Casual, cosy Wānaka bars, breweries and tasting rooms
After a day carving fresh powder off piste at Treble Cone, hitting the terrain park at Cardrona, or cross-country skiing through the Pisa Range at Snow Farm, it’s important to know where to go for a relaxed après ski drink.
There are some quintessential Kiwi pubs in and around Wānaka, from one of the oldest pubs in New Zealand, to friendly sports bars that are lynch pins of the local community.
- Sink into a wing-back chair by the roaring fire at the Cardrona Hotel on the Crown Range Road. This gem has been pouring ales for thirsty humans since the gold rush in 1863.
- Founded in 1867, the Luggate Hotel has seen a thing or two in its time. Friendly staff serve up wild game and country cuisine in unpretentious surrounds just south of town.
- The Albie Tavern is 10 minutes from town between Wānaka and Hāwea. With 20 rotating taps and an extra-long happy hour, it’s a crowd favourite for good reason.
- The Lake Bar sits right on the waterfront and is a more polished take on the classic Kiwi pub. With lake views, a solid beer selection, and all your favourite sports on screen, it’s a great spot to relax after a day on the slopes.
If you’re a craft beer fan, Wānaka has four craft breweries and a choice of quirky brew bars.
- Rhyme x Reason is a brewery and tasting room with a colourful, cosy interior. Try a tasting paddle or fill a rigger to take your favourite brew back to your hotel.
- Wānaka Beerworks harnesses solar energy and alpine spring water to craft thoughtfully curated brews using locally sourced ingredients. Grab a pint and a pizza at their taproom - you might even get to meet their brewery dog Ruby.
- Ex-rock climbers, the Ground Up Brewing crew love experiments. They’ve brewed over 200 beers since inception seven years ago and pour 22 of the best in their taproom.
- b.social taproom & eatery brew refreshing, sessionable ales, and welcome après-seeking beer enthusiasts looking for a cold one after mountain exertions.
Wine and dine in Wānaka
Ease into the evening with an aperitif.. Ask our local mixologists to serve you up an après ski cocktail starring local spirits for a true taste of Central Otago.
- Verve is a stylish spot with a seasonal cocktail list, intimate booths, and a chic interior that feels both modern and cosy. It’s the perfect place to settle in with a wintery tipple and good company.
- Arc have a lush, little line up of cocktails and mocktails. Try Old Smokey for a taste of Central Otago, with whisky, ginger liqueur, honey, thyme, and bitters.
- Paloma is a taqueria. And it’s also a cocktail bar, with four variations on its namesake the Paloma, as well as margaritas and other Mexican inspired tipples.
Wānaka’s alpine charm has tempted many acclaimed chefs to put down roots here, so why not taste your way through their winter creations?
- Bistro Gentil is a local institution for a reason. They serve modern bistro classics using seasonal produce from the region along with greens and herbs from their kitchen garden.
- The Raspberry Creek Food Co. run The Chef’s Table as a winter pop-up dining experience at Rippon Hall. Think shared tables, a roaring open fire, and incredible views.
- Kika’s modern Italian tapas showcase local flavours and the fruits of their own kitchen garden. Choose their Just Feed Me option for a taste of the season.
- Lake-to-plate restaurant Hook Wānaka serve up free-range salmon from their own spring-fed lakes. Experience a rare opportunity to catch your own dinner and have it expertly prepared, all in a stunning lakeside setting.
- Muttonbird’s modern New Zealand menu heroes great local produce and the catch of local hunters and fishers. Order the Muttonbird Mix for a curated sample of the menu.
If you’re having a grab and go moment, the cute cluster of food trucks by Bullock Creek on Brownston Street serves up international flavours and Kiwi classics, with everything from fresh baked scones and locally roasted coffee to loaded tacos and generous burritos.
For more Central Otago flavours drop into Wānaka Artisan Market on Thursday afternoon. Stallholders sell handmade pastries, cakes, sourdough, pickles, preserves, and local wine.
Feel those Wānaka vibes
For unique après-ski experience try these local treasures.
- Held in both Wānaka and Queenstown each June, the The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival celebrates the spirit of adventure through films, books and inspiring speakers. A favourite with outdoor enthusiasts, mountain lovers and armchair adventurers, it’s a must for anyone passionate about life on the edge.
- Stop in for a tasting at Cardrona Distillery and stay for cocktails and dinner. Their sharing menu uses South Island produce, and changes daily to highlight what’s fresh.
- Edgewater Resort does great après with mulled wine, craft beers, and tasty tapas around a roaring open fire with glorious lake views.
- Head to Cinema Paradiso for movies served up old style with an intermission. Settle in for a film with warm, freshly baked cookies, real fruit ice cream, pizzas, platters, burgers and fries.
If you’re into live music, head to one of the bars in town who regularly host local musicians.
- Kai Whakapai is a Wānaka après favourite—live music, happy hour, and hearty sharing plates make it a go-to on winter nights as well as a coffee spot during the day.
- A cosy treat on a cold winter’s day, Cork Bar hosts live music and DJs every Friday and Saturday. This atmospheric bar offers 100 wines, 60+ whiskeys, and 50+ gins.
- The Rhyme x Reason tap room also hosts music, poetry, and even the odd film. They have live music most Saturdays, featuring local artists and touring bands.
Relax and unwind after your day on the slopes
Sometimes, the best way to après is by heading straight to a spa for some well-earned indulgence.
- Sanctuary Day Spa is great for a relaxing massage or book a body glow exfoliate and a hydrating wrap.
- Soak Day Spa do massages, facial treatments, LED light therapy, manicures, and pedicures and love to arrange spa experiences for groups.
- Ilu Hub specialise in natural, organic treatments and delicious sustainable, ethical skincare brands.
- Silver Sixpence in Three Parks offers body scrubs, wraps, facials (they take skincare seriously), and massages. Relax afterwards in their infrared sauna.
- Massage in Wānaka use organic products. Their warm massage oils include comfrey, arnica, and eucalyptus to ease muscle stress and aid recovery.
- Active Massage has recently opened a recovery space designed for post-adventure rejuvenation. Enjoy the benefits of an ice bath, sauna, and hot tub—the perfect combo to ease tired muscles after a big day on the mountain.
If you prefer your relaxation with a side of nature, soak in the views and the warmth at Wānaka’s collection of scenic saunas and hot pools.
- The Sauna Wānaka is on the Outlet River track just 5kms out of town. The guided sauna experience includes breathwork and meditation.
- Lake Hāwea is home to tranquil lakefront treasure the Secret Sauna. This barrel shaped cedarwood sauna has a view down the lake to the snow-clad ranges.
- LandEscape Wānaka has wood-fired hot tubs with a backdrop of mountains and farmland ideal for a sunset soak or stargazing.
More Wānaka winter wonders
Winter in Wānaka is truly spectacular. This guide to Wānaka winter activities has plenty more ideas to help you plan your stay.
