Marta's Guidebook
Food scene
We are so lucky to have a wonderful selection of food options in and around Wanaka. I'm a vegan. and my husband isn't, so these places have been well tested to cater for both.
I only recommend places I love and ones that I recommend to my family and friends. I am a bit of a food snob - so I hope you enjoy them too!
Their motto is slow food, fast. But don’t let that fool you- their food is so delicious- carnivores and vegans are well catered, their coffee is the best in town, with almond and decaf options available. Grab a takeaway and sit by the lake, or enjoy inside while sharing a table with new friends. One of our regulars 👍
84 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Big Fig Wanaka
105 Ardmore StTheir motto is slow food, fast. But don’t let that fool you- their food is so delicious- carnivores and vegans are well catered, their coffee is the best in town, with almond and decaf options available. Grab a takeaway and sit by the lake, or enjoy inside while sharing a table with new friends. One of our regulars 👍
This is THE BEST pizza and pasta in Wanaka, and dare we say Central Otago. Be sure to ring ahead and book - the trick is to leave a message on their answering machine for your required time, and book in advance! Takeaway is available for lunch only - they are too busy for dinner takeaways but you can easily go to one of my other recommendations.
81 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Francesca's Italian Kitchen
93 Ardmore StThis is THE BEST pizza and pasta in Wanaka, and dare we say Central Otago. Be sure to ring ahead and book - the trick is to leave a message on their answering machine for your required time, and book in advance! Takeaway is available for lunch only - they are too busy for dinner takeaways but you can easily go to one of my other recommendations.
OMG the gelato....! Seriously, even if you haven't tried a sorbet before, try it here. They are soooo creamy and you'd never know there was no dairy. Often seen with a line up outside - they write their flabours of the day on teh board out teh front. Best sorbet recommendations are the Salted Chocolate and the Mango. Best gelato is the Malteser!
17 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Black Peak Gelato
123 Ardmore StOMG the gelato....! Seriously, even if you haven't tried a sorbet before, try it here. They are soooo creamy and you'd never know there was no dairy. Often seen with a line up outside - they write their flabours of the day on teh board out teh front. Best sorbet recommendations are the Salted Chocolate and the Mango. Best gelato is the Malteser!
For some reason Airbnb thinks it’s Italian- but it’s not! Kika is modern dining and until lockdown this place didn’t take reservations. It was extremely popular that the best chance you had of getting a table was to arrive at 5.30pm. Fear not, restaurants have come far and now take bookings! So book Kika- you will not be disappointed. Try the chef’s selection for $70 pp- an absolute steal for the quality of food and technique in the kitchen.
116 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Kika
2 Dunmore StFor some reason Airbnb thinks it’s Italian- but it’s not! Kika is modern dining and until lockdown this place didn’t take reservations. It was extremely popular that the best chance you had of getting a table was to arrive at 5.30pm. Fear not, restaurants have come far and now take bookings! So book Kika- you will not be disappointed. Try the chef’s selection for $70 pp- an absolute steal for the quality of food and technique in the kitchen.
OMG delicious and fresh burritos and tacos, vegans are catered for too. Try the jackfruit tacos-they are a favourite! Order online to skip the queues.
22 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Burrito Craft
42 Brownston StOMG delicious and fresh burritos and tacos, vegans are catered for too. Try the jackfruit tacos-they are a favourite! Order online to skip the queues.
The tastiest and freshest salads and smoothies. Tucked down a lane way- this is a secret local favourite. Grab a bite and head down to the lake to enjoy.
17 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Fedeli Cafe
47 Helwick StThe tastiest and freshest salads and smoothies. Tucked down a lane way- this is a secret local favourite. Grab a bite and head down to the lake to enjoy.
The new kid on the block - Scroggin is one not to miss. It's what Wanaka hasn't had before: think cool interiors, delicious modern brunches, and amazing coffee and genuine matcha lattes. A little hard to spot from the street - look for the Bullock Bar and it's next door to it.
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery
71 Ardmore StreetThe new kid on the block - Scroggin is one not to miss. It's what Wanaka hasn't had before: think cool interiors, delicious modern brunches, and amazing coffee and genuine matcha lattes. A little hard to spot from the street - look for the Bullock Bar and it's next door to it.
The newest kid on the block, Arc is no stranger to trendy food. The owners of Kika have done Wanaka justice and opened another great place- this one specifically for brunch and tapas- but just like Kika, it’s not your typical offering. Delicious coffee, go while they are still new - no need to book (yet!).
arc
74 Ardmore StreetThe newest kid on the block, Arc is no stranger to trendy food. The owners of Kika have done Wanaka justice and opened another great place- this one specifically for brunch and tapas- but just like Kika, it’s not your typical offering. Delicious coffee, go while they are still new - no need to book (yet!).
Formerly known as Little Black Caravan, the owners moved location and changed the name to Curbside Coffee & Bagels. Now at 42 Brownston St Wanaka.
Their coffees are the best in Wanaka. This was the secret cafe locals went to, and now it’s no longer a secret! Enjoy the fresh surroundings by the new food truck village area.
Little Black Caravan
42 Brownston StreetFormerly known as Little Black Caravan, the owners moved location and changed the name to Curbside Coffee & Bagels. Now at 42 Brownston St Wanaka.
Their coffees are the best in Wanaka. This was the secret cafe locals went to, and now it’s no longer a secret! Enjoy the fresh surroundings by the new food truck village area.
The tacos are to die for. And the ceviche is incredibly tasty. You’ll want to order more than one classic margarita! A new favourite of ours👌
Paloma Taqueria
The tacos are to die for. And the ceviche is incredibly tasty. You’ll want to order more than one classic margarita! A new favourite of ours👌
With Kirsty Schmutsch as owner & director of Pembroke Patisserie, it’s no wonder this place a destination for locals and visitors, as Kirsty has recently been recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s TOP 50 most influential & inspiring women in food & drink 2024.
With French pastries including croissants, and florentines, yummy sandwiches, breads and pastries, stay in for a coffee or take it away and enjoy the Upper Clutha river a stroll away.
53 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Pembroke Patisserie
20 Alison AveWith Kirsty Schmutsch as owner & director of Pembroke Patisserie, it’s no wonder this place a destination for locals and visitors, as Kirsty has recently been recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s TOP 50 most influential & inspiring women in food & drink 2024.
With French pastries including croissants, and florentines, yummy sandwiches, breads and pastries, stay in for a coffee or take it away and enjoy the Upper Clutha river a stroll away.
Sightseeing
The question is not whether you will climb Roy’s Peak, the question is what time. Will you start before the birds and watch the sunrise over Wanaka, or a little later? Be warned- it’s officially graded as an Easy track- that simply means that it is a well marked track, and you are unlikely to fall. BUT this takes serious time on feet, and stamina. It’s well worth it though!
Please make sure to check the Department of Conservation website for updates on Roy’s Peak track (or other hikes around the area), as at times they may be closed, or at risk of avalanche above certain heights: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/roys-peak-track/
64 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Roys Peak
The question is not whether you will climb Roy’s Peak, the question is what time. Will you start before the birds and watch the sunrise over Wanaka, or a little later? Be warned- it’s officially graded as an Easy track- that simply means that it is a well marked track, and you are unlikely to fall. BUT this takes serious time on feet, and stamina. It’s well worth it though!
Please make sure to check the Department of Conservation website for updates on Roy’s Peak track (or other hikes around the area), as at times they may be closed, or at risk of avalanche above certain heights: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/roys-peak-track/
A lovely little local market full of arts and crafts, local handmade produce right by Bullock Creek. The setting is perfect for a Thursday afternoon before sunset.
Thursday’s 3pm-6pm at Bullock Creek near Speights Ale House.
6 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Wanaka Farmers Market
93 Ardmore StA lovely little local market full of arts and crafts, local handmade produce right by Bullock Creek. The setting is perfect for a Thursday afternoon before sunset.
Thursday’s 3pm-6pm at Bullock Creek near Speights Ale House.
Do you dare take the plunge into the icy water? Watch thrill seekers jump off the bridge into the stunning blue water. The walk to the pools is like entering a rainforest- as soo as you step out of the car the climate is cooler. Pack insect repellent because sand flies can be pesky!
Blue Pools
Do you dare take the plunge into the icy water? Watch thrill seekers jump off the bridge into the stunning blue water. The walk to the pools is like entering a rainforest- as soo as you step out of the car the climate is cooler. Pack insect repellent because sand flies can be pesky!
Winery
Featuring the wineries to visit of Central Otago
Awarded the Best Vineyard in Australasia in the World's Best Vineyards awards 2019, and came in at number 8 in the World, beating well known wineries in France, USA, Germany. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Wanaka, as you taste the beautiful biodynamic wine.
The winery is so popular that they have decided to introduce a booking system for wine tastings to . Make sure to pre-book your tasting time slot using the booking form on Rippon Winery website.
40 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Rippon
246 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdAwarded the Best Vineyard in Australasia in the World's Best Vineyards awards 2019, and came in at number 8 in the World, beating well known wineries in France, USA, Germany. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Wanaka, as you taste the beautiful biodynamic wine.
The winery is so popular that they have decided to introduce a booking system for wine tastings to . Make sure to pre-book your tasting time slot using the booking form on Rippon Winery website.
Mmmm their Pinot Noir is absolutely delicious. Come for the best wines in Wanaka and enjoy a tipple to take back to your Airbnb.
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Maude Wines
76A Golf Course RdMmmm their Pinot Noir is absolutely delicious. Come for the best wines in Wanaka and enjoy a tipple to take back to your Airbnb.
Rebranded from Archangel wines, now Nanny Goat maintains the same winemaker and follows the Archangel philosophy, while adding new wines to their repertoire. Come for the award winning wines, stay for the beauty. This winery is a little known secret- close to Wanaka on the way to Cromwell. The landscaping is beautiful- enjoy a delicious lunch here. The interior is stunning and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Our favourite 👍
Archangel Wines
68 Queensberry TerraceRebranded from Archangel wines, now Nanny Goat maintains the same winemaker and follows the Archangel philosophy, while adding new wines to their repertoire. Come for the award winning wines, stay for the beauty. This winery is a little known secret- close to Wanaka on the way to Cromwell. The landscaping is beautiful- enjoy a delicious lunch here. The interior is stunning and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Our favourite 👍
Sports and Outdoors
From yoga and pilates to skiing and the great outdoors. You’ll find what your body and mind need here.
The question is not whether you will climb Roy’s Peak, the question is what time. Will you start before the birds and watch the sunrise over Wanaka, or a little later? Be warned- it’s officially graded as an Easy track- that simply means that it is a well marked track, and you are unlikely to fall. BUT this takes serious time on feet, and stamina. It’s well worth it though!
64 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Roys Peak
The question is not whether you will climb Roy’s Peak, the question is what time. Will you start before the birds and watch the sunrise over Wanaka, or a little later? Be warned- it’s officially graded as an Easy track- that simply means that it is a well marked track, and you are unlikely to fall. BUT this takes serious time on feet, and stamina. It’s well worth it though!
Local mountain bikers, trail runners and walkers alike looove Sticky Forest, or simply Sticky as we locals call it.
Trails are maintained by the local bike club and you can easily spend a few hours exploring them. Trails are graded but be sure to take a photo of the Sticky Map on your phone so you can easily navigate around.
Best bits are: views from the lookout near the Power Pole, winding trails being surrounded by forest and silence, meeting the lake and river the Outlet.
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Sticky Forest
104B Kings DrLocal mountain bikers, trail runners and walkers alike looove Sticky Forest, or simply Sticky as we locals call it.
Trails are maintained by the local bike club and you can easily spend a few hours exploring them. Trails are graded but be sure to take a photo of the Sticky Map on your phone so you can easily navigate around.
Best bits are: views from the lookout near the Power Pole, winding trails being surrounded by forest and silence, meeting the lake and river the Outlet.
You’ll find the most qualified, experienced and friendliest pilates teachers in this studio. Fully equipped studio with Mat and Pilates Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze, Chair, Barrels and TRX. Locals love coming back.
Full physiotherapy clinic with ACC available.
Central Lakes Physio and Pilates
21H Gordon RdYou’ll find the most qualified, experienced and friendliest pilates teachers in this studio. Fully equipped studio with Mat and Pilates Reformer, Cadillac/Trapeze, Chair, Barrels and TRX. Locals love coming back.
Full physiotherapy clinic with ACC available.
Absolutely spectacular river front scenery. The trail is easy and is shared by walkers and mountain bikers alike. Keep left and keep your ears open in case you need to provide more space for a bike rider. You can park near the Outlet Boat ramp (follow the outlet road), turn right and start walking while keeping the river on your left. Turn back whenever you please, but for a tiny bit longer you can pot out in Albert Town and enjoy a well deserved treat at Wanaka's best patisserie - Pembroke Patisserie.
The track enjoys stunning scenery of local trees ( they are so beautiful over autumn), is very well sheltered from strong winds and provides you with plenty of shade on sunny days. A local favourite.
21 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Outlet Track
Outlet RoadAbsolutely spectacular river front scenery. The trail is easy and is shared by walkers and mountain bikers alike. Keep left and keep your ears open in case you need to provide more space for a bike rider. You can park near the Outlet Boat ramp (follow the outlet road), turn right and start walking while keeping the river on your left. Turn back whenever you please, but for a tiny bit longer you can pot out in Albert Town and enjoy a well deserved treat at Wanaka's best patisserie - Pembroke Patisserie.
The track enjoys stunning scenery of local trees ( they are so beautiful over autumn), is very well sheltered from strong winds and provides you with plenty of shade on sunny days. A local favourite.
You won’t find any good Central Otago wines at the supermarket, so if you are a fan of wine, head to Pembroke wines. This is a bottle shop dedicated to stocking local wines, as well as famous international wines, champagnes and spirits. Tasting boards are also available as well as tasting flights. Keep an eye out on their social media for ticketed events.
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Pembroke Wines & Spirits Wanaka
24 Dungarvon StYou won’t find any good Central Otago wines at the supermarket, so if you are a fan of wine, head to Pembroke wines. This is a bottle shop dedicated to stocking local wines, as well as famous international wines, champagnes and spirits. Tasting boards are also available as well as tasting flights. Keep an eye out on their social media for ticketed events.
Whether it’s sunny or bitterly cold, the secret sauna in Lake Hawea is absolutely a beautiful way to restore your body and mind. Pair it with cold dipping in Lake Hawea, you will get the benefits of hot/cold Therpay for stress and inflammation reduction. Take your keep cups for a lovely herbal tea afterwards.
The Secret Sauna
Whether it’s sunny or bitterly cold, the secret sauna in Lake Hawea is absolutely a beautiful way to restore your body and mind. Pair it with cold dipping in Lake Hawea, you will get the benefits of hot/cold Therpay for stress and inflammation reduction. Take your keep cups for a lovely herbal tea afterwards.
Brewery
Craft beer lovers of the world rejoice! Wanaka is home to a growing group of talented brewers and trendy breweries for you to hang out at
It’s the place locals go to. “Hidden” in the industrial area of Gordon Rd, don’t let that put you off. Before you step inside a few hints of the industrial brewery greet you- a swinging ski lift chair for you to hang out in, while inside the cool, dark vibes and friendly staff make sure your visit is care free. Local favourites stay on the menu, while new features are regularly added. A tasty food truck is parked here on weekends, or you can byo food on weekdays.
26 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Rhyme and Reason Brewery
17 Gordon RdIt’s the place locals go to. “Hidden” in the industrial area of Gordon Rd, don’t let that put you off. Before you step inside a few hints of the industrial brewery greet you- a swinging ski lift chair for you to hang out in, while inside the cool, dark vibes and friendly staff make sure your visit is care free. Local favourites stay on the menu, while new features are regularly added. A tasty food truck is parked here on weekends, or you can byo food on weekdays.
Only a 1km walk from your accommodation this is a new local favourite. The b.effect brewery known as b.social is just that- a place that is relaxed and a regular spot for locals to meet up in. Beers and kombucha on tap are joined by tasty food- think burgers, fries and nachos.
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
b.effect / b.social brewery & bar
60 Anderson RdOnly a 1km walk from your accommodation this is a new local favourite. The b.effect brewery known as b.social is just that- a place that is relaxed and a regular spot for locals to meet up in. Beers and kombucha on tap are joined by tasty food- think burgers, fries and nachos.