Wanaka is a town in the Central Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. The town of Wanaka is situated at the Southern end of Lake Wanaka. It is surrounded by mountains. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Wanaka is primarily a resort town but has both summer and winter seasons and is based around the many outdoor opportunities. Due to the growing tourism business and the increasing number of retirees in Wanaka.The Climate
Wanaka is one of the few areas in New Zealand to enjoy a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The weather is fairly dry with spring (September-December) bringing the wettest months. Annual rainfall is 682 mm which is half the national average. Wanaka experiences hot dry summers where the temperature can reach the high 30's but averages 24°C. Winter tends to have clear calm days with highs around 10°C
These days, with its beautiful lake and mountain views, Wanaka has become a popular tourist resort, loved by many for being less commercialised than Queenstown.
Wanaka boasts a growing number of excellent restaurants, cafes and a diverse nightlife. Other attractions in the town include Puzzling World and the Paradiso Cinema. Puzzling World contains a 3d maze, optical illusions and a leaning tower. The Paradiso is a classic old cinema, with seating of old coaches, chairs and a car. The walls are covered in movie posters and food, wine and beer is available at the interval. It is a unique experience. There are a number of wineries in the area.
Summer in Wanaka
Wanaka is host to some of New Zealand's best outdoor recreation with world-class mountain biking, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, fishing, paragliding, and watersports of all kinds. With one of New Zealand's sunniest climates, Wanaka is truly an adventure paradise. It is the access point to the highest mountain outside of the Mount Cook region, Mt Aspiring.
Winter in Wanaka
Nearby are Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Snow Park, some of New Zealand's premier commercial ski fields. Wanaka is the main accommodation provider for these resorts and so is very busy in high season(July-September). It is also close to Snow Farm.