Limetree Lodge Wanaka

Golf in Paradise

by Robmj

The Wanaka Golf Course is a very picturesque 18 hole golf course surrounded by mountains, overlooking the lake, situated on some hills just above the township of Wanaka. The front nine in particular has some very scenic holes, however the whole course is breathtaking with some very good holes. The condition of the course is excellent and the greens are very very good with some challenging undulations. Guests and green fee players are very welcome. In addition to the Pro Shop, there is a practice fairway, practice green and clubhouse with food and drinks, great on a hot day.

Par for the 18 holes is 70 with the front nine being the more established and the better nine in my opinion. I'm not sure what the "signature" hole would be, but numbers 1 and 18 are both excellent dog-leg par fours and any par on these holes is a good par.

If you have the time when in Wanaka, you should come and play a round.

Green fees in 2009 are only $35 - a bargin for the quality of the course. You can hire golf clubs and carts from the fully stocked Pro Shop on course.

Mount Aspiring

by elpariente

El monte Aspiring , que no Aspirina como lo traducen algunas guías , lo llaman los Maories Tititea , tiene una altura de 3003 m y es parte del Parque Nacional Mount Aspiring
Es el sitio ideal para hacer montañismo , esquí ...pero nosotros tuvimos que dejarlo para el "próximo" viaje

Mount Aspiring, which is wrongly translated as Aspirin in some guides , it is called Tititea by the Maori , has a height of 3003 m and is part of Mount Aspiring National Park
It is the ideal place for mountaineering, skiing ... but we had to leave it for the "next" trip

Mt Roy Track

by Robmj

This is a reasonably hard climb up Mt Roy to a height of around 1,600m. It should take you 4-5 hours return and the views from the top are worth the effort of getting up there. Most of Lake Wanaka can be seen, along with great views of Mount Aspiring and the surrounding mountains. Note that the track is closed from 1 Oct to 10 Nov to allow for lambing.

Check out other great walking tracks on the web site.

Mt Aspiring

by imstress

We took a lot of pics with the magnificant Mt Aspiring as our backdrop.

You could do some walk at Mt Aspiring and even ski when winter comes.
It will take you 2hrs 30 mins on an easy tramping up to Aspiring Hut.
You will see awesome mountain views and Wanaka Town from the top.

Take the Rob Roy track which starts from Mt Aspiring Rd leading to a splendid alpine scenery. After crossing a swing bridge, the track leads you to the top where you could see Rob Roy Glacier. Be prepared for a 3-4 hours walk.

Otago's 2nd Resort Town, Wanaka

by wkcsmt

"Quiet Wanaka"

Wanaka is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in west Otago. It is surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps boasting not one but three international quality ski areas - Treble Cone, Cardrona and the Snow Farm. It is only 1 hour 15 minute drive from the tourist populated Queenstown.

The name Wanaka is a corruption of Oanake, which means "place of Anaka", an old Maori chief of the region. According to Maori legend, the chief Te Rakaihautu dug out the beds of Lakes Wanaka & Hawea with a huge digging stick, ko, and piled high the debris to form the surrounding ranges.

Lake Wanaka is more than 300m deep and Hawea is even deeper. These lakes are fed by melt water from snow fields and glaciers.

'Warbirds Over Wanaka' is held every 2 years (the next one is in 2006). It's classed as one of the best warbird shows in the world and features historic aircraft, RNZAF jets, aerobatic formations and helicopters.

I actually prefer staying in this quiet town than in Queenstown. I think Queenstown is too commercialised (very tourist orientated) and accommodation is more expensive. The scenery in Wanaka is just as amazing and beautiful. That is also why we spent a night here on my 2nd visit before heading to Queenstown.

We took the 25km scenic drive up the Cardrona Valley leads through historic gold fever country to the marvellous Cardrona Hotel (1863), now a restaurant & bar too. Descendents from the gold rush still live in the valley as farmers. Today Cardrona Valley is a place for horse trekking, hiking and skiing. Cardrona Valley merges with the road over the Crown Range, @ 1121m, which is the highest main road in the country. It's the quickest way to get to Queenstown and the views are incredible. The green waters of the Kawarau River can be seen snaking their way along their course far below.

"Lake Wanaka"

Lake Wanaka (about 181 sq. km) is NZ's 4th largest lake. It occupies a basin excavated by the advancement of former glaciers. Its clean, blue waters are an inland sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and bridle trails wander the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon.

"More of Lake Wanaka"