What's New in Wanaka | Blog | Wanaka Official Website

Our local businesses and creatives have been busy dreaming up new flavours, new activities and new ways to enjoy our town.

Food and drink

Wānaka is well-known for some very special dining experiences, including Kika and Bistro Gentil. Notable and new, Fresca Pasta Kitchen brings the flavours of Italy with hand-crafted pasta and fresh focaccia sammys, while cult-favourite Little Street Kitchen has moved from food truck into their own space, to keep up with the demand for their steamed baos and eclectic delicious fare. A few steps down the road is Ramen Ramen – the spot to warm up your soul (and tastebuds!) on those brisk winter days.

Street view of Ramen Ramen in Wānaka township

For your morning coffee and pastry fix, Crumb Bakehouse is newly renovated in The Precinct, just follow the smell of fresh bread down the lane. Down the road, Big Fig is newly opened after their renovations,with the same great food, and a new cosy vibe.

A little further out of the way in North Lake, Monkey Farm (formerly Hello Ranger) is a family-friendly option, with a playground onsite for the kiddos and food choices for every hungry tummy – morning to night.

The food truck scene continues to grow in Wānaka, offering perfect spots for casual dining or post-adventure refueling. If you’re up in Three Parks, keep an eye out for Superb (we recommend their next-level bibimbap). If you’re looking for something in the town centre, check out Morsel on Brownston Street for globally-inspired dishes, or new vendor Mowgli for fresh, healthy Indian, like you’ve never had it before.

street view of Big Fig in Wānaka, new Zealand

Shopping and beauty

Local icon, and loved worldwide, Mons Royale has opened a new flagship store on Helwick Street, ready for all your good-looking merino needs. Racers Edge‘s bike, snow and rental shop has a brand new location up at 22 Ardmore Street. Also new, with a similar vibe of considered activewear and lifestyle brands (plus a pumping coffee service) Heatwave has moved into it’s Brownston Street store, and opened a Pop-Up space, Demo 95, next door. Just around the corner you’ll find the new Revology Concept Store and Teahouse, a store led by a circular design ethos with thoughtfully chosen products to suite.

Activities

For the adventure seekers, Best Foot Forward NZ is now offering owner-operated backcountry experiences, from pack rafting to guided snowshoe adventures. There’s also the newly opened Shepard’s Lookout hike – only accessible through Wānaka Water Taxi.

For more of a mental workout than a physical one, head to the Escape Room at Basecamp to test yourself against the Yeti Creek Hut challenge. Or skip the workouts altogether and find a more relaxing option.Massage in Wānaka’s new Japanese spa experience offers a traditional way to find calm. For a woodfired sauna with a stunning mountain outlook, The Secret Sauna’s new spot out in Cardrona is the place to go, complete with a lake plunge that feels like it comes right off the slopes.