12 Hours Wānaka

Start the day with a gentle lakeside stroll from the township towards Waterfall Creek, around 1.5 hours return, letting the scenery do the heavy lifting. You'll pass The Wānaka Tree, Edgewater Hotel and plenty of quiet spots that make you pause longer than planned. It's the kind of walk that clears the head, works up an appetite and reminds you why you came.

With some fresh air in your lungs and hunger properly activated, head back into town for coffee and breakfast at Scandi-inspired Scroggin. The coffee is supplied by Arrowtown roasters Wolf Coffee, with filter and cold brew options alongside reliable espresso. The seasonal all-day menu covers everything from cacao granola and Turkish eggs to the one-handed brioche breakfast bun, while the cabinet constantly tempts.

Exploring Wānaka's boutiques is as much a part of the experience as getting out into the landscape.

Start with Heatwave, a local institution that doubles as a community hub and outdoor lifestyle store. Owned by Alice and Fionn, the space is thoughtfully curated with apparel and equipment designed to enhance time spent on the slopes, trails and lake. Just around the corner, The Next Chapter offers a quieter kind of escape. Tucked beside Paradiso Cinema in an architecturally designed kiosk, this much-loved bookstore invites you to slow down and browse a carefully selected mix of national and international fiction, children's books, classics and a specialist mountaineering and outdoors section.

For those drawn to beautiful interiors and considered design, The Workroom is a must. Part boutique, part florist and part interior studio, it's filled with timeless homewares, textiles, colour and gifting, with design services available. Whilst there, you may as well pop over to Brownston Street Food Truck Market – special eats mention goes to Burrito Craft and Curbside Coffee & Bagels.

Nearby, The Precinct brings everything together in one stylish, shared complex – home to fashion, food and lifestyle favourites including DEVàL, Alice Herald, Coastal Cowhides and Paloma (more from them soon). There's also Crumb Bakehouse on hand for a notable pastry break that's very much worth your time.

By now, lunch will be calling, and thankfully, from its perch on Ardmore Street, Sofi answers the call with a Mediterranean feast near the shores of the lake. Run by Sean Smith (also behind Italian neighbour Francesca) and his team, the restaurant presents everything wonderful this town has to offer: views, ingredients, and people, all through a fresh Mediterranean lens.

Five minutes from the town centre and nestled between neighbouring farms, Wānaka Lavender Farm provides 20 acres of stunning lavender fields, alongside colourful gardens, native trees, flowering perennials and a number of rescue farm animals too. Recoup with a lavender tea or ice cream before you browse the remarkable range of lavender products made on the farm.

A firm local favourite, this sunny back-block brewery delivers great vibes and even better beer for your happy hour. With 14 taps, Now Bao eats, local wine and cider, a relaxed outdoor garden, and regular events, Rhyme x Reason has a habit of turning one drink into many.

When dinner time rolls around, head back into the centre of town and into Paloma – a vibrant, modern Mexican spot made for long evenings with friends. The menu is built around bold flavours and shareable plates, complemented by excellent margaritas, mezcal, and a lively atmosphere that carries you well into the night. It's the perfect full-stop to a very Wānaka day.

Back on the main street is a great place to finally wind down (or heat up!) your night. Verve, purveyors of good beer and good wine, has a rotating drinks list of drops sourced from all over the country, along with some fun international additions. It's the perfect spot to cosy into the warm, peachy hues and reflect on a day well spent.