Gina’s guidebook to Wanaka
Sip on a South Island Tipple
Wanaka and wine—it’s a perfect pairing really. Head to Rippon for a tasting session, which boasts stellar views and sensational vino. You can drop by their Cellar Door for some sips from 11am–5pm daily.
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Rippon
246 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdWanaka and wine—it’s a perfect pairing really. Head to Rippon for a tasting session, which boasts stellar views and sensational vino. You can drop by their Cellar Door for some sips from 11am–5pm daily.
Kiwis are crazy about craft beer, so why not sample some of Wanaka’s finest after a day of adventures. Head to Ground Up Brewing’s Cellar Door for a selection of seasonal brews, small batch and experimental beers. Alternatively (or also) check out Rhyme and Reason who offer tasting paddles, cheese boards and a hoppy hour.
Ground Up Brewing
4 Gordon RdKiwis are crazy about craft beer, so why not sample some of Wanaka’s finest after a day of adventures. Head to Ground Up Brewing’s Cellar Door for a selection of seasonal brews, small batch and experimental beers. Alternatively (or also) check out Rhyme and Reason who offer tasting paddles, cheese boards and a hoppy hour.
You’ll likely have tasted their artisan spirits in town, so why not explore the inner workings of Cardrona Distillery. Situated in Cardrona Valley among picturesque rose gardens and expansive hills, this is the world's most southern whisky distillery. The 90-minute tour will school you on everything it takes to make handcrafted spirits—from milling to fermentation and distillation. The best part? It concludes with a tasting of their liquors, vodkas, gins and whiskies—count us in.
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Cardrona Distillery
2125 Cardrona Valley RoadYou’ll likely have tasted their artisan spirits in town, so why not explore the inner workings of Cardrona Distillery. Situated in Cardrona Valley among picturesque rose gardens and expansive hills, this is the world's most southern whisky distillery. The 90-minute tour will school you on everything it takes to make handcrafted spirits—from milling to fermentation and distillation. The best part? It concludes with a tasting of their liquors, vodkas, gins and whiskies—count us in.
Food scene
Located in the vibrant Post Office Lane, this “kiwi style” pizza joint is one you won’t want to miss. In the winter tuck into a booth near the open fire or summer sitting outside in the twilight for hours on end. Delicious pizza and pasta great for both dine in and take out options.
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The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House
33 Ardmore StLocated in the vibrant Post Office Lane, this “kiwi style” pizza joint is one you won’t want to miss. In the winter tuck into a booth near the open fire or summer sitting outside in the twilight for hours on end. Delicious pizza and pasta great for both dine in and take out options.
Coffee and a pastry, name a more iconic breakfast duo. Get your fix ten minutes from town at Pembroke Pâtisserie who serve up mouth-watering doughnuts, scrolls, tarts and croissants. Don’t go past their life-changing custard slice, starring layers of flaky pastry, gooey vanilla custard and topped with zesty icing.
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Pembroke Patisserie
20 Alison AveCoffee and a pastry, name a more iconic breakfast duo. Get your fix ten minutes from town at Pembroke Pâtisserie who serve up mouth-watering doughnuts, scrolls, tarts and croissants. Don’t go past their life-changing custard slice, starring layers of flaky pastry, gooey vanilla custard and topped with zesty icing.
Hidden down a laneway off Helwick Street you’ll find the Federal Diner, a local lunch spot away from the crowds featuring flavoursome bites, Wellington’s Emporio coffee and some epic cheese scones. On a chilly Southland day, the seafood chowder with prawns and crusty bread is calling your name. Still hungry? Their braised pork shoulder roti is the stuff of dreams—soft, flaky flatbread with tender pork, hoisin, kewpie mayo and pickled chilli. We’ll take two thanks.
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Federal Diner
47 Helwick StHidden down a laneway off Helwick Street you’ll find the Federal Diner, a local lunch spot away from the crowds featuring flavoursome bites, Wellington’s Emporio coffee and some epic cheese scones. On a chilly Southland day, the seafood chowder with prawns and crusty bread is calling your name. Still hungry? Their braised pork shoulder roti is the stuff of dreams—soft, flaky flatbread with tender pork, hoisin, kewpie mayo and pickled chilli. We’ll take two thanks.
Big Fig’s motto is ‘slow food, served fast’ and honey, we’re here for it. Dishing up a deli-style breakfast from 8am–11am, it’s easy to overindulge in the homely Lebanese-inspired fare. We’re talking Middle Eastern granola with stewed fruit and sweet labneh, the famed shakshuka or sweet treats like tahini chocolate brownie. They also offer lunch and dinner dining, offering a seasonal menu of slow-cooked meats and vibrant veggies.
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Big Fig Wanaka
105 Ardmore StBig Fig’s motto is ‘slow food, served fast’ and honey, we’re here for it. Dishing up a deli-style breakfast from 8am–11am, it’s easy to overindulge in the homely Lebanese-inspired fare. We’re talking Middle Eastern granola with stewed fruit and sweet labneh, the famed shakshuka or sweet treats like tahini chocolate brownie. They also offer lunch and dinner dining, offering a seasonal menu of slow-cooked meats and vibrant veggies.
Foodies on the go should not miss Burrito Craft’s food truck situated on Brownston Street. On a sunny day you can’t beat gorging on flavoursome Mexican fare washed down with your favourite Jarrito soda. Devour mammoth burritos with your choice of meat or vegetarian filling, or opt for a taco selection from the mushroom, fish, beef or pork tacos. They’re also open for breakfast from 8am—11am should you be craving a breakfast burrito before heading out on some adventures.
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Burrito Craft
42 Brownston StFoodies on the go should not miss Burrito Craft’s food truck situated on Brownston Street. On a sunny day you can’t beat gorging on flavoursome Mexican fare washed down with your favourite Jarrito soda. Devour mammoth burritos with your choice of meat or vegetarian filling, or opt for a taco selection from the mushroom, fish, beef or pork tacos. They’re also open for breakfast from 8am—11am should you be craving a breakfast burrito before heading out on some adventures.
Make your way up Crown Range Road for some succulent pub grub at Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest historic hotels and most photographed buildings. Nestle yourself into a cosy corner with a mulled wine and devour old favourites with a Central Otago twist—think ale battered blue cod with fries and smashed peas, or a drool-worthy venison and bacon burger with smoked cheese and beetroot relish. Once your savoury-tooth is satisfied, grab a smores kit from the bar and head outside to the fire for a gooey marshmallow moment.
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Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Valley RoadMake your way up Crown Range Road for some succulent pub grub at Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest historic hotels and most photographed buildings. Nestle yourself into a cosy corner with a mulled wine and devour old favourites with a Central Otago twist—think ale battered blue cod with fries and smashed peas, or a drool-worthy venison and bacon burger with smoked cheese and beetroot relish. Once your savoury-tooth is satisfied, grab a smores kit from the bar and head outside to the fire for a gooey marshmallow moment.