When people say Wanaka is a little like paradise, they’re really not joking. The picturesque lakeside town is a hugely popular spot for those soaking up the holiday season, and what better way to do that than sitting in at some quality Wanaka bars with a locally made glass of vino.

The classy drinking spots make the most of their incredible mountain views, so expect to be wowed as much by what’s outside the window as inside your glass. A booming hot-spot for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways, Wanaka bars sure know how to seduce visitors into wanting to stay for longer.

Home to plenty of vineyards (who make world class wine that’s enjoyed around the country), as well as breweries and a distillery, Wanaka people really do know a good drop, which lucky for people like us, they’re always willing to share. 

Come evening time expect to see the waterskiers, the mountain bikers, the joggers and dog walkers all settled in comfortably at one of the many outdoor spots that Wanaka bars offer with a cold pint or wine in hand. A place that is frequently the common ground for new friendships thanks to the number of tourists and holiday makers passing through, Wanaka bars make the perfect spot to get to know someone new.

If it’s the kind of night that you just don’t want to end, then stay up late and get your dancing shoes on - bars in Wanaka have a real soft spot for live music and grooving, so we suggest you don’t hold back either!

Pinnacle Pints in Wānaka: Where Craft Beer Meets Mountain Peaks

People dining inside Rhyme x Reason.
Wānaka craft beer, mountain scenery and outdoor activities meet to create a community of followers who thirst for adventure.

Hāwea Hotel

Inside the restaurant where people are dining and looking out the windows over the lake.
Place Wānaka
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How do you like the idea of enjoying your morning coffee from a private balcony, with uninterrupted views of mountains encircling one of the country’s largest lakes?

Paloma

Four plates of Mexican food from Paloma Wanaka on a wooden table.
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Creators of authentic Mexican fare, Paloma has a simple (but by no means easy) mission: to make the best possible tacos in Wānaka using New Zealand ingredients.

Muttonbird

Enclosed balcony dining area at Muttonbird, Wānaka.
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It’s a seabird you can eat that smells like fish and tastes like mutton.

Ground Up

Glass of beer on the table.
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A brewery and taproom in one, this local favourite continues to grow and impress.

Kai Whaka Pai

Customers sitting on tables outside the bar.
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An absolute town institution, this place is humming with people Monday to Sunday, winter through to summer.

Rhyme x Reason

People waiting and staff working behind the timber-clad bar and ordering area at Rhyme and Reason, Wānaka.
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A brewery slash tasting room and bar, visit this sunny spot for a pint or fill up a rigger for takeaway.

Cork Bar

Brown leather booth seating at Cork, Wānaka.
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The place to go for evening drinks, Cork has an impressive array of wines, beers, fine spirits and cocktails. Served by bartenders who truly do know their stuff, it’s likely you’ll develop an infatuation with this bar very quickly.

Cardrona Hotel

Historic cream and maroon weatherboard frontage of Cardrona Hotel with a vintage cream 1968 Chrysler Model 62 parked in front.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
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Rumoured to be the most photographed building in the country, Cardrona Hotel was built in 1863 first and foremost as a place to stay for hardworking gold miners.

Cardrona Distillery

A distillery tour taking place.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
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Stop by for a tour and tasting session at Cardrona Distillery and set your eyes on the magnificent copper stills responsible for turning grain into spirits.