Just an hour's drive from Queenstown is the resort town of Wanaka. Its beautiful mountain ranges and snow-topped slopes have earned it a reputation as being the "Alps" of New Zealand. In fact, the town is often base camp for many trekkers and those who venture on to the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park, where natural wonders like glaciers and alpine lakes still remain unspoiled.
With Roys Bay right there, how could you not book a few charters and head out on an evening cruise around the coastline and beyond?
Coming in the summer? It's the perfect time to take a tour of the local wineries - and sample the product too!
If you've always secretly wanted to try it but have never quite worked up the nerve, there may be no better (or less obstructed) corner of the world to do it in than Wanaka. Skydives are tandem so you're always strapped to a professional.
Most everyone who comes in the winter is here for the freshly powdered runs! Don't miss making your mark at Treble Cone and Cardrona, which is the highest ski field in New Zealand.
Hit Cinema Paradiso and relax in comfy sofas, tuck into great finger food, and enjoy an old-time movie.
Wanaka is different in each season so the best time to come really depends on what you plan to do. If winter slopes are what you're after, come anytime between May to October. Temperatures hover between 32 to 50.
The closest airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN), which is a 60-minute drive from Wanaka. Once there, use a bus to get to Wanaka.
Use the Dunedin Railways to get to Wanaka for a fare of NZ$50. Or, if you're coming in from Queenstown, use the InterCity service to get to Wanaka for NZ$26.
Coming in from Queenstown to Wanaka, use Crown Range Road and Cardrona Valley Road. If you're driving from Dunedin to Wanaka, use State Highway 8.
Getting to Wanaka from Dunedin or Queenstown, you can use services like Alpine Connexions, Connectabus, and InterCity. Fares start at NZ$35.
Enjoy a luxury stay at Riverrun. The modern but economical suites at the Wanaka View Motel will help you enhance your time in Wanaka. For budget travelers, Flying Kiwi Backpackers will feel just like home.
Cardrona Valley Road - this is where you can find the Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre.
Ardmore Street - right at the edge of Roys Bay is Ardmore Street, where you can check out boat charters, bike rentals, and tours.
Spitfire Lane - way out, past the waters, is Spitfire Lane, where the Classic Flights company is located. Glide over the landscape in a vintage 1930s and 1940s plane.
Wanaka doesn't have a formal public transport system. You can get around on foot or bike, besides using the taxi service.
Taxis in Wanaka are metered. Fares start at NZ$3 and it's NZ$1.73 for each mile thereafter.
Hirequip, Rent A Car Wanaka, and Adventure Rental Cars Wanaka are some local companies servicing your Wanaka car rental needs. Book a standard 4-door, compact car for NZ$113.30 per day.
There are very few traditional shopping spots in Wanaka because it's a town mostly dedicated to outdoor and nature enthusiasts. There is, however, a New World supermarket for food supplies and plenty of outdoor clothing and gear shops.
A quart of milk costs NZ$1.90 and a dozen eggs costs approximately NZ$4.
Check out the dishes at Francesca's Italian Kitchen, an authentic Italian trattoria. Here, you can feast on creative pizzas, comforting pastas, and homemade polenta chips for between NZ$20 - NZ$25.