|
Scenic Wanaka on the banks of
Lake Wanaka is a small and picturesque resort town surrounded by the awe
inspiring Southern Alps. The town of over 3,000 inhabitants is a fantastic year
round destination that is rapidly growing in popularity with tourists drawn
by its tranquillity and undeveloped beauty.
In Maori times Wanaka was the
site of camping settlements for green stone (Jade) carvers crossing to the
West Coast for the prized gem. However in 1836 most were killed by a
northern war party and the areas next permanent settlement began following
the completion of Theodore Russell’s hotel in 1867, built to refresh thirsty
miners drawn to the Cardrona Valley’s gold field.
Today’s thirsty visitors to Cardrona are likely to be skiers who come to
experience Cardrona Ski
Resort’s world class facilities. Closer to Wanaka still, is the
Treble Cone ski
field only half an hour out of town. Other than skiing and hiking Wanaka
also offers many adventure activities and has museums and galleries to be
enjoyed.
Wanaka is home to the internationally acclaimed
Warbirds Over Wanaka air show which sees aerial re-enactments and
demonstrations of an ever increasing number of vintage warplanes making
Easter a great time for a visit.
|
