrona Hotel [$20-$40] – New Zealand’s most photographed hotel, located near Wanaka, offering a historic pub atmosphere and a menu of honest, delicious meals with a focus on local ingredients.
Bannockburn Hotel – Wine Country Restaurant [$30-$50] – A highly-regarded dining spot in Bannockburn (Central Otago) offering simple cooking done beautifully, with a menu that often reflects seasonal local produce.
Olivers Restaurant [$30-$50] – Housed in a beautifully restored 1869 stone building in Clyde (Central Otago), it’s an icon with seasonal, well-executed food, a bakery, and a brewery on-site.
Relishes Cafe [$20-$35] – A long-standing, beloved cafe in Wanaka with a picturesque lakefront location, offering a reliable menu of delightful, classic cafe food and good service.
Tititea Steak House [$30-$50] – A lakeside restaurant in Wanaka that focuses on offering a relaxed, airy dining experience with a strong emphasis on prime cuts of meat.
The Bullock Bar & Grill [$20-$35] – An iconic kiwi bar and grill in Wanaka with a big selection of tap beers, serving up a classic menu of pub favorites in a lively atmosphere.
Firebird [$15-$25] – A popular food truck often found on Brownston Street in Wanaka, famous for its gourmet fried chicken and signature burgers with a range of delicious sauces and sides.
Burrito Craft [$10-$20] – A popular Mexican food truck (often on Brownston Street, Wanaka) offering simple yet delicious burritos and tacos made with fresh ingredients.
The Good Spot (Caravan) [$10-$20] – A charming caravan (often found near Wanaka attractions) serving up delicious, freshly baked scones and organic, locally roasted coffee.
Makarora Country Cafe [$15-$30] – A cozy, essential stop for travelers in the remote Makarora region, offering hearty, home-cooked cafe food with beautiful views of the valley.
Amigos [$15-$25] – A Wanaka institution serving hot Mexican food and cool margaritas for decades, offering a reliable and fun dining option.
Kika [$40-$70] – A modern sharing restaurant and bar in Wanaka, popular with locals for its quality, seasonal, and creative dishes, focusing on shared plates in a cozy, romantic setting.
Arc [$40-$70] – An elegant and cozy restaurant in Wanaka, offering a set seasonal dinner menu (changing monthly) with a focus on the finest local ingredients, alongside a diverse bar menu.
Muttonbird [$35-$60] – A modern eatery and drinkery in Wanaka where the menu changes daily to reflect seasonal local produce, focusing on simple cooking done beautifully and encouraging shared plates.
Fudog [$25-$45] – A hidden gem in Wanaka offering modern Asian cuisine that skillfully blends Japanese, Korean, and Chinese flavors, known for its delectable dumplings and noodle dishes.
Francesca’s Italian Kitchen [$30-$50] – A beloved Wanaka restaurant serving new-school Italian cuisine, famous for its handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and vibrant atmosphere.
Hello Ranger [$25-$45] – A Northlake neighborhood cafe, bar, and restaurant that serves as a community heart for adventurers, offering great food and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Fedeli [$15-$25] – A Wanaka spot catering to the need for fast, healthy, and high-quality takeaway food, focusing on fresh, nutritious meals and smoothies.
LaLaLand Wanaka [$25-$45] – A unique spot known for its focus on beer and wine, offering a wide selection of both, along with food, in a fanciful, dream-world-themed environment.
Verve [$20-$40] – The newest bar in Wanaka’s downtown scene, offering a simple yet enticing concept of good beer, good wine, and quality casual food.
Scroggin [$15-$25] – A popular lunch spot in Wanaka focused on high-quality, locally sourced, free-range ingredients, offering a fresh and healthy menu.
The Trout Bar & Restaurant [$30-$50] – Known for its stunning views in Wanaka, it offers an eclectic menu, excellent seafood, and shared mixed platters that are a hit with groups.
Shinaburo, Korean Eating House [$20-$35] – A casual Korean restaurant in Wanaka with a beautiful garden setting, offering irresistible spicy and garlic meals.
Amisfield Restaurant [$280-$500+] – An internationally acclaimed fine dining experience in Gibbston (Central Otago), famous for its “Trust the Chef” tasting menu that artfully transforms local Central Otago ingredients, including those from local hunters and gatherers. Prices are an estimate for the tasting menu, which is the primary offering.
Bistro Gentil [$50-$90] – A French bistro in Wanaka offering thoughtful and refined French cuisine in a picturesque setting overlooking the Southern Alps, available à la carte or as a multi-course tasting menu.
Raspberry Creek (The Chefs Table) [$100-$150+] – Known primarily for catering, in the winter, they often host a high-end “Chefs Table Winter Pop-Up Restaurant” at Rippon Hall, offering a unique, elevated dining experience.
Carrick Winery Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located beside the Bannockburn Inlet (Central Otago), this winery restaurant focuses on organic fare, often leaning into local game and produce, pairing their dishes expertly with their wines.
The Cloudy Bay Shed [$40-$70] – A high-end experience at the Cloudy Bay Vineyards in Northburn (Central Otago), serving creative, next-level food using local produce, overlooking Lake Dunstan in a beautifully designed space.
Billy’s at Ayrburn [$50-$80] – Located in the new Ayrburn food and wine precinct near Queenstown (easily accessible from Central Otago), this venue offers an opulent and refined dining experience.
The Woolshed at Ayrburn [$40-$70] – Also at the Ayrburn precinct, offering delectable bistro-style dining in a historic and elegant setting.
The Brownston Street Food Trucks [$15-$25] – Not a single restaurant, but a popular food truck park in Wanaka offering a variety of exciting dining options, including Mexican, fried chicken, and crepes, catering to different tastes.
Pembroke Pâtisserie [$10-$20] – An essential stop in Wanaka for exquisite French traditional sweet crepes (and gluten-free savory galettes) and delectable pastries.
Cardrona Distillery [$30-$50] – Offers a unique experience with tours and tastings, which often include an accompanying food pairing or platter menu to enjoy alongside their spirits.
Rhyme x Reason Brewery [$15-$30] – A local Wanaka brewery with a taproom and eatery, focusing on great session-able craft beers and a casual food menu.
The Dairy at Ayrburn [$10-$20] – Located at the Ayrburn precinct, offering a charming, storybook setting for ice cream and sweet treats.
The Manure Room at Ayrburn [$30-$50] – At the Ayrburn precinct, this venue offers wine flights paired with shared plates in a unique, historically named space.
Cinema Paradiso [$10-$25] – A local Wanaka icon where you can enjoy hot, home-baked cookies and a simple, hearty meal (like a generous pizza) while watching a movie from a comfy couch.
Charlie Brown Crêpes [$10-$20] – A beloved food truck (often on Brownston Street in Wanaka) specializing in French traditional sweet crêpes and savory galettes, all made with organic buckwheat flour.
Paddons Paddock Family Winemakers [$20-$40] – Located just outside Wanaka, this family-run vineyard offers exceptional wines and a relaxed setting for a platter or light meal.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
LaLaLand Wānaka: Found upstairs just off Ardmore St in Wanaka, this late-night spot offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and is known for its seasonal signature cocktails and craft beer selection. It transitions into a lively spot with DJs on weekends.
The Burr Bar (at Ayrburn): A destination in the Ayrburn precinct near Arrowtown (Central Otago), this elegant bar focuses on cocktail delights, shaken or stirred, in a sophisticated, unmissable setting.
Cork Bar: Located in the heart of Wānaka on Helwick Street, this bar prides itself on a rounded collection of regional and international premium drinks, featuring over 100 wines, 60+ whiskeys, 50+ gins, and creatively prepared cocktails.
Water Bar Wānaka: Situated right on the lakefront in Wānaka on Ardmore Street, this spot offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and mountains. It is a full-service restaurant that turns into a lively late-night bar, mixing great cocktails.
Rove Bar & Eatery: Tucked away down a lane off Ardmore Street in Wānaka, Rove is a sleek bar known for its craft cocktails, cold beer, and late nights. It’s a key spot for the local après-ski scene.
Treehouse Wānaka: Nestled in Anderson Heights, Wānaka, this cozy, low-lit bar and restaurant is a den for the curious, offering a curated drinks list and an intimate, lounge-like atmosphere.
Kika: An acclaimed restaurant in Wānaka‘s town center that also offers an impressive bar experience, focusing on unique New Zealand flavors and sophisticated cocktails alongside its culinary menu.
Upstairs @ The Bunker (Queenstown): While slightly outside the immediate Central Otago area, this well-known Queenstown venue is mentioned due to its high-end cocktail experience, as a top-tier option for visitors in the region. It’s known for exquisite cocktails and transforming into a late-night hotspot.
Verve Wānaka: A wine and craft beer bar in Wānaka that also serves cocktails, offering a great spot to relax and enjoy the local drinks culture.
arc Wānaka: Located in the vibrant town center of Wānaka, this bar and restaurant focuses on exquisite tapas and cocktails, often featuring a stunning alpine view backdrop.
Paulina’s Bar: The welcoming, unpretentious locals’ pub in Clyde (Central Otago) is known for its local wines, tap beers, and a great spot for a relaxed cocktail evening, especially on Friday nights.
Bargarita: Situated in the center of Cromwell (Central Otago), this bar is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the wider region, offering a range of classic and signature drinks.
The Blue Door (Arrowtown): A nearby historic and intimate bar often referenced by Central Otago visitors for its rustic charm, fireplaces, and excellent wine and cocktail selection in Arrowtown.
Rhyme X Reason Brewery: While primarily a brewpub in Wānaka, this spot on Gordon Rd serves a diverse selection of craft beers but also offers simple, well-made cocktails like a Limoncello Spritz, in a warm, woody taproom.
Lake Bar: An iconic spot at the top of Ardmore Street in Wānaka with amazing views. While a pub, it’s a great place for a casual evening drink with stunning scenery.
LaLaLand Wānaka: This venue transforms into one of Wānaka‘s key late-night destinations on weekends, featuring live music and DJs to keep the party going late.
Rove Bar & Eatery: Known for its “late nights” and often featuring live DJ sets, Rove in Wānaka is a definitive clubbing choice, popular with the après-ski crowd.
Water Bar Wānaka: Its description as a “lively late-night entertainment venue” right on the Wānaka lakefront makes it a dual-purpose bar and club with a great party atmosphere.
The Bullock Bar Wānaka: The iconic and classic Kiwi pub on Ardmore St in Wānaka offers a full-service TAB, gaming machines, and big-screen sports, but its late-night atmosphere, especially during specials like “Triple Shot Sunday,” often makes it a high-energy club-like venue.
Woodys Sports Bar: Located in the town center of Wānaka, this is a lively sports bar that often morphs into a high-energy late-night venue, perfect for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere.
Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar (Queenstown): Included as a premier club experience near Central Otago, this spot in Queenstown is a “bona fide club” during late-night hours, known for its size, dancing, and being a late-night hot spot.
Rhino’s Ski Shack (Queenstown): Another Queenstown entry, this underground bar provides a high-energy après-ski environment with a dance floor, good music, and is often cited as the only dedicated hip-hop venue in the area, offering a true club experience.
The London (Queenstown): While technically a bar and pizza place, its exciting atmosphere, downtown location, and dedicated DJ nights make it a popular clubbing destination for visitors to the wider Otago region.
Zephyr (Queenstown): This bar shifts to a distinctive, rock n’ roll-inspired club atmosphere once the evening gets going, making it a popular option for those seeking a high-energy night out.
Upstairs @ The Bunker (Queenstown): While known for cocktails, this venue plays house music and features local DJs hitting the decks late into the night (until 4 am), providing a sleek, upmarket club environment.