Wanaka
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| Wanaka |  |
</tr>
|
|---|---|---|
| Urban Area | Population | 6982 (2006) |
| Extent | Central Otago | |
| Territorial Authority |
Name | Queenstown Lakes District Council |
| Regional Council |
Name | Otago |
Wanaka is a town in the Central Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, adjacent to the outflow of the lake to the Clutha River. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.
The town is experiencing considerable growth. According to the 2006 census (provisional results) the permanent resident population is 6900, an increase of approximately 50% in five years.
The town is part of the Queenstown-Lakes District and was called Pembroke until 1940. It was originally settled during the gold rush excitement in the 19th century.
These days, with its beautiful lake and mountain views, Wanaka has become a popular tourist resort, loved by many for being less commercialised than Queenstown.
Nearby are Treble Cone and Cardrona, two of New Zealand's premier ski fields. Other attractions in the area include Puzzling World and the biennial Warbirds over Wanaka airshow, which has become a major attraction for national and international guests. Wanaka boasts a growing number of excellent restaurants, cafes and a diverse nightlife.
Wanaka is host to some of New Zealand's best outdoor recreation with world-class mountain biking, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, fishing, paragliding, and watersports of all kinds. With one of New Zealand's sunniest climates, Wanaka is truly an adventure paradise.
In April 2004, Air New Zealand Link commenced regular passenger flights from Christchurch to Wanaka Airport in a Beechcraft 1900D Commuter Liner.
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