Lake Hawea is an ‘all-year-round’ holiday playground and is renowned as both a Sumner and Winter Resort for New Zealand and overseas guests visiting this popular South Island destination.

Nestled at the base of what has to be one of New Zealand’s most stunning lakes, Lake Hawea township is surround by majestic towering snow capped mountains and is the perfect base for your holiday.

Only 10 minutes drive from Wanaka – Lake Hawea enjoys the best of both worlds, conveniently located close to Wanaka township amenities, including cafes, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions while still enjoying some peace and tranquillity away from the busy tourist crowds.

Ski & Snowboarding

Every winter skiers and snowboarders from around the globe converge on Wanaka and Queenstown for some of the best snow in the world! Lake Hawea Motor Inn is lucky to be located within easy driving distance to three of these awesome ski fields!

Treble Cone has that ‘X’ factor quality that sets it apart from the rest. Perhaps it’s the 2,100 metre summit that leaves skiers gobsmacked by the view of a hundred snow-capped peaks in Mt Aspiring National Park and the Southern Alps.

The Southern Lakes ski fields are superb. One in particular has wonderful, safe, open terrain that puts it in a category of the best family ski fields in the world, and that is Cardrona! For our more experienced snow lovers we suggest a visit to Waiorau Snow Farm on Otago’s Pisa Range which lies directly across the valley from the Cardrona Ski Field. The entire 5,000 hectare high country farm is a dedicated terrain park providing facilities for classic skiing, ski skating, cross-country wilderness skiing and snowboarding.

Fishing

Lake Hawea enjoys a first class fishing reputation, which lures beginner and experienced fishermen year round to try their luck. Both Rainbow and Brown trout together with landlocked Salmon abound in both lake and rivers. Charters can be arranged from Lake Hawea Motor Inn. Lake fishing is enjoyed all year round.

Hunting

Chartered helicopter hunts for local deer, chamois, thar and pig can be arranged through our office.

Water Activities

Lake Hawea has a number of access ramps for private boats. The lake is a popular summertime area for jet boating, swimming, kayaking and fishing. A number of operators in the region can assist with kayaking, rafting and jet boating tours to suit your requirements.

Climbing

Mount Aspiring National Park – World Heritage Park. The third largest park in New Zealand, visitors agree that the easiest access to the entire park is via Lake Wanaka. The park stretches from the rainforests of Fiordland, across valleys through to the Southern Alps. The area is popular with experienced climbers, however there are many gentle walking tracks suitable for visitors.

Major Attractions in the Area

The NZ Fighter Pilots Museum
Based at Wanaka airport, the informative museum incorporates the Alpine Fighter Collection of flying WWII fighter planes. The airport is now famous for the Warbirds Over Wanaka air show held every two years.

Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum
Claiming to have the largest display of toys in New Zealand. The museum has an extensive array of historic transport items for viewing.

Wanaka Golf Club
18 hole golf club with magnificent lake and mountain views. Suitable for golfers of all abilities. On-site Pro Shop, Clubhouse and full hire facilities including motorised carts.

Have a Shot Wanaka
Situated opposite Wanaka Airport with a golf driving range, archery, 22 calibre rifle and clay bird target ranges open to the public.

Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World
One of Wanaka’s most popular attractions and suitable for all ages. It incorporates the Great Maze, Puzzle Rooms, and the Hologram Hall and Titled House, where all is not as it should be! Mini golf too.

Wine Tasting
Rippon Vineyard is situated overlooking Ruby Island and the shore of Lake Wanaka. Although one of the smaller vineyards its reputation for quality in the Central Otago region is unsurpassed. Tasting and bottle sales at the vineyard. Wine tours of nearby vineyards and wineries can also be arranged.

Walking Tracks
Walking tracks in and around Wanaka cater for all abilities. Some follow the lake shore while others provide magnificent view s from higher vantage points.