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After a day on Wānaka ski fields, those aching legs yearn for the après experiences waiting back in town.
When you’ve spent a day flying around the slopes, there is something special about slowing down. Take the chance to relax and unwind as the sun dips behind the mountains – a view you can enjoy from inside one of Wānaka’s saunas, doubling recovery with a moment of peace. The Secret Sauna offers a traditional wood-fired barrel sauna experience, with arguably some of the best sauna views in the world. Their Lake Hāwea location sits right on the shore of the turquoise lake, with the peaks framed like a postcard through the window, or try their Cardona location (opening 13 June) for a mid-sauna cold plunge surrounded by snow-topped peaks. For an experience closer-to-town, try one of the guided or social sauna sessions at The Sauna Wānaka – another traditional woodfired option – found down on the beautiful Outlet track, with a cold plunge into Lake Wānaka.
Wanting to keep the buzz of a good day on the hill going? The first post-mountain stop for many skiers and snowboarders, is an après bevvie. Wānaka’s beer scene has many great spots to settle in after a day on the snow, especially if you know where to look.
Wānaka Brew Bar is THE place to watch the sunset over the lake as it disappears behind Roy’s Peak. You could even do it with a slice in hand, as they share their space with Sal’s pizza. For something a little more classy but just as cosy, head to Verve wine bar. Don’t be shy – despite being serious about good drinks, they don’t take themselves too seriously.
After non-stop activities, nothing hits the spot like a good dinner – whether it’s from one of Wānaka’s delicious food trucks or tucked inside one of our many local eateries. If you’ve been up Cardrona ski fields and aren’t ready for the day to end, the Cardrona Hotel delivers classic pub fare done well, with a solid meal by the fire and views of the mountain you just conquered.
The best Wānaka days don’t end at the bottom of the chairlift. Back in town, there’s a sauna, a cold beer, or a long dinner with your name on it. Browse things to do , indoor activities, and find your accommodation in Wānaka this winter. Book your ski holiday and make time for the full experience, on powder and off it.
