Wānaka is a hot spot in New Zealand for many reasons, one of them being that it’s only a hop, skip, and a 50-minute drive away from its big brother: Queenstown. Wānaka is like the underdog child that is prettier and has better banter, all while being extremely humble and sometimes overlooked… But smart holiday travelers know that this destination is where it’s at!
Easter and the school holidays are when Wānaka shines, although with the large inpouring of tourists filling out the town, it’s good to get the low-down on where to go.
Wānaka is a dream for mountain bikers as it boasts a wide range of trails for any skill level. For that, check out our blog post on where to ride while you’re here, but for now, let’s focus on where to stay and what to do while you’re in town for the holidays.
Accommodation
The Wānaka Homestead is where it’s at for all of you luxe riders out there. They’ve got a lock-up room for bikes and a hose to clean ’em off after you’ve been tearing up the tracks. And with five king or twin bed & breakfast rooms, you can bring your whole posse along for the ride. The Homestead also hosts self-catering cottages that are perfect for the fam – the Ruby Cottage sleeps four and the Lismore Cottage sleeps seven. Plus, The Homestead is just a quick ten-minute drive to Bike Glendhu and only a stones throw away from the lakefront trails and the infamous #thatwānakatree for your IG fans.
If you’re planning on shredding it around Wānaka and looking for somewhere lush to rest your tootsies, then we recommend Edgewater! Not only is it conveniently located near some of the best biking spots (including just 10 minutes’ from Bike Glendhu), but they’ve also got some seriously sweet in-house amenities (saunas and spas included!) and are Wanaka’s only true lakefront accommodation!
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Glendhu Bay (formerly Glendhu Bay Motor Camp)
If you’re a keen camper, you gotta check out Hampshire Holidays Parks – Glendhu Bay for the ultimate bike + camp adventure! These guys are across the road from Bike Glendhu – 300 meters to be exact – meaning you can practically roll out of bed and onto your bike. The camp also hosts a bike wash, secure bike stand, and e-bike charging station for all your biking needs! And if you’re traveling with your little shredders, the camp is a safe biking haven, with the scenic Millennium Track just around the corner as well. If you’re looking for a tad more comfort, there are cabins, a lodge, and even a house – so it’s safe to say they’ve got you covered!
If you’re not sold on these options yet, never fear! There are tonnes more, check out this blog post by Lake Wānaka Tourism here.
Eat & Drink
Close to town and oh-so-conveniently connected to b.effect brewing, b.social is a one-stop shop for bangin’ food, as well as a large range of b.effect’s tasty craft beers, wine, kombucha and other non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re feeling peckish, their kitchen serves up shareable plates. A classic spot for a beer garden session post-ride.
If you’re feeling like you want to get crafty and explore the wonderful world of craft beers, Rhyme & Reason is a must-hit while in town! A self-professed “small crew of wacky beetles”, the team at RxR know how to get creative while delivering a stellar product (and vibe to boot). With over 14 taps and locally made pies on offer, it’s the perfect spot to park your bike and put your feet up.
It doesn’t get more classic than this place. If you want to have a local experience that’s full of Kiwiana, consider Kai Whakapai the institution of adventure sports hangouts. With a slew of outdoor seating that looks out over the lake and mountains, reasonably priced tap beers, and pizzas firing out from the kitchen – this spot is popular to say the very least. Get in early to snag a table and settle in for a long social session with the wide array of mountain folk who pass by here on the daily.
Hit the trails at Bike Glendhu then roll conveniently into Velo Café & Beer Garden, located at Base 334 (Bike Glendhu’s base area), where you grab a coffee and enjoy a delicious range of healthy and tasty treats. The menu includes nachos, pies, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, beers, kombucha… The list goes on!
For all of you eco-warriors out there, you’ll be pleased to hear both Velo Café and Bike Glendhu are committed to an environmentally-focused approach to doing business. Our café is solar-powered and does not provide takeaway packages or cups and continues to assess how to do things differently for the betterment of our environment. Learn more about our Environmental Goals here!
If you’re feeling boujee and want to splurge on something special, Kika is your answer. Owned and operated by award-winning chef James Stapley, who draws inspiration from global flavors to deliver innovative sharing-style plates that boast local produce that just hit different. To match these fineries, is an even finer wine list, curated with a mix of local and international varietals to complement the menu. You won’t find any white tablecloths here, Kika holds a cozy/casual atmosphere that encourages chillaxing. We highly recommend!
Events
Dual Slalom, supported by Trek
April 12
Get ready to go head-to-head at Bike Glendhu’s newest signature event, the Dual Slalom, supported by our friends at Trek. Fast, technical, and guaranteed fun—the Dual Slalom event is all about skill, speed, and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Taking place on the Two Good trails, originally built for Crankworx Summer Series in 2021, this knockout-style race will see riders battle it out on a world-class track, with the last one standing in each category declared the winner.
Whether you’re lining up at the start gate or cheering from the sidelines, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Learn more and register here. Get your race entry for just $20 (+$20 trail pass if needed).
Pretty Sweet Thursdays at Bike Glendhu
Every Thursday until April 24
Each week at BG, we be hosting a soirée of rides, vibes, lucky dip DJs and sporadic spot prizes! Want the details? We got ’em.
Passes are just $10 for all after 5pm, thanks to our friendly neighbourhood sponsor Pretty Sweet Lighting and Electrical. We’ll be serving up your favourite local craft beers, along with our $40 Nacho + Two Pints deal. There will also be the occasional music act and other fun goodies!
Don’t forget to bring a head torch and warmer layers as the evenings begin to cool down for night riding! Helmet lights are for sale in our shop on-site, as well as available for rent for $20. Call or email Ticketing to reserve.
April 19-20
Get ready for Wheels at Wanaka 2025 — New Zealand’s ultimate celebration of wheels, engines, and everything that rolls! Held every two years, this family-friendly festival showcases classic cars, trucks, tractors, motorbikes, earthmovers, military vehicles, and more against the stunning backdrop of Wanaka. With live demos, parades, and plenty of dirt-flying action, it’s a must-see event for motoring enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Bike Glendhu
April 18-21
Welcome to the Greatest Easter Egg Hunt on Earth! (Or at least, the best one in Wanaka).
Over Easter weekend, take to the trails and keep your eyes peeled for hidden coloured rocks. Each coloured rock will earn you a chocolate treat at the Ticketing office at BG, so put ’em in your pocket to bring back to Base 334.
But what if you find a GOLD ROCK? Well, Easter egg hunts aren’t just for kids, because a gold rock entitles you to some pretty sweet prizes for both kids and adults! The sooner you find a gold rock, the better your pick of the prize selection will be!
Each day from Good Friday until Easter Monday, we’ll put all the rocks back out for hunters to find again – so your chances to win reset! Happy hunting!
Needless to say, Wānaka has a ton to offer for riders over Easter and the school holidays, regardless of your skill levels and enthusiasm. If you’re planning a trip to this part of the world, remember that Bike Glendhu has everything you need for an epic day out, including ebikes, full suspension and kids’ bike hires, shuttles and a rad base area complete with cafe, beer garden and kids’ play area. Be sure to jump online and book your day out in advance so you don’t miss out.