Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
national airshow attracts upwards of 50,000 people. Tickets for the first day only cost
$65/15 per adult/child, the second and third days are $90/15 each.
Rippon Festival
MUSIC
(
www.ripponfestival.co.nz
)
Held every second year in early February (even-numbered years)
at the lakeside Rippon Vineyard. Big-name Kiwi acts headline with a variety of styles
represented, including R&B, reggae, rock, pop and punk.
Wanaka Fest
CARNIVAL
(
www.wanakafest.co.nz
)
This four-day event in mid-October has the feel of a small-town
fair. Street parades, live music, wacky competitions and fine regional produce get the
locals saying g'day to the warmth of spring.
Sleeping
In summer, and especially around New Year, prices and demand increase considerably.
During winter, the town receives an influx of international snowboarders.
Wanaka
Altamont Lodge
LODGE $
( 03-443 8864;
www.altamontlodge.co.nz
; 121 Mt Aspiring Rd; s/d without bathrooms $49/79;
)
At the quiet end of town, Altamont has tidy little rooms which share bathrooms and
a spacious, well-equipped kitchen. Natural wood gives it a ski-lodge ambience, while the
spa pool and roaring fire in the lounge will warm you up postslopes.
Wanaka Bakpaka
HOSTEL $
( 03-443 7837;
www.wanakabakpaka.co.nz
;
117 Lakeside Rd; dm $28-29, d with/without bath-
room $90/70; )
An energetic husband-and-wife team run this friendly hostel above
the lake with just about the best views in town. Amenities are top shelf and the onto-it
staff consistently offer a red-carpet welcome to weary travellers. It's worth considering
paying a bit extra for the en suite double with the gorgeous views.
YHA Wanaka Purple Cow
HOSTEL $
( 03-443 1880;
www.yha.co.nz
;
94 Brownston St; dm $31-34, d with/without bathroom from
$95/81;
)
In the top echelons of NZ YHAs, the Purple Cow offers a range of
