This guide to Wanaka suburbs shows you how diverse the range of options are and, how usually, once we have broadly understood what is important for clients – there is rarely an overlap in the areas that we are focusing our search on.
Sometimes price can be the overriding factor dictating where, but not often. Each Wanaka suburb is quite distinct from another with each having its own special attractions and advantages.
Albert Town
Albert Town Wanaka is a mix of relatively new builds (circa 15 year old) plus some of the oldest cribs in Wanaka. Being near the mighty Clutha River is a real bonus for recreational use in all seasons. The biking and walking tracks are extensive and stunning. The wee commercial area is at the confluence of tracks that head off in a multitude of directions on both sides along the intersecting rivers. The European bakery and café is a destination for many from all over town. The convenience of having this, the Four Square, bottle store and tavern are undisputed.
For families this is the pick of where a child will choose to live in Wanaka – it is a kids paradise with the highest density of families in town. There are 2 of the best preschools in the neighbourhood plus the school bus leaves from the central playground and courts area, to the primary and secondary schools each day.
The original developer of part of this suburb added to the lure of this community by constructing a membership-based leisure centre with a small gym, swimming pools, hot tubs and entertaining areas in the heart of the community.
Sections are bigger and more established than in some of the newer areas of town. It is really positive to have space on the sections for a vege garden and room to kick a ball.
Albert Town is sunny, relatively sheltered and has distant views of the mountains. In winter there can be an annoying localised fog or persistence of the inversion layer, which is a real negative for some.
Luggate
Luggate Wanaka is a hidden gem and considered by many because of budget constraints. Although, once buyers understand what is on offer locally in Luggate and what is in the pipeline, it is definitely considered the hidden gem. It to me is Wanaka of old. Over the years Luggate has definitely been a destination of ours to the stunning swimming holes beside the Clutha river or walks and paddling alongside the Luggate Creek. The playground is fantastic and the new Community Hall a wider community asset.
Biking and walking trails are set for significant expansion and with these will come more hospitality venues to add to the charming historic hotel with its popular garden bar.
A developer has recently released significant numbers of elevated north facing sites on the fringes and has pledged to transform the stunning old Upper Clutha transport building and yard into a boutique destination. With the increased numbers there will undoubtedly be a pre school on the way and the school busses service the school age kids.
Lake Hawea
Hawea Wanaka is a suburb of two halves – the lakeside village and the main lifestyle block suburb of the basin. This is one of the largest expanding areas of the greater region. Lake Hawea is fast becoming the destination that many young families are choosing to live, not only because of its affordability but because of the fun filled family neighbourhood that it has become. There are many hospitality and retail facilities being constructed both at the township service centre at Longview, which is the master planned township currently under construction and at the existing village centre for the Lake Hawea community.
There are fantastic schooling options in this area – a traditional playcentre and a nature based early learning centre, plus the local primary school which has a wonderful reputation as a more country style school. Buses travel into the area High school in Wanaka.
Hawea Flat has an incredible community of high achieving, cleaner living lifestylers. They punch above their weight for community minded cultural and sustainable community initiatives. The lifestyle is more like that of a rural town where pets (including ponies), vegetable gardens and feeding the hens are part of the daily routine.
The Hawea River has wonderful river surfing and a white water kayaking wave plus a great network of cycling and walking tracks. The lake is really underutilised, but fishing is a key drawcard. The country style golf course is popular.
Lake Hawea also hosts some wonderful holiday homes both older and modern with wonderful alpine views and access to the lake. Another spot keenly sought by the lovers of Wanaka prior to it being discovered en masse at the turn of this century.
Queensbury
Queensberry Wanaka is a breathtaking spot to call home. It feels like real alpine living, with lovely modern houses that are largely architecturally designed, tucked into the rugged rabbit infested hillside. The raw and rustic locale feels like living in the essence of all that rural Otago embodies. The stunning north facing vistas in the star lit skies or over moonlit snow capped outcrops inspire many photographic masterpieces.
Queensberry is equidistant between Wanaka and Queenstown and so benefits in the best of what the wider region has to offer in terms of hospitality and retail destinations, albeit by vehicle. There is a great taste plate and tasting spot at Nanny Goat vineyard and hopefully soon to be constructed a fantastic restaurant (experienced restauranteurs) out that way too.
Queensberry is either a location that works out for residents, and there is nowhere better in the world that they’d prefer to live, or they decide to up sticks and move into town, often because of teenagers and the distance into town.
Blocks of land are larger, but not necessarily more work unless one chooses to put on irrigation or start to dig and plant. The climate and landscape do lend itself to retaining the rustic natural charm of the alpine flora.
Central Wanaka
Central Wanaka has become infinitely more popular over the past 5 – 8 years as more and more people want to avoid getting in their vehicle. Being able to walk into town or down to the lake is at the very top of quite a few buyers wishlist. It does take deeper pockets to fulfil this desire. The price of land is far greater because of the density zoning.
From a climate and aspect perspective there are obvious reasons why the older areas of town have been built on first. These areas have superior views, are more sheltered and tend to have the most sunny aspect. Wanaka is infinitely more appealing than most of Queenstown, in my opinion, as the sun and view are in the same direction.
There are downsides to being centrally located. The higher density definitely isn’t for everyone. Parking can be an issue because of the density and commuter traffic. Life isn’t always quite as peaceful as other areas of town.