We have scoured the stunning mountain and lakeside town of Wānaka to discover the best in eating, drinking, shopping, and more. Explore our favourite places in our guide.
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Recline and unwind: NZ's independent cinema experiences
Picture this, it’s Friday night, you’re settling into your favourite reclining lounger, a glass of wine in hand and the opening credits are beginning on the screen in front of you. Sure this situation could be in your living room at home but why not amp up the cosiness vibes and treat yourself to a trip to your local independent cinema.
7 South Island Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List
Fill up the tank; a South Island road trip adventure awaits.
Forget the Chocolate Eggs, Let’s Hunt For The Best Hot Cross Buns
It’s that time of year; hot cross bun season and we’re all about it.
Written in the Green Grocer stars.
Tour Your Tastebuds Around Wānaka's Flourishing Food and Drink Scene
Wānaka is full of local food and drink entrepreneurs ready to bring you the region’s bounty.
Load up Your Tote Bag at Wānaka's Best Independent Boutiques
Immerse yourself in Wānaka's creative shopping scene.
9 Best Independent New Zealand Florists to Celebrate Spring
Are you ready for a fresh bunch of blooms as we head into Spring? Here's where to go for your floral fix.
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Bars View all
Rhyme and Reason
A brewery slash tasting room and bar, visit this sunny spot for a pint or fill up a rigger for takeaway.
Ground Up
A brewery and taproom in one, this local favourite continues to grow from the ground up.
Kai Whaka Pai
An absolute town institution, this place is humming with people Monday to Sunday, Winter through to Summer.
b.social
The b.social Brewery and Bar is a great spot for eating and drinking that is worthy of a visit (or many) whether you’re just in town for the weekend or call this beautiful region home year round.
Cardrona Hotel
Rumoured to be the most photographed building in the country, Cardrona Hotel was built in 1863 as first and foremost a place to stay for hardworking gold miners.
Cardrona Distillery
Stop by for a tour and tasting session at Cardrona Distillery, and set your eyes on the magnificent copper stills that are responsible for turning grain into spirits.
Cork Bar
The place to go for evening drinks, Cork has an impressive array of wines, beers, fine spirits and cocktails. Served by bartenders that truly do know their stuff, it’s likely you’ll develop an infatuation with this bar very quickly.
Restaurants View all
Hook Wānaka - Lake to Plate
Fast becoming ‘the thing to do in Wānaka’, the Hook restaurant provides a unique lake to plate experience where locals and visitors can catch their own Chinook...
Burrito Craft
Easygoing vibes make this permanent food truck a non-pretentious spot to park up and enjoy some food al fresco style.
Bistro Gentil
A fine-dining restaurant boasting a love affair with French cuisine, Bistro Gentil serves excellent meals in a beautiful, sultry interior.
Red Star Burger
A Wānaka institution, Red Star has been filling hungry bellies with burgers for over 15 years.