The first station was at Albert Town, the only place where settlers could ford the Clutha River. Maori knowledge of the region is evidenced by an earlier sketch map from Chief Te Huruhuru at Waimate.Įuropean settlement began in the Upper Clutha River Valley in the 1850s, with the establishment of sheep stations by runholders. The first European in the area was Nathaniel Chalmers, who was guided inland by Chief Reko in 1853. The town is part of the Queenstown-Lakes District and was originally settled during the gold rush of the 19th century. Due to the growing tourism business and the increasing number of retirees in Wanaka, large growth is occurring, with a population increase of up to 50% in the past 10 years. Wanaka is primarily a resort town but has both summer and winter seasons and is based around the many outdoor opportunities. Wanaka, situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. There are a number of wineries in the area. The Paradiso is a classic old cinema, with seating consisting of old couches and an in-theatre Morris Minor. Puzzling World contains a maze, optical illusions and a leaning clocktower.
Other attractions in the town include Puzzling World and the Paradiso Cinema. Wanaka boasts a growing number of restaurants, cafes and a diverse nightlife. With its lake and mountain views, Wanaka has become a popular tourist resort, considered less commercialised than Queenstown. And if you want to head out of town, transport providers offer daily services to most popular destinations.
It’s an easy walk to shops and restaurants from most accommodation and taxis cars and bikes are readily available. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and boutique B&Bs to backpacker lodges and family holiday parks. One of the attractions of a stay in Lake Wanaka is that it combines the warmth of small town living with the quality and attention to detail you’d expect of an international holiday destination. Visit the nearby towns of Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra, go shopping, or simply sit in a café and watch the world pass by. Year round activities include fishing, hiking, canyoning, climbing and skydiving. But Wanaka, is much more than a winter destination. In winter, skiers flock here from all over the world for superb skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona and Treble Cone, cross-country skiing at Snow Farm and heli-skiing high in the Harris Mountains. Nestled below towering mountains, Wanaka is the most tranquilly set of the South Island lakes. 45 kilometres long and covering 193 square kilometres, the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka are perfect for jetboaters, sailors and kayakers to explore.
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