There’s nothing like the feeling of rolling back into Base 334 after a big day on the trails at Bike Glendhu. Whether you’ve been chasing summit views, cruising flow lines, or ticking off fast laps, après is all part of the ritual, where you get to swap handlebars for a cold drink.
Wānaka’s après scene is stacked with great options, but out at the park, you gotta stop in for the on-site vibe at Velo Café & Beer Garden. Then, if you’re heading into town, there’s plenty more to explore.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best après ride spots in Wānaka.
Velo Cafe & Beer Garden: BG’s own
If you’re looking for the most convenient, sun-soaked, leg-resting, beer-in-hand destination after a ride – this is it.
Why Riders Love It
Velo Café & Beer Garden sits right at Base 334, meaning your après starts the moment you roll off the trail. Bikes parked. Beers poured. Food ordered. Done.
The vibe is classic Glendhu Bay: chilled tunes, gold sunshine across the mountains, kids playing on the lawn, and riders swapping stories from the day.
The food & drink
- Share plates like pizzas, loaded nachos and chips
- Sanga’s Pies (a fan favourite)
- Local craft beer, cider and cocktails on tap (shout-out Canyon Brewing)
- Common Ground coffee if your finishing your ride early
- Vegan + GF options so everyone is sorted
Whether you’re here for an après beer, a post-ride feed, or you’re parking up for the evening with your crew, Velo delivers every time. It’s the perfect mix of epic trails, epic views and epic après – the Bike Glendhu trifecta.
Kai Whakapai: The lakefront classic
If you’re heading into town after your ride, Kai (as locals call it) is hard to beat.
Sitting right on the lakefront, it’s a breezy, unfussy café-bar that effortlessly shifts from daytime coffee spot to evening craft-beer hangout. Grab a table outside, take in the Wānaka ranges, and let the post-ride glow do its thing.
Why it’s great for riders
- Huge outdoor seating area with bike parking
- Plenty of menu options (burgers, bowls, pizza, snacks, vegan/veg options)
- A strong tap list for craft-beer lovers
- Casual, central and perfect for groups
If you want to get a bit social after your ride and finish with a beer in the sun, Kai Whakapai is an ideal stop.
b.social taproom & eatery: A hidden gem
b.social is a vibrant taproom just a short drive from town centre and Sticky Forest bike trails. It’s a dream for riders who want a chilled, communal, beer-first atmosphere coupled with a bangin’ burger.
Best for
- Groups of mates
- Riders who want a proper craft beer flight
- Families (kid-friendly vibe)
- Anyone craving burgers, loaded fries, or classic pub-style feeds
The indoor-outdoor flow is perfect on warm evenings, and the staff know their brews, so it’s a great spot if you want to keep the post-ride buzz going with a pint or two.
Food trucks & takeaways: The casual option
Sometimes after a big ride, all you want is to sit on the ground, kick off the knee pads, and inhale something delicious. That’s where Wānaka’s food-truck scene shines.
On Brownston Street, you’ll find a rotating mix of:
- Tacos and burritos (hey Burritocraft!)
- Wood-fired pizza (Go-to: Pizza Pizza)
- Fried chicken boxes and burgers (the famous Firebird)
- Curry + Asian-fusion bowls (So many favourites in that neck of the woods!)
This option is perfect for:
- Budget-friendly après
- Groups who all want something different
- Grabbing food to take back to the lake or the lawn at home
It’s laid-back, fast, and flavour-heavy – all the things you want after a day in the dirt.
Tips for making the most of your après ride
- At Bike Glendhu, time your descent to hit Base 334 just before the sun goes behind the mountains for the best golden-hour après.
- Pack a change of clothes or layers so you’re comfy and warm – whether you hang out at the park or end up heading into town.
- Hydrate before you hydrate – especially after hot summer laps.
- Planning to push through from après to dinner? Book ahead at busy dinner spots, especially if you’re here on a holiday weekend.
TL;DR
The best place to wrap up your ride at Bike Glendhu is Velo Café & Beer Garden – cold brews, good food and unbeatable mountain views, all without leaving Base (we may be a little biased).
If you’re heading into Wānaka, hit Kai Whakapai for lakefront beers, b.social for craft vibes, or grab a feed from the food trucks for an easy post-ride refuel. Ride hard, relax harder.