Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 19-Lunch and a walk in Wanaka-4/29/2024

After we checked in out hotel and rest for a bit, we asked around for a place to have a casual lunch and the Wanaka Food Truck Park was recommended.  From our hotel to Wanaka Food truck was less than 5 minutes so we decided to go there.

The Wanaka Food Truck Park, a bright and welcoming space that felt like a mix between a garden and an open-air market. Off to the side, it looked like a stream ran through the property, adding a soft, peaceful sound to the lively atmosphere.

Colorful food trucks were scattered across the property, each serving something different type of cuisine. Outdoor seating was set up under big umbrellas and leafy trees, making it easy to relax and enjoy the crisp autumn day.

Overview of the Wanaka Food truck Park.

The area is really nice and it was a beautiful fall day to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

They have communal table, so we shared a table.

It has been a while since we have Asian food, so when Hoa saw that Coco Hut was a an Asian "fusion" food truck, he was happy.  They sell everything from Thai style noodles, to Japanese style Gyoza, Chinese dim sum and Malaysian style curry.

So glad to find out they sell Vietnamese coffee.  It has been so long, so we are happy to get some.

I ordered a beef burrito and they did an really good job.  The flour tortilla was pan seared, so it is really crispy and really delicious.

Hoa ordered a bowl of spicy Tom Yum Noodle soup, and it was actually really good.

This is our lunch, Burrito, Tom Yum Noodle soup, and Vietnamese coffee.

After Lunch, I wanted something sweet so I went the Curbside Coffee & Bagel food truck and bought a pastry.

They did not have much choice so I selected a blueberry muffin, and I was a bit surprised that they cut the muffin in half and crisp it up on a pan.  It was super delicious.

This is the view of the Park from our table. 

Here you can really see the stream running through the property.  It is really nice sitting here.

After lunch we just walked across the street to the main street in Downtown Wanaka.

We wandered along Helwick Street, one of Wanaka’s main thoroughfares, lined with boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants.

  Walking through downtown Wānaka along Helwick Street, with boutique shops, cafés, and galleries lining the road.

Downtown Wānaka is actually quite compact and we comfortably walk across it in 10–15 minutes.

This is the center of downtown Wanaka around Helwick Street and Ardmore Streets.

Wanaka is t’s not a sprawling city center, it is more of a cozy alpine village core, but it is lively. The lakefront is only a short stroll from almost anywhere in the downtown area, so you’re never far from those big mountain-and-water views.

As you head down Helwick Street, the buildings and shop fronts gradually give way to wider views, and then the view of a body of water surrounded by mountains are straight in front of you

Crossing Ardmore Street and the lakefront is straight ahead.

The sun is high above shinning over Lake Wānaka that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

A beautiful White Willow tree next to the shore of Wanaka Lake.

The wharf at Wānaka is a small but striking focal point on the lakefront.

  Its dark wooden planks stretch out over the crystal-clear water, inviting you to walk toward the middle and feel completely surrounded by the lake and mountains.

The water was incredible clear and wild ducks paddle lazily around

 Wild ducks dipping their heads under the water in search of food.

Sitting on the wharf.

Next to the wharf, long, dark shapes glide silently through the water.  These are freshwater eels, twisting and weaving between the poles of the wharf.

The water on the lake is crystal clear.

Along the Wānaka lakefront, a few local operators offer canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for hire, so visitors can explore the shoreline or even paddle out toward the small islands in the lake.

Gigantic trees create a sweeping, natural canopy that create shade for people to rest.

 In the fall, the willow trees along Wānaka’s shore turn the whole lakeside into a golden ribbon. Their long, delicate branches sweep toward the water. The leaves are now in the shades of yellow and gold, glowing against the deep blue of the lake.

NEXT... Wanaka Lake