How Wanaka became New Zealand's new adventure capital

Wanaka is proving to be a major rival to Queenstown in adventure tourism, says Sarah Reid
Sarah Reid4 June 2018

With its bungee jumps, giant swings, jet boats and ski fields, Queenstown isn’t known as the adventure capital of the world for nothing.

Until recently, nearby Wanaka was typically likened to a more low-key cousin — a place to chill out, connect with nature and escape Queenstown’s crowds. But Wanaka has been busy cultivating its own brand of adventure tourism.

Natural highs v man-made thrills

While the lakeside resort town offers many of the same manufactured adventure experiences you’ll find across the Crown Range, including skydiving, jet boating and 4WD tours, the emphasis is on small group activities harnessing the beauty of the environment.

Beyond the phenomenal hiking, mountain biking, climbing and canyoning options, there’s a new waterfall via ferrata (the world’s highest) and a new jetboat, walk and pack-raft day trip (a New Zealand first). Wanaka Heli Hikes has recently joined the party, offering guided hiking and glacier trekking in remote corners of the nation’s Southern Alps that can’t be accessed on foot.

You can even go heli-biking in Wanaka if you want, or even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding down the mighty Clutha River, New Zealand’s swiftest.

One of the best activities in the region is free: downloadable from the Department of Conservation website, the excellent Wanaka Outdoor Pursuits brochure details 26 excellent hiking trails, many of which can also be biked, with the great new Wanaka Tracks app available free on iTunes.

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A town on the up

Wanaka’s tourism industry has been going for broke. In December it topped the nation for percentage growth in visitor spend over the preceding two years, and while the town of around 10,000 permanent residents used to struggle during off-peak periods, occupancy in the November shoulder season has increased by 40 per cent over the past three years.

“The last couple of years have seen Wanaka really take off,” says James Helmore, of Lake Wanaka Tourism. “Cool new activities, eateries, craft breweries and bars have created new energy.”

He’s not wrong. Tourism has done wonders for Wanaka’s dining and entertainment scene, with a proliferation of great new spots to wind down after a hard day’s hiking, biking or paddling, including the Rhyme & Reason brewery, which is headed by one of New Zealand’s emerging contingent of female brewers.

Restaurants such as tapas-inspired Kika and organic eatery Ode have helped to establish Wanaka on New Zealand’s culinary map, and you’re now spoiled for choice when it comes to coffee, brunch and food-truck hopping.

Growing pains

Of course, Wanaka’s tourism boom has come with its challenges — median house prices recently burst through the NZ$1 million barrier, and Wanaka is still lacking the tourism infrastructure necessary to cope with increasing visitor numbers. During festival periods, for example, Wanaka has been known to run out of beds.

But despite its popularity, Wanaka is still essentially a quiet country town. Crime is low, strict building regulations have (so far) prevented overdevelopment, and a local organisation called BIFFF (Ban International Fast Food Franchises) has helped to prevent most big chains (including McDonald’s) from ruining its small-town atmosphere. On a balmy Saturday afternoon, I find Wanaka’s favourite watering hole — Kai Whakapai (0064 3-443 7795) — packed with locals, many with children and dogs in tow. Everyone seems to know each other, and there’s not a hint of pretension.

“We’re moving to Wanaka,” I announce to my husband over the phone as I sip on a pint of local craft beer and soak up the relaxed vibe.

“Great!” he says. “I’ll pack the snowboards.”

Details: New Zealand

Air New Zealand (airnewzealand.co.uk) flies to Queenstown via Auckland, from £1,006 return. Wanaka Homestead (wanakahomestead.co.nz) has doubles from £129 B&B.

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