Shan Bawden's Wānaka To-Do List

Words by Shannon Bawden.

Shan Bawden is a blogger and photographer who falls harder for Wānaka every time she visits. Here’s her Wānaka ‘must-do’ list for the Spring and Summer.

When I think of a summer roadie, my mind instantly drifts to the lakes and rugged mountaintops that surround the area of Wānaka.

There’s something special about those mountain peaks that continues to draw me back.

Days spent on the lake, ending with sundowners and good people, nothing can top it! I had ten days, bags packed, no plans and a heart racing full of adventure. Excited to explore this epic part of the world, I packed my bags, loaded the car and hit the road. This trip was nothing short of incredible – rock jumping, wakeboarding, mountain hiking, local eating and damn good people!

Here’s what I got up to on my recent roadie through Wānaka and its surrounding area.

In Wānaka

Activity highlights

A sunrise hike to Rocky Mountain Summit
Swimming at Glendhu Bay
Cliff jumping at the Motatapu Gorge
Sunset wakeboarding on the lake
A 4×4 Highlights Safari with Ridgeline Adventures
Sunset session at Dublin Bay

Eat

Kai Whakapai – damn good muffins, coffee and great vibes
Trout – waterfront eats and delicious craft beers!
Fedeli Cafe – pastries and a quick espresso fix
B. Social Brewery – Epic B. Effect brews on tap and a killer atmosphere
The Coffee Shack – best coffee in town!

Stay

Wanaka Hotel – it’s in the heart of town and there’s tacos right at your doorstep!

In Hāwea

Activities

Hiking the Sawyer Burn track
Rock jumping into the crystal clear water at ‘The Neck’
Sunset at Hawea Esplanade beach
Driving the scenic Meads Road along the lake stretch
Watching the brave surf the River Wave at the Camphill Bridge

Eat

Good Joe Coffee Co. at The Food Truck – delicious coffee, epic burgers, tacos and vibes
Mo’s – a quick coffee buzz and yummy pastries

Stay

The Camp – picturesque lakeside luxe glamping tents nestled beneath the mountains. A hidden gem!

In Mt. Aspiring National Park

Activities

Walking the famous Blue Pools track
A helicopter ride through the National Park – epic views of glaciers, Mt. Aspiring and an incredible mountaintop landing
Standing beneath the roaring Thunder Creek Falls
Riverside picnic at Cameron Flat

Eats

Wonderland Makarora Lodge – early morning breakfast spot.
Makarora Country Cafe – delicious ice cream

Stay

Wonderland Makarora Lodge – quaint A-frame chalets against an epic backdrop

Shan Bawden’s Wānaka To-Do List

In Wānaka

In Hāwea

In Mt. Aspiring National Park

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