Location
Based in the Upper Clutha Valley, we run our trips out of Wanaka, a town with a tourism and high country farming economy, on the shores of picturesque Lake Wanaka. We are 5 hours from Christchurch via the Inland Scenic Route over the Lindis Pass, and 1 hour from Queenstown over the Crown Range Highway (89). We are 40 minutes from Cromwell in Central Otago and 1 hour from Alexandra in the 'heart of the desert'.

Wanaka is the gateway to the Mt. Aspiring National Park, in the South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area, extending over 355,500 hectares of alpine and rainforest wilderness.

Climate
New Zealand's climate is as diverse as its landscape, with some remarkable extremes. It's easy to travel from one climate zone to another, and so it is wise to be prepared for wind, rain, sun, and changes in temperature.

Wanaka is between the alpine climate of the Southern Alps and the semi-desert climate of the Central Otago region. The Upper Clutha Valley extends eastward then south-eastward into Central Otago.

~ September: The weather tends to be clear and cool, with late frosts and bright, sunny days. The snow on the tops is thawing.

~ October and November: As the season warms up, cool mornings become mild or warm afternoons. Periods of sunny weather are mixed with changeable weather bringing wind and rain, and sometimes late snow on the tops, which soon melts. Precipitation is typically at night. Spring growth is everywhere and the landscape acquires a green flush. The sun is becoming strong.

~ December and early January: The weather begins to settle with less wind and rain. The days are long and hot - temperatures can reach the mid to high 30's C. (90's F.) but average in the mid 20's C. (70's F.). The landscape begins to dry out.

~ Mid-January, February, and into March: The days are often dry and sunny, with occasional night rain, or brief rain fronts pushing over the alpine divide. Temperatures can climb higher in February. The hills take on a golden dryness.

~ April: The weather can be a mix of beautiful, clear, mild days, or cooler fronts bringing early snow to the tops. The nights become cool. It can remain dry. The region's low humidity results in brilliant Autumn / Fall colours.

Sun / Insects
The sun is strong in New Zealand, especially between 11am and 2pm.  If you come rafting, it is best to apply suncreen before your trip because it will be more effective. And bring a hat, preferably one that you can secure.

Sandflies and mosquitoes prefer the wetter, coastal areas, and since we are on the edge of the Central Otago semi-desert, they are relatively rare here.

Wanaka Eco Adventures
Chris Riley and Ken Seki are among Wanaka's most experienced specialists in guided hiking, lake cruising and fishing. They offer unique eco adventures to Mou Waho Island on Lake Wanaka.

Chris, or "Riles", would be one of the most knowledgable and friendly guides in New Zealand. His adventures have taken him to many parts of the world, often as a natural history documentary diver/photographer on extraordinary expeditions.

Chris and myself have rafted together a number of times on the Clutha Mata-Au, most notably in 1992 when we tackled a Grade 6 rapid nicknamed the 'Terminator' on a six-day rafting expedition from Lake Wanaka to the Pacific. Somehow, we survived!

Ken Seki, like Chris, also has extensive guiding experience and a vast knowkledge of the  flora and fauna. 

Mou Waho Island is a sanctuary for native species, and Chris has embarked on a long-term reforestation project, regularly planting native trees to further enhance this island gem, which has its own lake, Arethusa Pool, with its own little islands. Thus, you can say there is "an island on a lake, on an island on a lake, on an island."

www.ecowanaka.co.nz

Riversong Homestay
Here is the ultimate river homestay. Ian and Ann Horrax have tastefully restored an original ferryman's cottage located on an out-of-the-way riverbank at Albert Town, a few minutes from Wanaka.

Ann is a caring and warm-hearted hostess, who likes to see her guests enjoy a delicious, healthy meal, and then relax on the peaceful verandah or riverbank. Ian is a keen fisherman with a wealth of interesting knowledge. Ann and Ian have travelled entensively together and have created a wonderful, idyllic retreat that will cast a gentle spell on you.

Your time at 'Riversong' will put you in a peaceful, comfortable 'river-frame-of-mind' that you will always remember.

www.riversongwanaka.co.nz

Te Wanaka Lodge
If you're looking for friendly, lodge accommodation in the heart of Wanaka, look no further than Wayne and Mandy's place.

Te Wanaka Lodge has set the standard for hospitality in Wanaka, providing comfortable alpine-style rooms with ensuites, irresistible food and legendary service, in an atmosphere that is always welcoming. The luxurious common room is the perfect place to discuss your travels, around the massive wooden table (it's not really a ski jump ramp in the winter).

Both Wayne and Mandy are keen outdoor people, who will share their knowledge with you and offer reliable advice on local activities. If you want to book a rafting trip with them, we will pick you up at Te Wanaka Lodge and return you there safe and sound afterward (...hmm, you might be a little wet from a rapid or two, but you'll be smiling).

www.tewanaka.co.nz