I Wanna Live in Wanaka

Apr 9

I really do love where I live in Michigan, but if I were to choose a place to fly away for the winter months, it would be to Wanaka on the south island of New Zealand. There are so many reasons I wanna live in Wanaka!

Located in the stunning alps of the South Island – The landscape surrounding this charming little town is beyond description. Unspoiled natural beauty in every direction.

This little willow, known as the “lone tree of lake Wanaka,” is said to be one of the most photographed trees in all New Zealand. Poor Wanaka tree – never gets a moment to itself. It started over 70 years ago as a wooden fence post and now the willow has become a Wanaka icon with photographers coming from around the world trying to capture the perfect shot.

Wanaka is one of the few areas in New Zealand to have four distinct seasons and it’s a perfect base for outdoor activities year round. We barely scratched the surface exploring the crystal clear lakes, rivers and beaches. The i-SITE visitor information centers throughout new Zealand are the perfect stop to get information on tours and things to do in the area. On our next visit we plan to do a guided tour and climb a waterfall – scary, but cool!

One of our favorite days in Wanaka was a trip to the remote, magical, uninhabited island of Mou Waho. There are guided tours available, but we chose to go by water taxi and investigate on our own. We booked the water taxi at the isite in Wanaka and the ride was as much fun as the destination. Lake Wanaka is quiet, peaceful, undeveloped and beautiful. Our skipper, Brent, was fun, engaging, and shared interesting stories of the geology and history along the way.

Brent dropped us at the start of the trail to hike to the top of the island.

It’s a little steep, but not too far and well worth the walk to the top of the island with incredible views and singing birds along the way.

After climbing through the woods, or “the bush” as they call it in New Zealand, for about 30 minutes you arrive at the Arethusa Pool. This pool contains two small islands which is why they call Mou Waho “an island on a lake on an island on a lake on an island in the ocean”. You are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks.

Be sure to make the extra walk to the top – here’s the reward! If you look closely you can see it’s the island on a lake (the Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho) on a lake (Lake Wanaka) on an island (the South Island of New Zealand) on a lake (the ocean). Get it?

If you look closely at the top right you can see tiny little people at the next viewpoint – another 10 minute walk to panoramic views.

Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve, predator free and home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. They were quite interested in our snack and luckily we had been warned to be careful – they’re like to sneak up behind you and take off with any belongings you have sitting on the ground.

If you get the chance while visiting Wanaka – take a trip to Mou Waho. It’s a one hour hike to the top so be sure to take sunscreen, water, and snack to enjoy while breathing in the incredible 360 views.

The nature and wilderness to explore in Wanaka is amazing, and what makes it even better is the charming little town is an oasis of quiet streets lined with galleries, shops and great cafes and restaurants serving delicious meals made from local produce and a perfect cup of coffee.

One of our favorites was the Alchemy Cafe.

One of the best things about traveling is the people you meet along the way, and the Kiwi’s (native New Zealanders) are some of the kindest, funniest, most loving people you will meet anywhere in the world. They love to share stories and help you enjoy your stay. Their turns of phrase will keep you smiling and trying to keep up as they come at you with 100 words at once. Evidently this summer had been the bloody pits and we were quite lucky things were sorted out for our visit.

Dan, our host in Wanaka was no exception. We booked our stay in the apartment attached to his home. His place was perfect – and included free WiFi, kitchenette and continental breakfast. And, Dan was awesome. We loved chatting with him, learning more about the area and New Zealand in general. It was sad leaving as he asked for one more cuddle (hug).

We even got the chance to do some laundry!

If you are planning a trip I strongly recommend checking into possible stays through Airbnb. There are places available worldwide. We have had wonderful stays in the states, Thailand, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Australia. Just carefully read the reviews and details before booking a place. It’s usually as cheap as or cheaper than a hotel for a full home or apartment. If you sign up through this link you will get $40 credit on your first stay with Airbnb.

Even if you don’t wanna live in Wanaka, it’s a beautiful place to add to your itinerary for a trip in the south island of New Zealand. We just felt so at home there. Maybe because it sits so close to the 45th parallel South, completely opposite our home in Traverse City, Michigan at 45th parallel North. It seems to be the perfect place to flip flop during the winters back home for the summer in Wanaka. The pure mountain air, fresh natural water, incredible hospitality of the local Kiwi’s and stunning beauty in every direction make for an amazing stay. So if I were to choose a place to live during Michigan winter – I wanna live in Wanaka!