Wanaka... South Island, New Zealand

Wanaka has a population of about 5,000. In the heart of the Southern Lakes, Wanaka is set on the shores of New Zealand's fourth largest lake---- beautiful Lake Wanaka. Except for the townsite, Lake Wanaka goes for miles and miles with unspoiled shoreline. Wanaka is surrounded by snowclad mountains, ancient beech forests and pristine lakes and rivers. It's a four season town. Right now, we are experiencing the beginning of autumn--- nice sunny days with cool evenings.

The Clutha River, the largest river by volume in NZ, spills into Lake Wanaka as does the Matukituki River; both rivers are a draw to some serious fishing. Alpine fishing is also available in nearby Mt. Aspiring Nat. Park. If fishing for brown or Rainbow trout is your dream come true, this is the place for you!

If skiing is your thing, there are four international alpine resorts nearby. Our USA ski team trains here in our summer months.

So why are we here for the month of March?

In 1998 I took a leave from teaching and did a 2 week bicycle trip on the west coast of the South Island from Nelson to Wanaka. Bob flew in to Christchurch and took a bus to Wanaka and met me at the end of my ride. Because we had plans to drive around and see more of NZ we were in Wanaka for only 1 day. We both fell in love with it and said that someday we'd return for a longer stay.

What do we like about it?

The air is clear, the golf course is awesome ( more are just down the road) and the mountains surround us! ( Wanaka is surrounded by big HUGE rock mountains! ) The bike paths go on and on for miles and miles along the shore of the lake or by the rivers. Hiking paths are right out of our door! Daywalks are everywhere. Some tracks are down the road a bit in the hinterland, but accessible by dirt road. Adventure tramping awaits in nearby Mt. Aspiring National Park. Mt. Roy Peak is a drive away and waiting to be climbed. Mt. Iron is right outside of our door.

Although Wanaka has grown in the 11 yrs. since we've been here, it stills maintains its beauty and is a perfect spot for us to spend our last month in New Zealand. It's uncrowded and a nice place to hang our hat.
We are very glad that we came for a longer stay.