Southern Lakes Holiday Action
The alpine lakeside town of Wanaka offers visitors a range of activities from a leisurely stroll from the doorstep of the lodge along the Clutha River, to total outdoor adventure with some of the country’s top operators.
There are lake cruise, rafting and jet boating options, wine tours, the unique Puzzling World and the highly regarded Transport and Toy and Fighter Pilot Museums.
Thanks to work from the Upper Clutha trails Trust is also a large network of tracks accessed from the lodge, and it is now possible to walk or cycle between Luggate, Wanaka, Albert Town and Lake Hawea completely off road.
Kayaking/Fishing
The lakes and rivers are a natural playground for fishing, boating and watersports, with kitesurfers, kayakers and rafters drawn to the area.
From Lake Wanaka, the Clutha River is a Grade 1 kayaking run and is very popular. The Hawea river also has some very good kayaking. Both the Clutha and Hawea rivers have world class fishing.
Tramping/Climbing
Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park which has a huge range of tramping tracks and popular alpine peaks. On the way to the national park there is a popular rock climbing area. The local DOC office in Wanaka will provide you with the information to explore this stunningly beautiful area.
Mountain Biking & Walking
Mountain bike tracks galore leave from the Albert Town Lodge - the Hawea river track, the Upper Clutha track, the Outlet track, Deans Bank and the more technical forest tracks above the Outlet track. In town there is a bike park plus the Millenium track which goes all the way to Glendhu bay and further afield there is the West Wanaka track. Don't leave your mountain bike behind when you come to stay at the Albert Town lodge.
Winter sport in Wanaka
The four resorts of Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snowpark and Snowfarm offer snowsport enthusiasts internationally rated terrain and facilities. During the busy winter season it’s advised to book your Wanaka accommodation well ahead.
Cardrona
A family resort 45 minutes drive from Wanaka, Cardrona has mainly intermediate terrain with excellent learner runs, a world class ski and snowboard school and licensed childcare centres. It also has an internationally acclaimed terrain park and hosts a number of events such as the Burton Open and the New Zealand Winter Games.
Treble Cone
Renowned for its stunning views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka, the challenging off piste terrain and long runs make it a magnet for serious skiers and snowboarders. Treble Cone also hosts a number of international race teams. A half hour drive from Wanaka toward the Matukituki Valley and Mt Aspiring National Park, there are a number of scenic stop-offs to enjoy on the way home.
The Snowpark
On the other side of the valley from Cardrona this specially built terrain park and learner’s area is known for its ‘new school’ approach to wintersport with a range of freestyle programmes. The specially built viewing and deck and bar and restaurant overlooking the slopes provides non- skiers a close up view of all the action.
Snowfarm
Cross-country skiers will love the groomed trails of this uncrowded area just a few kilometres up from the Snowpark. With easy access to flat beginner trails just outside the lodge to the 12km River run and Loop, there is a wide selection of terrain and trails to choose from. Both classic and skating styles are catered to with grooming and the lodge has rental equipment as well as a well appointed bar and restaurant overlooking the trails.
