Spring Wellbeing in Wānaka

Wānaka is a hive of activity, home to action-packed adventurers, hard workers and both-end-of-the-candle-burners. But we happen to think that the key to enjoying our stunning surroundings is balance.

While taking care of your health and wellbeing is important year-round, we often find it’s easy to feel run-down and low during the shoulder months, especially when the dreaded inversion comes out to play. Vitamin D drops, anyone? That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to spring wellbeing in Wānaka, covering everything from cold dips & the wānaka sauna scene, to spa treatments and all the good stuff in between. Read on for a few easy ways to get nurturing this season.

A hot sauna and cold lake plunge are not only good for the soul, they also bring a wealth of healing benefits for your mind and body to the table. We’re talking better cardiovascular health, better sleep, better skin, increased metabolism, pain relief, the works.

Effectively, the high temperatures in a sauna cause your body to sweat (and sweat) which helps remove toxins and impurities from your skin. It increases your heart rate and blood flow, stimulates endorphins, and helps the body repair damaged cells and tissues. It also helps to relieve stress, calming the sympathetic nervous system and working wonders on your body from the inside out. 

In Wānaka, we’re spoiled. With lakefront saunas at both Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka, taking care of your wellbeing has never felt more in tune with nature.

• The Secret Sauna in Lake Hāwea offers an escape from the real world in all the best ways, hidden in The Camp and surrounded only by trees, water and mountain air. Just a few steps from the water, you’ll soak up stunning views of Lake Hāwea from the sauna before heading straight down for a cold plunge between rounds.
• The Sauna Wānaka is tucked into the Outlet, with big windows and even bigger views looking over Lake Wānaka. Choose between social sessions or guided sessions that take you through breathwork and mindfulness, then head down to the lake to immerse yourself in our waters.

Bonus points for wellbeing activities that are as relaxing as they are beneficial to your overall health. As we understand it – with a mix of yogic poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness, yoga boosts flexibility, balance and posture while helping to reduce stress. It also improves mental health, as well as boosting heart and respiratory function. Pilates is in much the same boat, strengthening your core and introducing you to muscles you didn’t even know existed. It helps with flexibility and mobility, sharpens your focus, and gets those endorphins pumping. Here’s where to get your yoga and pilates fix in Wānaka.

• Central Lakes Physio and Pilates is a local favourite, teaching attendees how to move properly, be aware of your body and improve posture, control, strength and flexibility.
• Reform Fitness is the new fitness hub of Three Parks. In their own words, they do things a little differently. ‘Forget holistic, slow, soul-searching pilates and think body enhancing, muscle-trembling, dynamic reformer pilates.’
• Hot Yoga Fusion is located right in town, offering a variety of yoga classes to suit all levels. Trust the experience, knowledge and gentle guidance of the team as you get your sweat on and move your body.

Nothing says health and wellbeing like a massage, so go treat yourself in the name of self-love, and all that. Close your eyes, take a breath, and sink into a deeply relaxed state in the trusted hands of the massage experts of Wānaka. We’re spoiled for choice here, too. Whether you’re after sports, deep tissue, or a relaxation massage, there are plenty of local providers ready to help you unwind.

• At Massage in Wānaka, it’s no surprise that massage is what they do best. With highly trained professional staff offering a wide range of massages, you’re in safe hands.
• Silver Sixpence are the experts in the local massage space. Located in Three Parks, it’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and take a moment for yourself.
• Pure Therapy specialises in everything from sugar glow massages to seasonal exfoliation massages, ensuring you’re covered for relaxation (and skincare) from top to toe.
• Active Massage offers exceptional, restorative massage in a beautiful downtown studio with qualified, registered and experienced therapists.

Cold plunge not your thing? Luckily for you, there’s also plenty of hot plunge options to soak in. From luxury spas to remote hot tubs in the middle of nowhere, Wānaka has got you covered. And not only does it feel good, soaking in a hot tub is also a form of hydrotherapy and thermotherapy, or passive heating. Thermotherapy temporarily raises your core body temperature and can have a positive effect on your cardiovascular health, glycemic control and chronic low-grade inflammation. So go on, get your toes wrinkly. 

• LandEscape. The ultimate wellbeing duo and Wānaka experience, this package starts with an e-bike and ends with a soak in a hot tub. Ticking both the exercise and relaxation boxes of wellness, you’ll feel invigorated and refreshed when you finally emerge.
  
  
• Sanctuary Day Spa is the perfect spa retreat for you and a few friends. Grab your people and unwind with an afternoon of pampering, massage and beauty treatments.

We’d be remiss to talk about wellbeing without highlighting the benefits of fresh air and exercise, especially in Wānaka. Aka, outdoors central. Time and time again, research shows that being outside and immersing yourself in nature can improve your mental and physical health, increase your ability to focus, ease stress levels and anxiety, help you sleep better at night, and so much more. Fresh air is a wonderful thing, and a double whammy if you can get some exercise in at the same time. 

• The Millenium Track heads out towards Glendhu Bay, with glittery views of the lake the entire way around. An easy walk or bike, this track is dog-friendly and has views that will give you a serotonin boost without even trying. Practise deep breaths and mindfulness as you walk for the ultimate wellbeing excursion.
  

• The Mount Iron walk is perfect for getting the lungs working without committing to a half-day hike. About an hour round trip, a quick jaunt up Mt Iron after work is a great way to stretch the legs, get some fresh air, and enjoy the never-gets-old view of Wānaka from the top.
• Rocky Mountain and Diamond Lake offer a variety of short or half-day walks with spectacular lake and mountain views. Perfect for getting above the inversion and finding some sunshine on those dreary shoulder-season days.