Wanaka, along with its spectacular lake of the same name, is one of the most picturesque places you will ever lay eyes on! Surrounded by snow-capped mountains right out of the Lord of the Rings, this is a small town with a big reputation.
With easy access to New Zealand’s top ski fields, along with every outdoor activity imaginable, Wanaka offers an incredible outdoorsy lifestyle and a laid-back, welcoming community vibe. It is probably why many are choosing to pack up their lives in the North Island and head south.
If you are considering a move to the South Island, Wanaka should definitely be on your top ten list. Here’s why…
1: Everyone Will Know Your Name
Ever wanted to walk into the local bar and have everyone call out your name like Norm on Cheers? Wanaka could be the place to do that! Although Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations, the permanent population sits at just under 9,000 people (8,890 in 2018).
This means no traffic jams, a low crime rate, and a tight-knit community. While some people prefer the anonymity of bigger towns, those looking for an intimate, family-friendly vibe will love bumping into friends and neighbours every time they head into the small town centre to run an errand.
Oh, and you can walk from one end of that town centre to the other in less than five minutes!
Should you get bored (although we’re not sure that’s even possible in Wanaka), the bustling tourist hot-spot of Queenstown is only an hour’s scenic drive away.
2: Winter Is Amazing
Wanaka is the place to be for lovers of snow, winter sports, and jaw-dropping panoramas with world-class ski fields near by, like Cardrona, Treble Cone, or Snow Farm. The influx of tourists during the winter months means there is an increase in jobs too, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
In saying all that, summer is pretty amazing in Wanaka too with plenty of outdoor adventures to be had.
3: It’s An Outdoor Lover’s Paradise
On top of the winter activities, there is a vast array of options for year-round fun in this incredible landscape. There’s Lake Wanaka, offering paddle-boarding and kayaking, or the Clutha River for fishing and rafting.
If water is not your thing, then there are also endless tracks to explore, with Mount Aspiring National Park right on the doorstep. One of the most popular walks in the area is the stunning three-hour return hike to Rob Roy Glacier.
There’s no excuse for a weekend spent indoors in Wanaka. Choose from mountain biking, kayaking, base jumping, fishing, paragliding… it’s all right there for the taking.
4: You Can Enjoy A Few Fine Beverages
The climate here is more than conducive to a fine drop or two of wine. There are several great wineries in the region, specialising in delectable pinot noirs. You will also find some genuinely great craft beers and the famous Cardrona Distillery, credited with making award winning gin!
Although the vibe is more village than metropolis, there’s a good range of quality restaurants to choose from too. So pairing those drinks with some tasty eats won’t be too challenging.
5: The Beauty Never Ends
Living in Wanaka comes with a lifetime’s worth of bragging rights! This place is just so beautiful you will never get tired of looking out the window. From the blazing colours of the autumn foliage to snow-capped peaks and onto lush green fields and blue-sky days, the beauty lasts all year long.
The great news is that you can live in amongst that. Sometimes you have to pay for the privilege as the average house price is $865,000 but, it will be worth it!
Northlake is a new subdivision a couple of minutes out of Wanaka’s town centre, equipped with shops, a playground, recreational spaces and dining options, you won’t have to leave much! Or you could stay further out at Cardrona (close to the ski field), Lake Hawea (a 20-min drive from central Wanaka), or Makarora (situated between Wanaka and the West Coast).
Wherever you choose to live in Wanaka, you will be pleased. Often labelled as a ‘paradise’, you will never be stuck for things to do or places to eat.
If you are considering moving south, then Wanaka might just be the town for you!
Moving house is hard enough when you are just shifting suburbs. But if you are moving towns or islands then you are going to need some relocation help. Get in touch with us here at Crown on: 0508 227 696 for a free moving quote for relocation services, storage, insurance and much more.
