Special Interest Activities

THE GREAT OUTDOORS AND NATURAL ENCOUNTERS
Canoeing/Kayaking
Enjoy the fun and thrills of Kayaking on the Upper Clutha -Matukituki- Hawea - and Kawarau Rivers, with qualified professionals. Using the natarual gravity of the rivers you will glide through gentle stretches of water,to fast moving currents, and playful white capped rapids.

Eco Rafting
This is a pleasant combination of ecology and whitewater. Taking time to enjoy the entire river environment, a journey can be remote and pristine or can include the swift and easy "Snake Rapids",or the amazing "Devils Nook".

Horse Trekking
While Horse Trekking through the Cardrona Valley with Back Country Saddles, enjoy some of New Zealands most exhilarating scenery and learn about the fascinating local history, as you ride Appoloosa Horses outfitted with Western Saddles. All ages and abillities catered for. Safety equipment provided - 2 hour - full day - or overnight rides.

Skiing and Snowboarding
Lake Wanaka has three internationally rated Ski fields - Cardrona - Treble Cone - And Waiorau Snow Farm. All providing three months of a variety of fun, thrills, excitement, through Skiing and Snowboarding, while Harris Mountains Heli-skiing utilises thousands of virgin snow covered hectares as a winter playground.

National Parks
Mt Aspiring National Park. Accorded World Heritage Status. Renowned for it's Grandeur of scenery, diverse landfills, Rock bluffs, Glaciers, ( Bonar- Therma - Volta ), and also noted for it's many spetacular walks - namely Rob Roy Valley, Aspiring Hut, Rees Dart Via The Rees Saddle.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Canyoning.
It is wild and wet when you slide, climb, and abseil through waterfalls in the underground wilderness of the canyon. Experience the difference.

Jet Boating
Experience the exhilarating speed and excitement of Jet Boating on the mighty Clutha River. Trips can be tailor made to suit the client.

White Water Sledging
The ultimate river experience. It can be very gentle, very scenic or challenging, and incredibly exciting. If you love adventure on the water, then White Water Sledging is for you. Adventure with attitude.

Helicopter Rides
Ever taken a ride in a helicopter before? Then give it a go, with Wanaka Helicopters, you will love it. They will fly you to the destination of your choice in Wanaka's Scenic Wonderland.

Sky Diving
Sky Dive Wanaka invites you to experience the ultimate in gravity powered adventure! Imagine the feeling as you freefall at 200 kph above the snow capped Southern Alps, alpine rivers, and crystal blue lakes as you glide under a parachute for 5- 7 minutes.

Quad Bike Adventures
Crifel Peak Safaris gives you the choice of three distinctive fun rides, either challenging or easy, on ATV's(4 wheel bikes )-taking in spectacular views from the Crifel Range. Gold Trail Safari. Follow the old gold trails. Dear Park Safari-ride into the tussock covered foothills. Farm Airstrip Safari -takes you into the high country farmland.

UNIQUE AND LOCAL
Fishing
Fresh Water Trout. Brown & Rainbow,( LandLocked Salmond )Excellant fishing for Brown & Rainbow trout in the many rivers and streams -Clutha - Hunter - Matukituki. Then in the glacial fed waters of Lake Wanaka and Hawea you can try your trout fishing skills either with Fly or Lure, on the wiley Brown and Rainbow trout and the many Land Locked Salmond. Guided fishing available by arrangement.

Mt Aspiring 3027m
Peers down on an untouched heritage area that stretches across thousands of hectares of natural bush, rugged moutain ranges, glaciers, clear mountain streams, smaller peaks, and many tramping and hiking routes. Spectacular and rugged, grand Mt Aspiring is accessed by many experienced climbers annually. The less-experienced climbers can be guided to the summit by some of the worlds best mountain guides.

Country Gardens
You are invited to experience the feel, the enjoyment, and the pleasure of these hidden treasures. Every garden has it's own charm and delights. Wonderfully situated in the foothills, a genuine high country treasure, or tucked away in the quiet, offering Rhododendrons and Azaleas, beautiful at all times, but breathtaking in the spring.( quote -a garden can fill the senses as nothing else.)

Warbirds Over Wanaka
This three day Bi-annual Air Show with a magnificent mountain backdrop, becomes the centre stage for some fantastic aerial action, rarely seen anywhere else in the world. See some of the most famous Warbirds in the world join forces with the classic aircraft of yester-year. For the best seat in the house, a ticket to the Gold Pass enclosure is essential. With grandstand seating, plush marquee, food and beverage, you can relax and watch the airshow in comfort. The next Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show is set down for Easter 2002. Winter Snow festival. A week long festival of events on the snow at Cardrona -Treble Cone - Waiorau Snow farm and other outstanding entainment culminating with the Big Air extravaganza. Annual Agricultural & Pastoral Show. An annual show held early March each year brings both town and country together, and gives farmers the opportunity to show case their many farm annimals, machinery, produce, and skills. A treat for all the family.

Museums
New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum has an amazing collection of Airworthy Aircraft, including the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang and the unique Russian Polikarpov Fighters. Plus memorabilia, Paintings, and detailed stories on display. At the Compaq Computer Flightzone you take control of the fastest, most powerful and lethal Aircraft of World War Two. Transport & Toy Museum. Be amazed by the oustanding variety of exhibits. From Porcelain Dolls to a 52 Tonne Centurion Tank. Cars, Aircraft, Fire Engines, Motor Cyles, plus 8,000 Models & Toys, together with many other oustanding exhibits. A must see at Wanaka Transport & Toy Museum. Crafts. Artisans Cooperative Studio Wanaka - is a showcase of the many local Arts and Crafts including Paintings - Pottery - Textile Art - Wood Turning - Ornamental Stone Works - Handmade books - Photography - Ceramics - Character Dolls -Hand Knitted garments. Well worth a Visit.

Stuart Landsboroughs Puzzling World
It's unique. It's theme is anything puzzling and puzzling eccentricity. The outside buildings look crazy . The inside display rooms are bizarre! Even the Cafe and the Public Toilets are facinatingly different! Puzzling World is an amazing attraction suitable for both mature adults and children.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Fly to Majestic Milford Sound. Mt Cook the Ultimate Peak. Mt Apiring, (The Matterhorn of the South). See it all with " Aspiring Air." Combine all three and view magnificent mountain peaks -Fiords -and the renowned Franz -Fox - and Tasman Glaciers.
Wineries and Vineyards Quote. Water separates people of the world, wine unites them. (anonymous) Using Wanaka as the base, you can vist the many varied and very popular winneries when you join Wine Encounters of Central Otago on a full or half day Wine Trail trip. (sampling permitted and reccommended)
Quilt Gallery. Christofer Robyn Quilt Gallery and Shop is unique, with an upstairs Gallery of beautiful Quilts and stunning Landscape Photography. Downstairs has Fabrics galore - Quilters books - unusual Threads - lots of Beads - Rubber Stamps and accessories. A must visit for Quilt enthusiasts.