Sightseeing in Wanaka
I was told, that Wanaka was a very lively town. Very much indeed it is! Once entering Wanaka, passing the Puzzling World, Three Peaks the industrial shopping area, or the Lavender Farm, I could already feel the vibe. Seeing the lake and all its little, cosy foodstalls, eateries and sport shops on the lakeshore leave no doubt about the huge variaty of possibilities.
All the watersport related sports not o mention… as well as a great variety of bike and hike trails. It sure is a very sporty community. I did walk up Mt. Iron for the stunning views and more hikes in the area of Mt. Aspiring National Park. (I will post those hikes separately) Besides, it’s a great place to start exploring the nearby surroundings of the Otago area…
Paradiso Cinema
For me Wanaka became the town, where to shop for my food, buying postcards to send home to loved ones, and to go to the Paradiso Cinema. This iconic cinema is something else! It offers besides some “normal” cinema chairs also sofa’s to sit on. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks in, but they also offer pizza, sandwiches and last but not least popcorn and home-baked cookies! When you buy your ticket, you will be asked if you would like to order one. They then will be baked during the first part of the movie. At break-time you can collect your warm freshly baked cookie. Yummy!
I recommend to book your tickets ahead: https://www.paradiso.nz
The Wanaka Tree
This lone, skinny willow is a beloved spot for a must-take photograph for everyone coming to Wanaka. The “Wanaka Tree” sits along the shoreline of Lake Wanaka just off Mt. Aspiring Road with the beautiful mountains in the background. Easy to be found.
Apparently some disrespectful idiot once climbed on the tree (amongst a lot of other people doing so) and broke one of the big branches. A real shame… then taking a picture from the little beach should do it!
It’s easy to swim or sometimes even walk up to the tree. But I always wonder… is it really necessary? Admiring the wonders of nature should never involve damaging it. Anyway… I get carried away here.
If you go and visit the Wanaka tree, defenitely take some time for the “history walk” as well. You can find several tiles along the lakefront track educating you about the history of Wanaka, New Zealand and the world! A nice entertaining thing to do read for young and old.
Cardrona Valley
Cardrona Hotel
One day Christl took me and Carlos, after a walk up to Mt. Iron, to the famous Cardrona Hotel – one of the oldest in New Zealand. I wasn’t sure why she was so thrilled about it, until I saw this hotel in the most perfect setting with its rustic charm. You can smell history here… and some amazing food too!
The facade could be a decor panel from a film-setting… entering the front door you will be welcomed by the heat of the open fire place embraced by two shiny, red leather Chesterfield sofas. You’re transferred right back in time to the gold rush era. There’s a mine shaft in the middle of the floor just opposite of the bar. The garden offeres the perfect excuse to linger longer than you had planned for. Interested in more? Then visit: https://www.cardronahotel.co.nz
Cardrona Distillery
Just before getting to the Cardrona Hotel we stopped at the well-known Cardrona Distillery. Again, a magical place to visit in the Cardrona Valley, the Crown Range mountains of New Zealand. They make award-winning hand-crafted Single Malt Whiskey, Gin, Vodka and a limited selection of exclusive liqueurs. The well maintenanced garden offers great views while enjoying the odour of lavender, roses and sage. Christl got herself a bottle of the finest Gin called “Source”, which I was lucky to taste.
https://www.cardronadistillery.co.nz
The Bra Fence
This famous Bra-Fence is situated on a public road reserve, adjacent to farm property. When coming from Wanaka… just before reaching the Cardrona Distillery. I had already heard about it… but not informed myself about its history. Nowadays you will find a big billboard with advertisement for awareness for breast cancer and an QR-code to donate.
The legend though tells, that apparently four woman were celebrating the start of the Millennium on New Year’s Eve in 2000 at the Cardrona Hotel. After leaving the Pub late at night they got the glorious idea to hang their bra’s on the next best fence as a celebration. My guess,…. those Boobs were seeking freedom after all… . Every female knows the feeling of liberating her boobs after a long night out…, I reckon!
Like with almost everything in life, not everybody was and probably still is, amused by this colourful, eye-catching fence. In the past some locals cited the fence as a “traffic hazard” and called it an “eyesore”. If you feel like doing some research about it… you will find out that in 2006 the Bra’s were even removed with help from the local council!
Personally I found it a wonderful spot. Cannot imagine though how those Bra’s will survive the winter! Certainly, I had a quick look around, if I could go for some fancy swap… . Very unfortunate it seemed that cup C and D needs more liberation than a tiny cup A or B like myself. So here I am, still stuck to my own 3 bra’s… (1 everyday bra, 1 for sports, 1 to feel sexy… – my version of the “3 bra rule” according to Google!)
Arrowtown
Another worth-visiting historic gold-mining town is Arrowtown, on the way from Wanaka to Queenstown. Nicola and Christl drove me there to drop me off. The whole Cardrona valley is an eye-catcher with all the iconic roadside lupins by itself. Coming to Arrowtown you immediately feel, this is a very touristy place!
I could totally see why. It has some wonderful cafes with beautiful shady gardens, a nice park and numerous boutiques, green-stone and souvenir shops on both sides of the road. Most of them in preserved heritage buildings. We were lucky to be there on a Sunday. Sunday’s are market days… so always extra special.
Cromwell
Another “bus stop” for me was Cromwell – several times. It sits at the junction of the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers of central Otago. The whole region is shaped by its gold-rush past and now defined by sparkling likes, wonderful bike trails and hiking tracks.
Visiting the town you have to see the Cromwell Heritage Precint. After the formation of Lake Dunston a reconstruction of buildings from the original 1860s gold-rush town was set up here on the lakeshore. It’s very charming and informative with lovely food and wines from the region. Surely good to spent some time here before catching another bus!
Plan enough time for the Otago region…. it’s absolutely worth a visit!
