Stay A While: Why Wānaka Rewards Those Who Slow Down

With all those kilometres of trails, you could spend a month exploring and never ride the same route twice. Not only are many of Wānaka's best spots reachable by bike, but they’re also interconnected. Leave the car parked and let your legs do the work. But in the spirit of living slow and living sustainably, let’s first stop at a couple of places where you can stock up with a clean conscience.

Pop over to Revology, part concept store, part tea house, centred around conscious living. This is a place that prioritises a ‘buy it nice instead of buy it twice’ way of life: everyday objects that stand the test of time. Their curated selection of ethical, sustainable goods from makers that share their ethos, and their studio’s original designs, should satisfy whatever it is you need for your time in Wānaka (think metal lunchboxes, reusable bags, woven baskets). Have a peruse while sipping on a cuppa from the on-site Tea House.

For a deeper fossick, Wastebusters on Ballantyne Road is more than an op shop; it's a zero-waste hub connecting people, learning, and action for the environment. Spend an hour or four rummaging through the warehouse of treasure, and leave with something that's already had a life. They’ve got everything from character pieces for home to second-hand sporting equipment, and the best part is that you can donate items in great condition once you’re done with them, so the cycle continues spinning.

Now you’re ready to get out there. Taking the centre of town and the lakefront as our starting point, the Outlet Track follows the Clutha River to Albert Town. Pick up the Upper Clutha River Track and continue downstream to Luggate Village, where you can grab lunch at the historic hotel, or get another fix of the kind of quirky and iconic retail precincts greater Wānaka has to offer, at The Green.

Sitting happily in sunny Luggate Village, this unassuming collection of modern sheds, on the Wānaka-Cromwell Road, offers hospitality, art, wares, parking (and ice cream) in abundance, and has become a favoured community hotspot. Think mini-market square, but boutique. The vibe is unhurried, pure Wānaka, where everyone's welcome, all ages, plus dogs, cats, and even the occasional pet lamb! Browse ceramics at Southfire Gallery, meet artists at Artē Collective, grab a coffee from Pukunui, then finish with real fruit ice cream from Central Scoop's retro caravan.

Heading west, the Glendhu Bay Track skirts the lakeshore past Edgewater Resort and Rippon Vineyard. Book a stay, or book a taste: both are spots you’ll be wanting to check out.

The only accommodation with the lake's southern shore as its front doorstep, Edgewater is a classic understated resort that proves working with the landscape is always the most elegant option. Grey render and dark timber connect to the land, gabled roofs echo the mountains, and genuine Kiwi hospitality sets the tone. A natural base for those exploring the region at nature's pace, and with Sargood’s Restaurant and the Wineglass Cafe both on-site, it’s perfect for anything from a pit-stop to a well-deserved break.

Set against a magnificent backdrop overlooking Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, Rippon Vineyard is a treasured slice of the region's wine country. Four generations of the Mills family have farmed this land using biodynamic methods, producing wines that let the true character of the terroir shine through. Free tastings by appointment, right among the vines.

Leaving Rippon and climbing onto the terraces, you’ll be greeted with views of Mount Aspiring National Park before dropping to Glendhu Bay. Here you can reward yourself at one of the region's best pit stops. At the base of Bike Glendhu, a beloved mountain biking park with scenic trails for every age and ability, is the conveniently situated Velo Café & Beer Garden. Coffee and scones in the morning, beers and woodfired pizza as the day rolls on. The cabinet is stocked with treats from local producers, craft beers from b.effect, Ground Up, and Rhyme & Reason are on tap, and the dog-friendly lawn makes it dangerously easy to lose an afternoon. But that’s what it’s all about.

Sticking to two wheels, but back closer to town, Sticky Forest offers 30-plus mountain bike tracks through pine forest: flowy berms, technical switchbacks, something for every level. For those chasing further adrenaline, there's canyoning with Deep Canyon, paragliding off the surrounding peaks, and the Hawea Wave for shredders.

But much of the country's true beauty is found in its backcountry. And although Wānaka is fantastic for the passing tourist, perhaps its greatest asset is being a gateway to some of the most breathtaking mountainscapes in the world. You don't have to do it alone, either. There's horse trekking through high-country stations, or an experienced guiding HQ right in the heart of town that can show you the way.

The oldest guiding company in Wānaka, founded in 1990 by pioneers of the local climbing scene, Aspiring Guides have spent three decades getting people into the mountains and home again safely. Their sage green headquarters on McDougall Street sets the tone (it’s basically a backcountry hut picked up and dropped into town), it’s got vintage ice axes on the walls, boots too old for even Sir Ed, and a 3D relief map of the national park hinting at what's out there.

Their adventures span single-day rock climbing in the Matukituki Valley (swimming holes included) to multi-day glacier treks and summit ascents of Tititea/Mount Aspiring itself. Beginners can try a backcountry touring intro, while those with more know-how might tackle the three-day Brewster Glacier Experience: camping on ice and exploring blue caves before optionally summiting Mt Armstrong. Whatever your level, Aspiring Guides will match you with something that pushes you well beyond the nearest hill.

Still, Wānaka isn't all summit pushes and singletrack. It has the slopes, it has the hikes, it has all that adrenaline-laden madness too. But sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself in this town is slow right down. Especially after you’ve finished an extended bike-pak or summited the Kiwi Matterhorn.

Picture this: an off-grid, wood-fired sauna on the shore of a glacial lake, smoke softly puffing from the chimney while a dramatic mountain range rises across crystal-clear waters. The Secret Sauna in Hāwea is exactly that. Sessions last an hour, with time for multiple rounds of heat and cold plunges in the lake. There's a heated yurt for winding down afterwards, complimentary herbal tea foraged from local plants, and an unbeatable view throughout. Good luck keeping this spot a secret.

Another sanctuary awaits on the shore of Lake Hāwea. Crosshill Lodge and Domes offers geo-dome accommodation nestled on a high-country station hillside, with floor-to-ceiling windows for stargazing, an outdoor hot tub with mountain views, and an in-house massage service for those wanting to fully monty. Breathe in the clear air, let go of any troubles, and wake up replenished.

You can’t know a place without knowing its food. And of course, you can't fully replenish without refuelling. Staying longer means you can actually work through Wānaka’s rapidly diversifying dining scene. Many of these kitchens pride themselves on sourcing local goods and being part of the community. You'll taste the region in what they put on the plate, furthering your connection to this special place.

On Ardmore Street, two sister restaurants from restaurateur Sean Smith offer different sides of the same philosophy. Francesca is maximalist Italian: eclectic, loud, and definitely not your red-and-white-chequered cliché. Think mason jar pendants, peacock feathers, classical busts, and huge jars of olives: visual nods to Italian antiquity. Do as the Romans do. Or in this case, the Wānakans too. The menu changes seasonally, but wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and hedonistic tiramisu are constants. Importantly, Italian staples are swapped for regional classics. Kina over anchovies. More Southern Alps than Dolomites.

A stone’s throw down the road, Sean’s other venue, Sofi, presents everything wonderful this wee town has to offer: views, ingredients, people, all through a fresh Mediterranean lens. The building looks carved from the mountainside itself, stacked stone, mountain reflections in the glass, while inside it's all cushioned alcoves, woven pendants, and a leather couch by the fireplace. Walking barefoot from the lake is encouraged. Think Majorca beach club meets your nana's house: great views, large pours, no pretence.

Continuing your food crawl on Ardmore Street, Muttonbird is a casual bar and eatery tucked down an alley that somewhat embodies the quirky and tasty combo of its namesake. It’s a friendly and funky space that could easily be any top restaurant in the world, if not for the snow-capped mountains seen through the windows. Here you’ll enjoy seasonal treats from farmers and producers across Otago and New Zealand through a refined menu that’s creative but accessible. Simple food done (exceptionally) well. A bit of a theme for the town.

Let’s head over to The Precinct, on Helwick Street, for a quick trip to Mexico. Paloma are creators of authentic Mexican fare; their mission is simple: make the best possible tacos in Wānaka using New Zealand ingredients. Corn tortillas are made from scratch in-house every day, fresh, local ingredients are lovingly grilled over the open flame, and the namesake cocktail is one of Mexico’s favourites. Matching exposed concrete with bright Pueblo-esque additions, white plaster, terracotta tiles, and hues of signature grapefruit pink, being at Paloma feels like a celebration, any day of the week.

Staying on Helwick Street, Crumb Bakehouse is perhaps the most stylish bakery in the country. It’s become the place to indulge and unwind in downtown Wānaka, and with its washed brick exterior, floor-to-ceiling corner windows, and minimalist signage, it really does channel an inner-city wine bar more than a lakeside bakery. Cosy inside, sun-soaked Euro vibes on the patio outside and Parisian dreams on the rooftop, pick a nook and devour one of their delicious croissants, pastries, toasts or toasties. All best enjoyed with a good cup of coffee (which, of course, they’re also known for).

Wānaka’s b.social taproom and eatery is a spot for eating and drinking that is worthy of a visit (or many), whether you’re just in town for the weekend or call this beautiful region home year-round. Curious beer drinkers can peek through the glass door at the brewery in action or wander to the other side to get a look at the process. Meanwhile, the b.social bar never gets too noisy and maintains a welcoming pub-like feel with food and drink menus to match.

Refuelled, replenished, now it’s time to reflect. Often, you'll get the most out of a place by giving back. Nature can be funny like that; she only offers what you're willing to give. And seeing as you’re getting the most out of everything she has to offer, it’s probably worth seeing what you have to offer too. Wānaka is a small place with a lot to offer, with a strong culture of community conservation, and visitors are welcome to get involved. Meet some new faces, make some new friends, and you’ll never know what you might uncover.

Love Wānaka coordinates regular volunteering opportunities throughout the year. Weekly working bees at Grow Wānaka Community Garden are a good place to start. Turn up on a Saturday morning or Wednesday evening through summer, get your hands dirty, and leave knowing you've helped grow nutritious kai for locals in need.

For something more gritty, join Friends of Bullock Creek for Thursday morning restoration sessions at the Stone Street wetlands. Bullock Creek is the lifeblood of Wānaka, a rare spring-fed creek of exceptional purity flowing through the urban environment. Volunteers help remove exotic weeds and plant natives along its banks, reducing erosion, providing habitat, and cleaning the water that flows into Lake Wānaka.

Alternatively, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust runs harakeke weaving workshops that integrate mātauraka Māori with local conservation. You'll learn to harvest flax respectfully and weave your own plant guard, a practical, meaningful way to connect with te taiao and support restoration mahi. And for those wanting to care for local waterways, Wai Wānaka organises beach cleanups along the Cardrona River, gathering data on pollutants while tidying up the banks.

None of these activities requires long-term commitment. Show up for a morning, meet some locals, and go home with more than photos.

Beyond the trails and tables, and in between the odd working bee, there are plenty more places to fill your days. The best of these are the places that exude the unhurried vibe Wānaka does so well, and if there’s one thing this guide is trying to convey, it’s to be unhurried when visiting this town.

Firstly, and something you might want to schedule at the very beginning of your visit, is a WanaHaka® Māori Whakatau/Welcome. This will offer an introduction to the area's indigenous heritage: storytelling and tikanga that ground you in place. Pair this with a visit to the stunning Blue Pools Track, an hour's drive toward Haast, and you’ll be matching two of the most fabulous and authentic aspects of what makes this country so exceptional: Māoritanga (Māori culture and way of life) and whenua (land, embodying ancestral and nourishing connections).

Five minutes from town, this isn't your typical working farm. Rows of purple sit alongside native trees, flowering perennials, and rescue animals. There's no set route at Wānaka Lavender Farm; you wander where your nose leads you, perhaps to a purple door hidden among the lavender, a game of giant checkers, or a friendly goat by the fence. Inside the rustic stone farmhouse, you'll find a tea room, honey tasting, and products made on-site. A sensory experience that shifts with the seasons.

What extended stay would be complete without a good read? The Next Chapter is Wānaka's first independent bookstore, a quiet haven on Brownston Street with a cream and red-striped awning. Tiny but comprehensive, every title has earned its place. Pick a standalone classic or grab a series: when you're in town for the long haul, you'll have time to get through them.