Your Guide To Après-Ski in Wānaka

Whether you’ve had a big day skiing or you are looking for a post-mountain activity, look no further than the Cardrona Distillery. Tucked into the Cardrona Valley, a fellow neighbor to Cardrona Alpine Resort, stands a quaint family-owned artisan distillery. Inside the schist and stone building, is where the passionate team handcrafts Single Malt Whisky, Gin, Vodka and Liqueurs – all made with pure Alpine water sourced from the heart of Mount Cardrona. If you are fascinated by the process, you can jump on an insightful 75-minute Classic tour giving you a peak inside their craft. And if you are looking for a more exclusive experience then opt for the a 3-hour Family Reserve tour, offering an in-depth nosing and tasting session.

Don’t be fooled though – tours and tastings isn’t all that Cardrona Distillery is known for. Their culinary experience is truly second to none, and is something that will give you guaranteed FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) should you leave without trying.

When it comes to craft breweries in Wānaka, it’s all about what kind of vibe you’re after.

For a relaxed, industrial atmosphere, check out Rhyme & Reason. Stills, mash tuns and a whole line-up of brewing silverware make up the backdrop of the garage space. Set up shop at one of the family-style long tables, listen to live music and wait for your next turn of giant Jenga. Brewery tours are available on request and give insight into the brewing process and future brews. A tasting paddle is the way to go for the indecisive, offering four fresh tap beers of your choice.

Across the street from Rhyme x Reason, is Ground Up Brewing. Grab a glass of beer, laze in a big armchair or grab one of the board games and while away the evening.

In the town center, you’ll find the Wānaka Brew Bar, perched above Ardmore Street with a balcony overlooking the lake. Sixteen local brews and ciders on tap, plus regional wines and premium spirits if beer’s not your thing, all which pair perfect with a slice of Sals Pizza.

Head to the other side of town for B. Effect Brewing Co. and eatery B. Social. Located in the industrial area just a five minute drive from town, B. Social is the perfect après spot if you’re looking to escape the downtown area. Unique bar eats, in-house brewed craft beers and even kombucha, B. Social has a post ski treat to please the whole crew of shredders.

You may already be familiar with family-owned wine company, Maude — the vineyard has been operating out of the neighbouring Maungawera Valley for over two decades. Now, the vineyard boasts a second-generation medley of wines and its own cellar door in Wānaka so you can sample the goods, all at once. The Maude Wines Tasting Room can be found inside sister restaurant, Bistro Gentil. The new service takes the standing work out of the wine tasting experience — unless you’d like it — with the ability to bring the entire Maude line-up and your own seasoned tasting guide table-side.

Either way, you’ll likely want to turn that tasting session into dinner and a bottle. You’re in luck. The bistro is something straight from the European countryside. It’s led by chef Mario Rodrigues and offers modern French cuisine using produce from the establishment’s garden and Central Otago.

Maybe you want to be amongst all the hustle and bustle of downtown Wānaka for your après. A simple walk down Ardmore Street in your ski boots will reveal an abundance of après hotspots, each with their own unique character.

First off, you’ll probably notice Kai Whakapai Cafe and Bar. The outdoor seating is almost always full on a busy day and the occasional live musician will occupy the courtyard at the front of the bar. A friendly staff member will greet you and will gladly oblige as you sample brews from their rotating taps.

A short stroll down the street from Kai brings you to Cork, which stocks an impressive range of local and international spirits (60+ whiskeys and 50+ gins!) plus a funky outdoor courtyard where you can settle in with your cocktail. Continue down the street and you’ll find Verve, which has carved out its own corner of Wānaka’s après scene with craft beers, local wines, and a snack menu that hits the spot – plus pop-up chefs taking over the kitchen on weekends.

Next, you might come across Sofi Mediterranean Bar & Grill. Serving coastal fare, lakeside vibes, family chaos and after-dark indulgence, Sofi is where you come to eat slow, fill your cup, and indulge like the Greek gods who did it best.

Then, just a hop, skip and a jump away is the aptly named Lake Bar, where you can catch an après drink, meal and the big game.

Finally, it doesn’t get more ‘lakeside’ than Edgewater Resort. Though it may not be right in town, Edgewater’s après is worth the stop on the way home from the mountains. The new menu features a selection of light meals and carefully curated beverages like spicy mulled wine and artisan local craft beers. Relax around the roaring open fire with a glorious lakeview backdrop from 4-6pm everyday.

We can’t talk après eats without mentioning a local favourite; food trucks. No one really knows when the food trucks in Wānaka decided to pull up their handbrakes on Brownston Street. Regardless, there’s something for every appetite in the re-imagined food truck market. The hardest part is deciding what to order. There’s Burrito Craft which offers inventive Mexican food, including loaded tacos and hunger-busting burritos which come packed to the seams. Or try Firebird for incredible fried chicken and spicy seasoned hot chips.

If you’re heading down from the ski resort into Cardrona Valley, hang a right at the end of the road and head away from town. A short drive later and you’ll find yourself at the historic Cardrona Hotel. With beautiful leather wing-back chairs, a roaring fireplace and big backyard beer garden, Cardrona Hotel is après dream.

If your après cravings lean towards the international, Amigos is a favourite spot for Mexican cuisine, with a fresh and healthy take on authentic Mexican flavors. Or check out Shinaburo Korean Eating House, for a homey Korean-in-your-own-living-room vibe (plus, don’t forget BYO wine!).

Francesca is a new-school Italian with a Wānaka spin, serving up handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and aprés sips crafted with local ingredients, heart and soul. An ever-changing seasonal menu with a nod to the rich culinary heritage of Italy, they proudly make each dish their own. Open daily for lunch, dinner, or a cheeky tipple or two, with cosy outdoor dining options available.

There are way more international options for those so inclined; check out Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and more!