History of Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing was first introduced to Queenstown in the 1860's as a way of transport, in 1947 it became home to the first commercial ski field in NZ, Coronet Peak.
Just 50 minutes’ drive from Queenstown over the magnificent Crown Range, Wanaka perfectly complements neighbouring Queenstown.
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand is a beautiful year-round destination, set against the alpine backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Downtown Wanaka is home to a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, shops and plenty of ambient areas to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery. The fishing is superb, there’s a multitude of adventure activities on offer and anywhere you walk you’ll find breath-taking scenery and wide open spaces.
Wine tasting, a mind boggling puzzling attraction and viewing classic warplanes are among other popular adventures offered in Wanaka all year-round. If you plan a visit during Easter, make sure you attend the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka air show, which attracts fighter planes from around the world for a fascinating three day spectacular.
Winter in Wanaka
In winter Wanaka is a snow lover’s paradise. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy two world class ski resorts within 40 minutes’ drive of downtown Wanaka, with Treble Cone Ski Area and Cardrona Alpine Resort. Those seeking a more relaxed mountain pace head to New Zealand’s only cross country ski area at Snow Farm, also located in the Cardrona valley.
