Wanaka paradise for the energetic

Press, 16 July 1980, Page 29

Wanaka paradise for the energetic

Wanaka enjoys the best weather of the Southern Lakes, with' a meagre annual rainfall of 25 inches per year. Even in the • middle of winter there can be eight hours of sunshine for days at a time.

This small resort township, population 1200, has been growing since the. opening of the Haast Pass road in 1965. It makes an ideal stop-over for travellers on their way to or from the West Coast, as

well as an excellent base for an active holiday. Not only is Wanaka within easy reach for oneday trips to other Southern Lakes, or many shorter outings to secluded valleys and rivers and virgin native bush, there is also plenty to do, although at a more gentler pace than is likely in Queenstown. Many plasant walks are to be enjoyed, either along lake shores or up easily-climbed mountains. Mount Iron offers a grandstand view of Wanaka, yet takes only 45 minutes to walk from road to top. Mount Roy

presents a three-hour climb to a fit walker but is worth the effort for the fantastic panoramic view from the summit: the lake in almost full outline and its islands and rivers and an awe-inspiring Mount Aspiring with its surrounding glaciers and valleys. Trampers and fishermen find a paradise in this area. The Mount Aspiring National Park, Matukituki, Motatapu, and Wilkin Valleys offer unsurpassed tramping opportunities. The national park headquarters is located in Wanaka and its visitors’

centre provides information on tramping, huts, fishing, and hunting. The area is now served by two ski fields, one at Treble Cone, which • was established five years ago, and the other at Cardrona, which opened for the first time last week. . . < Skating on natural ice is possible during winter months on Diamond Lake. Wanaka Sports Supplies answer queries; about ice conditions. «. ■ Outboard dinghies; runabouts. rowboats, canoes and bicycles, are available for hire at Wanaka Marine Rentals, Wanaka Wharf. .