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Our local businesses have been busy since winter, bringing fresh flavours, experiences, and places to stay to our lakeside town.

If it’s been over a year since your last visit to Wānaka, you’ve never been before, or you’re just looking for an excuse to come back, check out all the new places and new looks that have popped up thanks to a bunch of creative entrepreneurs.

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Food and drink

Wānaka is well-known for some very special dining experiences, including Kika and Bistro Gentil. New kid on the block Sofi has made its home along the waterfront, bringing Mediterranean-inspired comfort food and stunning lake views – perfect for those long summer evenings. Just down the way, Verve brings good times and good vibes to our nightlife scene. With a carefully curated selection of craft beers and local wines alongside a delicious snack menu, plus regular weekend pop-up chefs, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends.

Diners laughing and sharing plates at Verve Wānaka, casual dining moment captured at the bar.
Cosy dining booth at Sofi Wanaka featuring brown leather banquette seating, textured cushions, woven pendant light, and a wooden table set for dining

For your morning coffee and donut fix, White Rabbit Cakes has brought their famous Cinnabuns and artisanal donuts to Albert Town. Their coffee caravan has quickly become a favourite – just follow the queue of locals to find the best morning treats in town!

White Rabbit Cakes coffee caravan in Wānaka, decorated with fresh flowers and balloons, featuring service windows and menu board

The food truck scene continues to grow in Wānaka, offering perfect spots for casual dining or post-adventure refueling. Keep an eye out for Kea Eats (their house-baked sandwiches are a must-try) and Stoked Local (South American-inspired cuisine featuring those can’t-resist homemade empanadas) out at Three Parks. If you’re looking for something in the town centre, check out Morsel on Brownston Street for globally-inspired dishes.

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Shopping and beauty

Fashion lovers will want to check out the new Loft Preloved Boutique, where carefully curated designer pieces are giving sustainable style a whole new meaning in Wānaka.

Loft Preloved boutique entrance in Wānaka, featuring floral dress and leather jacket display, with olive trees and red geraniums in wine barrels framing the doorway

Accommodation

Looking for somewhere special to stay? The new Walnut on Russell offers beautifully designed cabins just moments from the town centre, including an accessible suite. Over at Edgewater, their newly refurbished rooms are showing off local New Zealand furnishings and stunning lake and mountain views.

Luxury suite at Edgewater Resort Wānaka, featuring modern living area, kitchen and dining space with natural light and lake views

Activities

For those who love to stay active, Full Swing Simulators brings year-round golf indoors, while Alpine Archery offers a unique outdoor experience with expert instruction against our magnificent mountain backdrop. Animal lovers won’t want to miss Kind Farm South in the Cardrona Valley, where you can take intimate tours with rescued animals.

Kind Farm South
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For the adventure seekers, Best Foot Forward NZ is now offering owner-operated backcountry experiences, from pack rafting to guided snowshoe adventures – perfect for discovering Wānaka’s hidden gems.

a row of people snow shoeing on the Pisa Range in Wanaka lead by Best Foot Forward NZ

To stay in the know about upcoming events and new offerings, head to our What’s On page or sign up to our newsletter below.