The ultimate guide of where you can eat, drink and shop in Wanaka.
Best brunch spot and just what to order…
Lucy Conway can be a lawyer-turned café owner, who opened Scroggin café in January 2022. “Wānaka had been a beautiful spot to me,” she says. “The vision behind Scroggin is to purchase as local as you possibly can and make up a wholefood menu. Therefore we make just about everything internally and support as numerous local growers and purveyors as you can. It's bringing food to the roots and letting the meals actually speak alone.”
Our favourite brekkie at Scroggin? You can’t go beyond their bacon and egg roll, aptly named ‘The One Hander’.
Florence’s Foodstore and Cafe (mainly in the summer when you're able to sit in the garden) plus it always has being the creamy mushrooms using a side of bacon – just delicious!
Where you go searching for creative inspiration…
A walk along the lakefront or perhaps a movie at Ruby's Cinema.
Favourite scenic spot with no tourist crowds…
Edgewater Resort's Wineglass Café – It's one of the better views out inside the lake as well as in summer you are able to sit inside a beanbag under the trees around the lawn and enjoy the views and in winter you can be inside and relish the fire and the views.
It's a popular retreat for any break to obtain some outdoors, or perhaps be cosy with a cuppa through the fire.
Best spot to buy a gift…
There a multitude of amazing shops to select from in Wanaka. Gifted Design Store possess a great product range available to select from – together with a local favourite, George & Edi.
Little-known events…
The annual NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival is an additional great event people may not know about. It runs for approximately fourteen days at the end of June. You are able to select from adventure film screenings, book events and talks from adventurers in various fields etc – it is always a great event.
Best cocktail in town…
The Spiced Quince Negroni at KIKA – an excellent little cocktail to savor before dinner
Restaurant most abundant in innovative menu and/or beautiful, creative plating…
Wanaka is soo spoilt with amazing restaurants and now we love these, but KIKA’s chef James always creates a gorgeous and fascinating menu.
The one thing you usually insist upon visitors doing…
Two things: First, visit Pembroke Patisserie for a custard square (or any one of their delicious treats).
Second, go to a movie in Cinema 2 at Ruby's – there are just 12 reclining seats in there, so it's just a bit special and seems like you're in a private screening. I
Instagram bait that isn’t #ThatWanakaTree…
The fabulous large sculpture 'the hand that nurtures', by NZ artist Llew Summers, it's located close to the lakefront which is rather majestic.
READ MORE: 11 winery destinations that are ideal for a short-stay holiday.
