We have put together some fun activities for the whole family, discovering more about our stunning lakes & rivers this summer.
Each time you complete an activity, share your photos on social media with the #waiwanaka hashtag or email them to photos@waiwanaka.nz for a chance to go in the weekly draw for some local goodies. (During the month of January 2021 only)
Find one of our activity sheets at the Wānaka library, iSite or local accommodation providers in January 2021, or download your copy here:
The Southern Crested Grebe is a rather spectacular large waterbird with a long sharp bill, long neck and prominent crest. Grebes nest on platforms in the lake. Find them along the edge of the lake past the dinosaur park. Please be respectful and only view them from afar. Find out more about the Wānaka Grebe here.
TIP: Along the way you can discover another Wānaka water treasure, the Wānaka Spring. Cool off your hands in the beautiful clear water or re-fill your drink bottle on a hot day.
Bullock Creek is one of Wānaka’s special water treasures. Visit the beautiful boardwalk (107 Stone St) established by the Friends of Bullock Creek, and see if you can spot some fish in the crystal clear waters.
TIP: Once you’ve been to the boardwalk, see if you can find the place where Bullock Creek joins Lake Wānaka.
Diamond Lake is hidden away below Rocky Hill in the Matukituki Valley. It’s the perfect place to visit on a calm early morning when the water of the lake is glassy and reflective. It’s a short walk to the lake, but well worth climbing up to the lookout: 2km return (lots of stairs) or if you’re feeling fit, all the way to the top of Rocky Hill!
A SNIPPET OF HISTORY: There are records from the 1930’s of people skating on Diamond Lake. It was one of Wanaka’s earliest tourist attractions!
The Clutha / Mata-Au flows 338km from Lake Wānaka and pours out around 6,800 bath tubs per second into the Pacific Ocean! Walk or ride along the beautiful fisherman’s track from the lake outlet to Albert Town. Can you keep up with the fast current?
INTERESTING FACTS: One standard bath tub holds around 90 litres of water. The Clutha river discharges around 614,000 litres/second! In New Zealand, the average person uses 227 litres of water per day. Find more NZ water stats here.
The Butterfield Wetland is a great afternoon trip of exploration for young and old. Cross the swing bridge over the Hāwea River. The wetland walk is a 2.4km looptrack or 600m from the swingbridge. Tip: it’s well worth the view to climb up the bank on the loop track! Wetlands improve water quality and are often described as the kidneys of the landscape. They also support a variety of native birds, fish, invertebrates, and plants.
TIP: Check out the Department of Conservation ‘Kiwi Guardian’ page for more activities and claim your wetland medal.
Did you know that the most common fish spotted under the main wharf on the lakefront are longfin eels?
It’s best to let them feed themselves. Human food, such as old bread, is not good for their digestive system.
If you have goggles and can swim, you can jump off the wharf on a calm hot day and watch them from under the water. See if you can spot any other aquatic animals while you’re there.
INTERESTING FACTS: Eels eat ‘live’ food and use their sense of smell to locate their prey at night.
Albert Town has a little treasure at its heart. The lagoon has been planted with native trees and shrubs over the last few years to help improve water quality and increase habitat for native biodiversity. Bring a picnic and play our nature treasure hunt with the kids.
INTERESTING FACTS: Planting along the banks of waterways is called riparian planting, from the latin word ‘ripa: bank’. WAI Wānaka has been involved in a number of riparian planting projects with Te Kākano Aoteroa Trust. Find out more.