Located in a lakeside alpine setting, the bustling township of Wanaka is well designed so visitors can easily walk around all the great shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. However there is plenty of parking available for cars, motorbikes and campervans.

Like most tourist towns, Wanaka enjoys generous shopping hours with most shops also open during weekend hours and public holidays (as permitted).

Visitors can enjoy great buying for all New Zealand’s renowned quality products and materials, including fashionable New Zealand woollen garments; leather, ski gear and outdoor adventure wear, along with the latest international fashions and New Zealand labels.

Funky streetwear, snow-wear plus ski and snowboard sales are all on offer at Base, a popular clothing shop for fashionable locals and those seeking quality ski and snowboard gear. Base also offers Wanaka’s largest dedicated ski and snowboard rental facility. All their skis and boards are replaced every 1-2 years and their team of expertly trained ski and snowboarders understand the local conditions and provide expert assistance and advice on all gear rentals.

Mountain sports and leisurewear can be found at Good Sports – Wanaka’s leading outdoor and adventure sports retailer. Clothing and equipment for all those exciting outdoor activities can be found in the modern store, along with leading New Zealand brands such as Macpac, Earth Sea Sky, Survival Merino and more!

There is also a great range of fashion shops for men and women, including shoes and accessories, all easily located within the main shopping area.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the small yet talented selection of local galleries. Gallery Thirty Three is probably Wanaka’s best Art Gallery and exhibits an exciting array of contemporary New Zealand artists in a range of media. This is the place to find contemporary New Zealand paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery. New Zealand arts and crafts are well represented within the Southern Lakes District.

Souvenir hunters wont be disappointed at the quality selection of New Zealand made giftware and souvenirs available from Wanaka shops such as Originz & Orbis, Georges, Kaleidoscope and the Lake Wanaka Visitor Information Centre. However if you are looking for New Zealand books, postcards, general magazines, newspapers and stationary, your ‘port of call’ is Wanaka Paper Plus in Helwick Street.

The Wanaka township may boast a great selection of specialist stores, however you will still be able to easily locate general shops for your everyday or general requirements, including pharmacy shops, hairdressers, florists, music stores, travel agents, banks, post office, photography, etc.

Major credit cards are accepted in most shops along with banks that can assist with changing travellers’ cheques and foreign currency.