Located on the South Island of New Zealand, is the beautiful and picturesque little town of Wanaka. This town is situated on the edge of pristine Lake Wanaka and is the ideal place for those looking to relax and unwind and also those looking to be adventurous...more
Located on the South Island of New Zealand, is the beautiful and picturesque little town of Wanaka. This town is situated on the edge of pristine Lake Wanaka and is the ideal place for those looking to relax and unwind and also those looking to be adventurous and experience a plethora of out-door activities, all with a backdrop of the Southern Alps. It is a natural paradise that is the perfect destination, and has something for everyone. Tourists visiting Wanaka can try out a variety of activities including; tennis, paragliding, jetboating, horse trekking, golfing, heli skiing, gold panning and so much more. Unfortunately for Muslim visitors, there are a limited number of Muslim-friendly facilities in Wanaka.
Wanaka is located approximately an hour away from Queenstown and is conveniently located close to quite a few ski areas. Treble Cone and Cardrona being two of the few areas that tourists can try their luck at skiing and snowboarding. Another thing that makes Wanaka quite popular is the fact that it is located just by a picturesque lake. Water sports and activities on the Wanaka Lake ensure a fun time out for the entire family. For those looking to experience panoramic views of Wanaka and its surroundings, including Wanaka Lake and Mount Aspiring/Tititea, Roys Peak is a must climb. This is a popular mountain in New Zealand that stands between Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. However, tourists must be warned that it is a full day walk and only those fit enough must attempt the climb.
Another family friendly, memorable attraction is Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World. This unique attraction specializes in quirky architecture, 3-D mazes, illusion rooms, mystical challenges and also houses a puzzle centre and café. It is a must-visit when in Wanaka and is located only 2 kilometres from Lake Wanaka. Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World is said to be the most photographed attraction in New Zealand.
Warbirds & Wheels is another must-visit when in Wanaka. Those visiting the museum will be able to find the finest collection of well preserved classic cars in New Zealand, warbird aircrafts, a modern New Zealand art collection and loads more under just one roof. If lucky, tourists will be able to catch the popular air show and will get to see some of the most famous warbirds in the world.
Wanaka Airport is the local airport that services the town of Wanaka, Otago, as well as the surrounding ski fields. However, the main international airport that services Wanaka is Queenstown International Airport. This airport is located approximately 63 kilometres from the center of Wanaka. Tourists can travel to the airport using public transportation that includes buses and taxis.
The choice of Halal restaurants and eateries in Wanaka is quite limited. There are a couple of outlets that serve Halal food, this includes; Snack Shack Turkish Kebabs, The Spice Room and White House Café and Bar. However, Muslim visitors must be warned that some of these outlets do serve alcohol. There are also a few other Indian outlets that may not be Halal but might have information on the availability of Halal slaughtered meats etc in Wanaka.
There are no Masjids or Islamic Centers located in the town of Wanaka. Even though it is an inconvenience, Muslim tourists will have to offer their prayers in the hotel room, if possible.