If you’re looking for accommodations with style and character, you’ll definitely find them in the Wanaka area. There has been a lot of development in the township itself, especially around the lake edge. Quality lodges and bed-and-breakfasts are increasing in numbers, and you won’t be short of a good stop here, but you will need to book well ahead if you’re planning to stay between November and March. Wanaka is a favorite playground for New Zealanders.
All rates quoted include the 15% GST and free off-street parking unless otherwise noted.
Expensive
Wanaka Cottages, 11 Orchard Rd. (www.wanakacottages.co.nz; tel. 0800/292-6252 in NZ), offer a luxurious four-bedroom house and a two-bedroom cottage in a new residential suburb for NZ$525 and NZ$395, respectively. They’re a short drive from the township and just a block from the golf course. Lime Tree Lodge, Ballantyne Road, RD2, Wanaka (www.limetreelodge.co.nz; tel. 03/443-7305), is a gorgeous spot with six beautiful suites that range in price from NZ$495 to NZ$695. It’s set on 4 hectares (10 acres) just out of Wanaka, and you’ll be spoiled rotten here with gorgeous meals based on organic garden produce (dinner NZ$150 per person). They are charter members of Sustainable Wanaka.
Moderate
Te Wanaka Lodge, 23 Brownston St. (www.tewanaka.co.nz; tel. 03/443-9224), is a small boutique hotel with 13 rooms and lots of charm. Rooms are a great value at NZ$215 to NZ$245, and if you get in quick, you might be able to score the garden cottage for a little more privacy.
Inexpensive
The YHA Wanaka Purple Cow, 94 Brownston St. (www.yha.co.nz; tel. 0800/772-277 in NZ, or 03/443-1880), is frequented by budget-minded travelers from throughout the world. It’s just a step or two from town and has dorm beds from NZ$18 to NZ$28 per person and doubles from NZ$78 to NZ$84. Campers will find excellent facilities at Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park, 217 Mount Aspiring Rd., Wanaka (www.wanakatop10.co.nz; tel. 0508/926-252 in NZ), which has a parklike setting that’s just a 20-minute walk from the town center. There’s a swimming pool and spotless communal facilities. Motel units cost NZ$115 to NZ$165, self-contained cabins are NZ$60 to NZ$140, and powered sites go for NZ$45. Glendhu Bay Lakeside Holiday Park, 1127 Mt. Aspiring Rd. (tel. 03/443-7243; www.glendhubaymotorcamp.co.nz), is further around the lake (about a 15-min. drive), but it has unsurpassed views of the lake and mountains and is right on the lakefront. It’s much cheaper at NZ$20 for a basic cabin and NZ$16 for tents and powered sites, but it fills fast with Kiwi holidaymakers in summer, so book early.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
