Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WANAKA
POP 6480
Which is better, Queenstown or Wanaka? That's the perennial question around these parts
and one which doesn't have an easy answer. It's hard to say which is more beautiful - both
have blissful lake and mountain settings. Ditto, the jury's out as to which offers better ski-
ing and tramping opportunities.
The main difference is in size, scale and buzz. Unlike its amped-up sibling across the
Crown Range, Wanaka retains a laid-back, small-town feel. It's definitely not a sleepy
hamlet anymore though, and new restaurants and bars are adding a veneer of sophistica-
tion. And while it doesn't have quite the same range of adrenaline-inducing activities on of-
fer, Wanaka is no slacker on the outdoor-adventure front. Importantly, it's also cheaper.
