Your Guide to a Wellness Weekend in Wānaka

One of the pillars of wellness is physical health, and what better way to get a dose of exercise than by exploring some of the lush outdoors that Wānaka is so well known for.

The tree-lined Outlet Track follows the gentle curves of the Clutha River, from Albert Town to, you guessed it, the lake outlet. It can be explored on foot or by bike, and furry friends are welcome. Starting from either the Albert Town Bridge or Beacon Point, you can walk it one way or return. Going for a dip in the lake at Beacon Point for additional purported wellness is optional but undeniably revitalising.

Don’t forget snacks – swing past Dripping Bowl on your way and grab a couple of raw treats or a cold-pressed juice to have at one of the scenic spots along the picturesque riverside trail. 

Photo: Lake Wānaka Tourism

While a rushing river and semi-wild nature are refreshing for the soul, wellness is about balance, and there’s a different kind of rejuvenation to be found in spending time in a well-tended garden. Head to Wānaka Lavender Farm, a place of exploration and inspiration, for a full, sensory experience. Meander around their colourful grounds, pet the friendly farm animals and pause for a moment of quiet between the rows of vibrant lavender.

Most people will be familiar with the equation concerning physical activity and endorphin release. There’s actually a third balancing factor that’s no less important: eating well with a slow, thoughtful and nutritious approach. The best place to stock your pantry, where you can be certain that only considered whole foods will be on the shelves, is Freshlink, Wānaka’s local grocer.

On a mission to decrease the distance between producers and consumers, Freshlink sources and stocks fresh produce and dairy, whole food products and refillable kitchen, laundry and bathroom products that are as whole, local and sustainable as possible. The act of physically filling a container with goods, as opposed to picking up a pre-packaged item in a great hurry, is a rewarding and engaging way to forge a greater connection to your food (and its makers). And at Freshlink, you know that anything you put in your basket will be good for you.

In keeping with the slow food ethos but twisting it in the direction of convenience, is Big Fig. Not ones to compromise on freshness, seasonality or quality, Big Fig produces delicious and healthy modern Middle Eastern food from their lakefront kitchen, canteen-style: choose from three plate sizes (if you’re not planning on dining in, bring your own takeaway container for a discount) and it’ll be filled with whichever rotating hot dishes and cold salads in the cabinet take your fancy.

There are plenty of options to cater for all dietary requirements. So many options, in fact, that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take something else away for your next meal, to be eaten from the top of a hill or on a deck with a view. And don’t forget to grab an item from the in-house bakery – from crunchy baklava to silky smooth honey fig cheesecake, that’s not going to be an easy decision either.

What wellness weekend would be complete without a good read? If you’re looking to start a new chapter, look no further than the cream and red-striped awning of The Next Chapter, Wānaka’s first independent bookstore. A quiet haven in central Wānaka, The Next Chapter may be tiny, but it has a comprehensive selection of titles on its shelves, and you can be confident that each has earned its space there. A proven stress reducer, the practice of reading can take you to another world – you just have to pick the genre.

Retail therapy, but make it a thoughtful, intentional learning experience. Revology Concept Store provides a space to slow down and reassess our consumption of material goods. Only quality, everyday objects with a purpose are found here. From bicycle repair kits, wooden Fair Trade kitchen tools, pocket notebooks (handmade from 100% recycled materials from Wastebusters - it doesn’t get much more local and circular than that), naked soap on a rope to a selection of house-blended teas, everything is ethically and sustainably made from materials that make sense environmentally, and that will stand the test of time. Be good to yourself and the planet by buying less and buying better.

Whether you’re overcome with inspiration to repurpose second-hand items (pocket notebook from your pick of fabric cover, anyone?), or keen to spend an hour or four fossicking through a vast array of odds and ends, Wastebusters is another must-visit when it comes to shopping for conscious living. Working for zero waste through reduction, reuse and recycling, Wastebusters is more than just an opshop; it’s a hub that connects people, learning and taking action for the environment. When Walt Disney said “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island,” he can’t have known about Wastebusters, a warehouse of treasure that encourages and educates lifestyle behavioural change – wellness for you and for the world. Priceless.

After a full day of activities, a sanctuary of premium comfort on the shore of Lake Hāwea awaits. What better way to nurture your body (mind, and soul) than by having a long soak in an outdoor hot tub, taking in the dramatic mountain skyline? Set in the foothills of a high-country station is Cross Hill Lodge and Domes, home to unique, boutique geo dome accommodation, the aforementioned hot tub situation, and an in-house massage service.

The domes are nestled on the hillside, individual cocoons of relaxation with floor-to-‘ceiling’ windows that bring the remote, peaceful setting in and facilitate spectacular stargazing come night-time. Breathe in the clear mountain air, and let go of any last troubles. Wake up replenished.