Why visit Wanaka in spring?

News from Nicole Fairweather — 19/07/2007

If your aim is to enjoy the clear air and the beauty of the Wanaka area when the mountains are covered with snow and to ski and snowboard when the slopes are less crowded, visit there between the July and September school holidays. If you want to join in ski events check the dates of the September races. If you prefer to be part of an exciting festival with crowds of visitors and a full programme of all-ages activities on and off the mountain, make your bookings NOW for the twentieth annual Wanakafest, 12-16 September.

John Alldred, CEO of Lake Wanaka Tourism believes spring is an excellent time to visit Lake Wanaka, “You get the best of all seasons and can enjoy a variety of activities from skiing and snowboarding in the morning to mountain biking, wine tours and lake cruises in the afternoon. The climate makes for a well rounded trip,” he said.

Spring Skiing in Lake Wanaka Springtime at Lake Wanaka’s four ski areas offers some of the best ski conditions with warm and sunny climates, great travel deals and uncrowded slopes. The season continues through until October giving snow lovers an extension on their fun and enjoyment in the alpine resort.

Skier enjoying spring snow conditions at Lake Wanaka Photo source Lake Wanaka Tourism Click here to view a larger version

Good holiday values Spring accommodation, rental and travel specials provide good value holidays to tempt snow enthusiasts to the mountains. With internet bookings, great last minute deals and more direct flights to the Southern Lakes region, spring ski trips do not need to be planned too far in advance.

The warmer climates and longer hours of sunshine allow for more action on the mountain and with the July school holidays over there is rarely a queue for the lift. In previous years Cardrona Alpine Resort has seen three times more skiers take to the slopes during the July school holidays than in September.

Treble Cone staff rejoicing in the snow across the Southern Alps Photo source Lake Wanaka Tourism Click here to view a larger version

The winter months’ natural snow fall, combined with extensive snow-making capabilities at all the mountains during the colder months, ensures the ski fields build a solid base which lasts them through to the end of the season. The average snow depth recorded in September over the past years at Cardrona and Treble Cone has been 100 cm at 1750m.

Both Snow Park and Treble Cone have tiered ticket pricing for day passes with rates varying according to the time of the season. This pricing structure offers great value spring riding with adult day passes as low as $55 at Snow Park and $89 at Treble Cone.

September events A fun mix of events on and off the mountain continue throughout September.

At Treble Cone the Swift Coffeetime/Volkl Ski Masters race will be staged 1-2 September.

Treble Cone will also be the start line for the mountain to mountain race (9 September), with the finish line at the Snow Farm.

The Coca Cola Cardrona Games (2-4 September) will challenge skiers and riders in the superpipe, slopestyle and boarder/skier X.

Across the valley Snow Park NZ continues the fun for the Chop Washed Up Cup (7 September) and Armadageddon (15 September) both demonstrating great freestyle action and Snow Farm will host New Zealand’s first Biathlon ski race (15-16 September) on their newly built range.

Wanakafest 2007 12-16 September A five-day fun-filled programme will bring Wanaka’s lakefront alive with music, parades, food, wine, fireworks and crazy antics for the 20th anniversary of Wanakafest, this September.

Fire Dancers at Wanakafest Photo source Lake Wanaka Tourism Click here to view a larger version

It is a chance for both locals and visitors to join in the celebrations with plenty of kids’ and family activities to entertain.

The festival team has been busy signing up entertainers, booking venues, creating events and concocting a few surprises for festival goers this year. New to the 2007 programme is a Hypno Show, a Casino Royale themed evening and a fun family Music, Market & Munchies afternoon.

The old favourites still hold their place in the programme; the ever-popular Infinity Street Parade, the challenging Meadowfresh Tradesman’s Crate Stack, the wacky Polar Plunge and the glamorous Passion for Fashion Show will all return.

Festival manager Kerry Quin said there will be something for everyone to enjoy during festival, “There are heaps of opportunities for people to get involved to help celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Wanakafest. We have created some new events this year to keep the programme fresh and to encourage all members of the community to join in, plus to attract visitors from further afield,” she said.

Aspiring Auto Court and Kia Motors have again kindly provided a KIA Sorrento vehicle to support the Wanakafest team over the coming months. Brightly signed with the Wanakafest logo the car will be seen around town and act as a reminder to the community that Wanakafest is on.

The festival runs from 12-16 September and stages over 40 events attracting hundreds of participants and drawing crowds of up to 5500 people, with more than 30 community groups involved, including schools, businesses and craftspeople.

The festival is grateful to the family of generous sponsors; Infinity, Trustpower, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Q92 The Breeze, More FM, The Edge, Central Lakes Trust and Kia Motors Aspiring Autocourt, and the many Trusts and local businesses.

For more information see the website www.wanakafest.co.nz

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