Lake Wanaka Lodge

Cardrona Valley & Cardrona

by Robmj

Its not really off the beaten path as its the quickest road from Wanaka to Queenstown but most tour buses and people travel around the gorge rather than up over this road, especially in Winter.

Its the highest tar-sealed road in Australasia and takes around 1 hour. Make sure you stop at the Cardrona Hotel which is around 15 minutes from Wanaka.

Its a great way to spend half a day or day exploing this valley and there are many activities at Cardrona itself from skiing, horse riding, snow farm and alpine cross country, quad bike adventure and monster trucks. All for a town with a population of 150!

Walking Along the Edge of the Lake

by Aidy_p

After lunch, Jac & I took a walk along Lake Wanaka as the township is located at the southern end of the lake. Passed by a second-hand bookstore and bought myself a couple of books at a very cheap price. If I had the time, I'd sat at the lake to read my book.

But we had to go, though the Lake offers a totally awesome view.

Puzzling Cafe

by imstress

Puzzling Cafe is very unique as this may be the only cafe that has tables of puzzles for you to solve while you enjoy your drinks or snacks.

The puzzles may be purchased at the cafe and a very good souvenier for all ages.

The ceiling is like a giant Kaleidoscope. If you cant solve the puzzles, look up for some inspirations.

If you have any problems solving the puzzles, surrender and approach the friendly staff for help and they will show you how to solve the puzzles.

Don't lose sleep over unsolved puzzles. Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened for you.

Mountain holiday basecamp

by DSwede

Wanaka is a relatively small town, situated on the south bank of the similarly name Lake Wanaka. The main center is small, but for the energetic can still be walked easily.

From what I've been led to believe by the locals I met, the town is a growing tourist destination, with an ever increasing trendy flair. Its popular in the summer and winter alike.

For more details of my time on the island, please feel free to visit my South Island page.

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my New Zealand gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

Wanaka - hike up Mt.Roy

by dln6874

Wanaka was a lovely town by a lake with views of snow capped mountain ranges. Most of the time was spent lazing around, but we actually took to a hike up Mt.Roy one morning with another couple. It was a steep climb up, but when we were just near the top, after about 2.5 hrs of hiking, the sky was covered with clouds and we couldn't get much of a view. We decided to turn around, only to have the sky clear up as we got a good way down. We got some nice views from where we were, but imagine how annoyed we all were. And we were so close to the top....