Wanaka woos world romantics

17 Jun 2008 - Press release from www.newzealand.com

The picturesque town of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand’s South Island has been listed as one of the world’s 10 most romantic places to have a holiday.

Situated in Central Otago with dramatic mountain ranges and crystal clear waters the area was named in a book listing 100 of the world's best places to get away to across the globe.

Published by Life Books, Dream Destinations: 100 of the World's Best Vacations, is described by Amazon.com as "a book of enticements or memories - or both".

"In stunning photographs and evocative text, (this book takes you to) the best, most beautiful, most relaxing, most inspiring places to vacation on the planet."

The top 10 romantic places to holiday listed were: Wildflower Hall, India - a spa resort once the estate of Lord Kitchener; The Camargue, France; Kyoto, Japan; The Cinque Terre -18 kms of rocky coastline in northern Italy; Montreal, Canada; Brussels, Belgium; Saint Lucia, Caribbean; Napa Valley, California - an hour from San Francisco; The Inn at Little Washington - in the Blue Ridge Mountains 100 kilometres west of Washington D.C. and Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.

The book lists Lake Wanaka as: "More than 300 metres above sea level, in the centre of New Zealand's gorgeous South Island, lies this 43 kilometre-long lake. The lakeside town is a charming place to stay, with sheep farms dotting the surrounding countryside."

All year round appeal

The region has also been described as a hidden paradise where visitors can relax, breathe mountain fresh air and enjoy year round activities.

Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring National Park.

Centuries of glacial action crafted Lakes Wanaka and Hawea which sit side by side and are a popular playground for boaties and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors also enjoy mountain biking the high trails, paragliding over the hills, sightseeing by air or walking the myriad of tracks

Lake Wanaka is home to four international ski areas that offer excellent skiing and snowboarding. The surrounding mountains are home to the most extensive heli-skiing area outside North America.
Cardrona and Treble Cone are classic downhill ski fields, heli skiing happens high in the Harris Mountains and there’s Nordic skiing at the Snow Farm. The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles in one of New Zealand’s largest national parks.

The region’s stable continental climate ensures crisp sunny winter days with an average day time temperature of 10°C and cool frosty sub-zero nights. The views from the skifields are endless. Row upon row of white-capped peaks; the patchwork green and gold of farmland; the deep blue of Lake Wanaka.