Bella Vista's Blog

It’s Wanaka for us any day of the year. Wanaka is a four seasons kind of place with a shift in focus - equally as spectacular - every season. It’s a popular place to visit and is on every tourists ‘Must See’ list.

So whether it be summer sailing on the lake or hitting the slopes during winter that takes your fancy, take a read below of our tried and tested guide to Wanaka - it’s natural beauty, attractions, activities, dining and nightlife.

Lake Wanaka

At 45 km in length and 193 Square Km, Lake Wanaka is visual perfection; surrounded by the mountains, quaint Lake Wanaka Township and sheep stations. These crystal clear waters and surrounds are a haven for young and old.  You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to getting the most out of the lake, with kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, sailing, mountain biking, hiking, you name it. The friendly team at the Wanaka iSite knows all there is to do on the lake and where to go, so make this one of your first stops!

Hikes & Walks

It’s as if Wanaka was created with walking in mind – with tracks to cater to all fitness levels and abilities, from short strolls around the lake, dog friendly walks, wheelchair access trails, all the way through to serious hiking.  Popular half-day walking highlights include – Mt Iron Track and Roys Peak Track.

Nearby Mt Aspiring National Park is a World Heritage Area that attracts hikers from around the world. The gritty remoteness of this area combined with the mountains, valleys, rivers and scenery will make sure it will be a hike you’ll never forget. Varying levels of hiking tracks and lengths are available, with the well-known ones being - Gillespie Pass Circuit, the Wilkin Valley, Aspiring Hut, Rob Roy Track, Liverpool Bivy and Cascade Saddle.

Wanaka is also part of the length of New Zealand walking route AKA Te Araroa (The Long Pathway) that travels from Cape Reinga to Bluff – make Wanaka an overnight stopover.

Skiing Wanaka

Come winter, Wanaka is the ideal base for skiers and boarders. From beginners through to seasoned skiers and heli-skiers, take your pick of Cardrona, Treble Cone or Snow Farm, or try all three. It’s arguably the best skiing in New Zealand and sees people coming back year after year for more. The ski season finds Wanaka pumping both on and off the slopes.

Family Friendly Activities

Cinema Paradiso – It’s about as quirky as it gets with a selection of comfy couches, various seating options and even an old Morris Minor! Grab your spot and treat of choice – the homemade cookies and ice cream are hard to ignore. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy the latest movie in style!

Puzzling World- Making the weird and wonderful seem perfectly normal, that’s what it’s all about! Fulfill your inner child (or take your own) with rooms of illusions, crazy houses and one heck of a maze; enjoy this whacky trip into wonderland.

Wanaka Lavender Farm - A walk through these fragrant purple fields is like nothing else. After taking your time strolling around the farm, try a cup of lavender tea, some lavender ice cream or check out the health benefits from the many products produced on the farm.

Wanaka Dining

Wanaka’s a small town packed with world-class dining options.

Restaurants – The restaurant selection and quality is quite frankly staggering. Some of our Bella Vista head office favourites are: Big Fig, Luggate Hotel, Mazunga and The Spice Room. But heck, they’re all great!! With cuisine and dining styles galore there’s no shortage on choice here.

Cafes – Wanaka takes its coffee and café culture very seriously and because of this you’ll find it hard to go wrong. Try Fedeli, Double Black and Alchemy for your caffeine fix.

Bars & Nightlife.  Lake views, open fires, atmosphere and dancing – tick every box you need? You’ll no doubt hear about the places to go when you’re down here, but depending on your mood checkout: Wineglass Café, Trout Bar or Gin & Raspberry.

Wanaka accommodation can book out fast, especially over the ski season and height of summer.  So start thinking about when you would like to head our way and call Tom & Melissa who will help you sort everything you need.

Bella Vista Motel Wanaka is the perfect home away from home. Its central location sees you only 150m from Lake Wanaka and a minute’s walk to town. It is Qualmark 4 star endorsed, with free wifi and plenty of parking, which means you can relax and enjoy your stay. Give us a call today - we'd love to host you.