Wanaka Trip
We spent a wonderful week in Wanaka over the school holidays. This is our third year making the trek to the south island, and each year it keeps getting better. I’ve written about the skiing part of our trip here so I won’t rehash that part because we did the exact same thing - kids in skiwees and the parents get to have fun!
I thought it might be more useful to share some of the things we like about Wanaka itself. It’s a small, cute town that is idyllically set on the edges of Lake Wanaka. There are quite a few AirBnBs to choose from as well as a handful of hotels. We’ve always stayed in AirBnbs because it is easier with kids so unfortunately I can’t recommend any particular hotel. However, I’ve got lots of restaurants for you to try:
The Cow - This is our trusty dinner stand-by in Wanaka. It has the right feel of an après ski restaurant with stone walls and a roaring fire place. They don’t take reservations, but there is a bar that will happily serve you delicious mulled wine while you wait for a table and your pizza or pasta.
Red Star Burger Bar - If you are in need of a delicious burger and fries, this is the place to visit. They’ve got a huge variety of burgers, everything from beef to chicken to venison and lamb and veggie burgers. There’s something for everyone. And if you’re from Texas and like things spicy, they will add extra jalapeños to anything.
Federal Diner - This is a solid bet for food any time of day. The menu isn’t large or fancy, but the food is deliciously prepared and they have something for everyone - including the kids. Bonus: their baked goods are heavenly (definitely get the brownie!)
The Chef’s Table at Rippon Hall - For a delicious gourmet meal, The Chef’s Table at Rippon Hall is excellent. This is only a pop-up restaurant and not available year round, but if you are visiting Wanaka in the winter months, it is a place to try. The wine is a plus!
Paradiso Move Theatre - Yes, there is a cafe here, but that’s not the food to focus on. This theatre runs intermissions during the movies so everyone can run out to the concession stand and get their pre-ordered, straight out of the oven cookies. Nothing beats a freshly baked cookie while sitting in a squishy sofa watching a movie on a bad weather day.
Bonus Restaurants:
Pembroke Patisserie - Just outside of Wanaka in Albert Town is this delicious cafe with incredible pastries.
Taco Medic - If you’re heading from the Queenstown Airport to Wanaka, stop at Taco Medic in Frankton for a meal. These are the best restaurant tacos I’ve had in New Zealand. (I only found out later that there is a Taco Medic location in Ponsonby. I can’t wait to visit!)
