Places to visit and where to go in Wanaka
Explore Wanaka’s historic hotels of Cardrona and Luggate whose first patrons were 19th century gold miners and European settlers, savour craft brews and sip local wine with Lake Wanaka and the mountains creating postcard views. Wanaka, as an experienced host, ensures events from autumn dress up, concerts, food galore, tastings, sampling and humour are part of any foodie trail or wine e-bike day trip.
WANAKA WINE REGION WHAT IS IT WELL KNOWN FOR?
Wanaka wine region is classic Central Otago pinot noir with some family vineyards having stretched their wings with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling.
Wanaka wine region is the northernmost area of Central Otago with a cooler wetter climate than interior Central Otago. Lake Wanaka modifies the severity of frosts yet adds an additional challenge of moisture laden air. The long hot dry summers are classic Central Otago in Wanaka which encourages the development of ripe fruit complexity without the loss of precious acidity. While Pinot Noir is the local favourite family vineyards have stretched their wings with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling.
RIPPON WINERY
Taste and enjoy biodynamic wines grown on the shores of Lake Wānaka. Rippon is open, by appointment. The stunning venue is popular for weddings & events. Rippon is open seven days a week.
MAUDE WINERY
Family owned winery producing hand crafted wines with Lake Wanaka on their front doorsteps. The vines were planted in 1993 on steep north facing slopes in the Maungawera Valley. There is a tasting room with great views of the Wanaka Golf course, the Lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Single origin wines can be purchased online.
The best place to stay is Queenstown for nightlife and after hours action. Wanaka is a more casual nature focused destination. Wanaka has less than 12,000 residents while Queenstown has 16,000 residents. Both places are great for food and wine tours. Take your pick and enjoy the scenic Crown Range drive between Queenstown and Wanaka.
Yes, you can stay in a vineyard in Wanaka. There are several places where your cottage is nestled among the vines. Check beforehand whether the cellar door is open and menu selection for snacks and meals.
WANAKA VINEYARD ACCOMMODATION – OPTIONS
Two Buckets is ideal for Wanaka based vineyard accommodation. The sunny north eastern slopes overlooking Lake Wanaka Two Buckets vineyard is where you get to spend time with the family.
Swallows Crossing Vineyard, just outside Wanaka in Tarras is Swallows Crossing & Vineyard and Swallows Rest Lodge can be found nestled on the banks of the Clutha River.
River Rock Estate (Cromwell) offers slick polished luxury accommodation, hot pools and vineyard experience.
Grey Ridge Vineyard (Alexandra, approximately 1 hour drive from Wanaka).
Grey Ridge Vineyard offers complimentary private tasting with the owner and accompanying vineyard tour.
HOW ABOUT YOUR STAY ON A SHEEP STATION, WANAKA?
Cross Hill
Cross hill offers glamping in the Southern Alps of NZ in a rural accommodation destination set in the foothills of Glen Dene Station.
Nanny Goat Vineyard Wanaka
Boutique family owned organic winery with classic pinot noir as an enduring staple. Nanny Goat is host to several events combining their talents with Cardrona Distillery and craft brewers to offer visitors a day among the vines.
Cardrona Distillery
Let single malt whisky coat your mouth on a Cardrona Distillery tasting and distillery tour. Cardrona Distillery has achieved awards for The Source Gin, which won Gold at the New York World spirits & wine awards and Winner of Best NZ Single Malt under 12 years at the World Whisky Awards in 2020. The classic tour is 75 minutes of discovery as visitors are introduced to Cardrona’s water source and malted barley and yeast. There is the option of an immersive food and distillery experience.
Paddons Paddock (Albert Town)
Paddons Paddock offers a bar and tasting experience with a glass of Paddons Paddock wine, a pizza or cheese board. Wine selection includes the classic Central Otago pinot noir and whites.
Ground Up Brewing
The doyenne of craft brewing in Wanaka with their own Kitchen@Groundup. Awesome Tapas, BarSnacks, Burgers, Pizzas and, of course burgers. There are over 22 Ground Up brews on tap along with local wines, Kombucha, ginger beers, low alcohol beers and non-alcoholic drink menu. Ground Up Brewing check for opening details.
Wanaka Beerworks
Wanaka Beerworks offer tours, tasting room and the online orders.
Rhyme x Reason Brewery
Rhyme x Reason Brewery is experimental with their ingredients from habanero, coffee, fruity sours and rice lagers as part of their offerings. The tasting room is stocked with local wines, NZ ciders and snacks.
Foraging Food Tours
Foraging Food Tours connect visitors to food and beverage based operators with curated tours. The tours are not run every day and a minimum of six guests is required for a tour.
Getting to Wanaka wineries and craft breweries
Find out more to see and do in Wanaka as you check the WANAKA TRAVEL GUIDE . For wine buffs Wanaka is a short hour drive from Queenstown / Arrowtown day trip wine & cycle trail – Best Bits. Cromwell with its historic Victorian precinct is home to several award winning wineries Cromwell’s wine trail, 11 popular wineries to visit – Best Bits. Sample Central Otago wines, bite into juicy apricots from the local fruit stall and relish the hot dry summer weather.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.
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