Behind The Experience Lake Wanaka

Welcome to our latest instalment of the ‘Behind the Experience’ series where we’ll take you behind the scenes to meet the friendly faces behind all our extraordinary experiences and destinations across Australia and New Zealand.

This week we chat with Geoff from Lake Wanaka Tourism in New Zealand who gives us the inside scoop on the best places to visit in the region and why he calls Lake Wanaka home. As soon as the borders reopen, you’ll be rushing to grab your passport and pack your bags on a magnificent New Zealand getaway.


1. How long have you lived here and what brings you to this wonderful corner of the world?

I’ve lived in Wanaka and worked for Lake Wanaka Tourism for the past 10-years. I used to be a sales manager for a global software company in Auckland but decided to ditch the stress of the corporate ‘rat race’ and moved to Wanaka for the amazing lifestyle. Wanaka has long hot summers ideal for hiking, biking and kayaking, and in winter we have three epic ski areas. Not to mention craft breweries and lots of vineyards… I’m living the dream!


Lake Wanaka Tourism
Image Credit: Lake Wanaka Tourism

2. Spill the beans. We’d love to know your favourite places and top things to do:

- Must do experience?

Hit the trails. Whether it’s hiking or biking in the summer (Wanaka has 750kms of walking / biking tracks) or the ski trails in winter. Getting outdoors and exploring is the best experience in Wanaka. Check out the Wanaka Tracks App to find the best walking or biking track for you.

Lake Wanaka Tourism
Image Credit: Lake Wanaka Tourism

- Best place to relax and unwind?

I’m an active relaxer, so you’ll find me on my bike in summer or skiing in winter, but for a more conventional place to unwind then check out Hook Wanaka. This is an awesome new salmon farm which offers ‘lake to plate’ dining, i.e. catch a salmon and then the kitchen will prepare it for your lunch. There’s a great café (in case you don’t catch a fish) in a lovely outdoor setting with local beers, wine and great coffee!


- Best coffee?

I’m a certified coffee snob and really fussy, but you’ll honestly struggle to find a bad coffee in Wanaka. Our barista’s really know their craft! However, if pushed, I’d recommend Buzzcut Coffee – especially if you like your coffee served with a side of cheeky banter! (Buzzcut operates from a small hatch on the side of Alibaba’s barbershop). Oh, and the Wanaka community has an initiative to be SUC free by 2022 (getting rid of single-use coffee cups), so make sure you bring your own cup, ‘rent’ a keep cup from a café for your time in town, or drink your coffee in-house.


Lake Wanaka Tourism
Image Credit: Lake Wanaka Tourism

- Best place to pick up a souvenir?

The best souvenirs are memories! So, come to Wanaka and experience this incredible place for yourself to take home some unforgettable and unique memories… (although the Cardrona Distillery produces some of the World’s best gin, and a duty-free bottle to take home is highly recommended)!


- Best place to enjoy the views?

Not telling! No, seriously I’m not. The best view is the one which you unexpectedly find for yourself – so get out exploring! Although Lake Wanaka Tourism does have a local map with scenic photo points marked on it for those that need a bit of help… and in a region that’s surrounded by lakes, mountains and glaciers great views are everywhere – even from the bars and cafes in the centre of town.


3. Finally, why do Australians need to add Wanaka to their itinerary?

Wanaka is an authentic alpine town where you can still discover a genuine Kiwi lifestyle, year-round. We have lakes and mountains as our playground, great food and wine, and friendly locals plus there are no traffic lights, no parking meters and no KFC or McDonalds! #LoveWanaka



Behind the serene atmosphere and pure waters of wonderful Lake Wanaka lies a destination that’s brimming with adventure opportunities both in the winter and summer months. Click below to explore experiences.

Explore Wanaka Experiences
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We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.