The Region

Destination

Just a 20-minute drive from Mt Isthmus Villa, the township of Wānaka blends alpine charm with boutique shopping, art galleries, and a thriving food and wine scene. Its lakefront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with cafés, restaurants, and cellar doors inviting you to linger. Seasonal farmers’ markets showcase the best of the region’s produce — from sun-ripened stone fruits and artisan cheeses to award-winning Central Otago wines. The surrounding countryside is dotted with world-class wineries, where you can taste the region’s celebrated Pinot Noir and enjoy long, scenic lunches among the vines.

Climate

Lake Hāwea

Tucked between the Southern Alps and the Hāwea Conservation Park, Lake Hāwea is a quiet, untouched treasure — serene and still despite its dramatic landscapes. Sunrises ignite the sky, rainbows arc across the peaks, and at night, the Milky Way glitters overhead in breathtaking clarity.

Climate

Mount Aspiring

Beyond the township lies Mount Aspiring National Park — part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Te Wāhipounamu. This is a place of striking contrasts: crystal-clear rivers winding through ancient beech forests, glaciers clinging to craggy peaks, and waterfalls tumbling into emerald pools. It’s a paradise for outdoor adventurers year-round, offering everything from legendary hikes like Roy’s Peak and the Matukituki Valley to heli-hiking, boating, and back-country exploration.

In every season, the park reveals something new — from spring wildflowers to long, golden summer days, autumn’s fiery foliage, and winter’s snow-capped peaks. Whatever your pace, Wānaka and Mount Aspiring invite you to connect with nature on its grandest scale.