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.
Formerly known as Pembroke, this lakeside town was originally formed during the Gold Rush of the 19th century. Fast forward 100 plus years and although locals may no longer be digging for gold, they’ve certainly found it in the lifestyle that is living in Wānaka.
History has it that Māori came here to hunt and fish during their stop-offs on the way to the West Coast to find pounamu, and current dwellers will tell you that the love of the great outdoors hasn’t diminished since.
The mountains surrounding Wānaka are world-renowned spots for climbing, biking, and skiing, so it’s no wonder Wānaka is home to many super sportspeople.
When the locals aren’t out and about in the forests, hills, or lakes, you’ll find them in town at one of the many fantastic eateries or bars, thanks to a steadily increasing number of entrepreneurs who are providing food and wine done with class.
Your Guide to a Wellness Weekend in Wānaka
Ah, Wānaka. Best known as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, home to a multitude of tracks for shoed feet and feet pushing pedals alike and gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Set at the southern end of its namesake lake with famously panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, it’s a place where not only your eyes can feast but so too your mind, body and soul.
Wānaka Businesses Making Waves in a Sustainable Way
Wānaka is the home base for a bunch of game-changing businesses, with offerings as diverse as the terrain that surrounds them. Beneath the surface, however, there are commonalities that go beyond their root environment. They are committed to sustainability, prioritising the land, locals and longevity of the planet.
A Foodie's Guide to Queenstown and Wānaka
It’s easy to mention the great outdoors when talking about Queenstown and Wānaka, but what about the incredible food scene? All that adventuring requires some serious fuel and these two Lakes District towns do not disappoint.
Written in the Green Grocer stars.
Explore our Directory
View AllCurbside Coffee & Bagels
If the timber letters spelling out ‘Coffee & Bagels’ overhead aren’t an obvious enough announcement of your arrival at Curbside then the aroma of freshly ground coffee and the sounds of a busy barista working the machine will certainly grab your attention.
General Service
Tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Wānaka is a place where the inhabitants look forward to coming to work each day.
Hāwea Hotel
How does the idea of enjoying your morning coffee from a private balcony, with uninterrupted views of mountains encircling one of the country’s largest lakes, sound in...
hello RANGER
Just like any good park ranger, hello RANGER is the heart of its community, there to take care of adventurous people before and after their journeys.
Get your Pocket Guide for Wānaka
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.
Paloma
Creators of authentic Mexican fare, Paloma has a simple (but by no means easy) mission: to make the best tacos in Wānaka possible using New Zealand ingredients.
Pembroke Wines & Spirits
Pembroke Wines & Spirits is a boutique bottle shop that delivers more than you thought you ever needed.
Freshlink Grocer
Freshlink Grocer in Wānaka is all about turning to our roots and taking things back to basics.
arc
Owners of Wānaka restaurant arc, James Stapley and Sam Cooper, know a thing or two about what makes a good eatery.
The Next Chapter
Located out front of Paradiso Cinema, in a purpose-built architecturally designed scaled up kiosk, The Next Chapter provides readers with an intimate escape from the...
The Precinct
The Precinct came on the Wānaka scene in late 2020 as a stylish, shared complex with a range of alluring retail and hospitality stores.
Kamino
While Kamino is known first and foremost as a coffee shop and milkbar, this place is no one trick pony.
Inside Tattoo
Far from your average tattoo parlour. Inside Tattoo is a place to marvel at the artwork, ask questions and spark your curiosity.
