Things To Do in Wanaka
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Wanaka Attractions
At Wanaka airport, Warbirds and Wheels Museum, 11 Lloyd Dunn Ave. (tel. 03/443-7010; http://www.warbirdsandwheels.com), displays military aircraft, including vintage planes, plus a collection of 30 classic cars and motorcycles.
Take a break at Wanaka Beerworks, State Highway 6 (tel. 0800/273-9754 in NZ, or 03/443-1865; www.wanakabeerworks.co.nz), which is wedged between two museums. This little boutique brewery with a cozy bar and tasting room is open daily from 9am until 4pm; tours and tastings are offered daily at 2pm.
Rippon Vineyard, Mount Aspiring Road (tel. 03/443-8084; www.rippon.co.nz), was established by Rolfe and Lois Mills, pioneer grape-growers in Central Otago, and their vineyard location overlooking Lake Wanaka is simply stunning. It’s open daily for free tastings and sales (Dec-Apr 11:30am-5pm and July-Nov 1:30-5:30pm).
- Natural Attraction
Glendhu Bay
This is a nice little drive if you want to take in some more of the beautiful landscapes in this area. There’s not much to Glendhu itself—just a big camping ground—but it’s a nice place to stop and take photos of Mount Aspiring across the lake. Take a wander through the camping… - Natural Attraction
Lake Wanaka
You may have walked yourselves out this morning but if you still have the energy, take a leisurely walk around the lake in either direction from the information center. If you’d rather, hire a bike at the information center and pedal around the lake or rent a kayak and end the day… - Cooking Class
Puzzling World
There’s a little bit of madness happening here—you will have guessed that from the crazy, tilted houses at the entrance—and more than a few challenges to set you thinking. Since 1973, Stuart Landsborough (aka Professor Puzzle) has drawn millions of visitors to the confusing… - Winery/Brewery/Distillery
Rippon Vineyard
Rolfe and Lois Mills pioneered grape growing in Central Otago and their vineyard must have one of the loveliest outlooks of any vineyard in the world. Make sure you take your camera because you will want a lasting impression of their leafy, green vines cascading down the hillside to…
Wanaka Shopping
Shopping in Wanaka
Our shopping picks might have you leaving Wanaka with a luxuriously silky possum shawl from Fine Wool Wanaka, high-tech merino undies from Base, or a gorgeous Kate Sylvester party frock from 47 Frocks.
Wanaka Nightlife
Get real local flavor at Cinema Paradiso, 1 Ardmore St. (tel. 03/443-1505; www.paradiso.net.nz), Wanaka's only movie theater, and the wackiest place in town. Seats take the form of old sofas and cushions in the aisles, and a Morris Minor car has been installed for a drive-in feel. You'll get a personalized, off-the-wall introduction from the owner, and there's a 30-minute intermission for quick cafe meals -- and yes, they will hold the movie until you're finished eating. Showtimes are at 6 and 8:30pm daily; admission is NZ$15 for adults, NZ$10 for children.
