The Best Bars In Wanaka New Zealand

Wanaka has quite a diverse bar scene for a small New Zealand town. You’ll find everything from upscale cocktail lounges to cool gastropubs and laid-back sports bars there, many of which reside on the township’s picturesque main street. Whatever your nightly tastes, here are some of the best places to check out.

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Speight’s Ale House

Bar, Gastropub, Restaurant, Pub Grub, European, Contemporary, $

Wanaka Bullock Bar

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, $$
The Bullock Bar is definitely the town local, with people from all walks of life coming together for a chilled happy hour drink and some unpretentious pub grub. There are gaming machines, dart boards and pool tables inside for those wanting a bit of entertainment, plus a collection of big screen TVs set to appease the sports-loving patrons dropping by.

Lake Bar

Bar, Gastropub, European, Pub Grub, Contemporary, Wine, Beer, $
For some of the best views in town, you can’t go wrong with the Lake Bar. This welcoming joint really offers something for everyone: live sports screenings, country-style dining, kids meals and an assortment of weekly specials. Shared platters can be made gluten free upon request and usually come with a nice selection of seafood, cold meats and cheeses.

Barluga Cocktail Bar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub, $$

Barluga is the go-to spot for live music in Wanaka. The bar has live DJs playing in its courtyards every Friday and Saturday night, with the beats pumping right into the early hours of the morning. Pop in earlier to enjoy a more refined experience – with leather couches, a roaring fireplace, classic cocktail offerings plus a generous selection of wines straight out the Central Otago region setting the scene for a well-rounded night in town.

Lalaland Lounge Bar Wanaka

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub, $$
Lalaland is a hidden gem that’s perfect for those wanting some aprés-ski drinks with epic views. Specialist cocktails are the bar’s top crowd-pleaser, though they’re also renowned for offering a range of decently priced tap beers, wines and spirits. Food is more on the light bar snack side of things, and local DJs liven up this hip establishment every Saturday night.

Trout Bar & Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, European, Oceanian, Contemporary, $
Trout is quite a versatile place – it’s a bar, cafe and restaurant meshed into one wonderful lakefront location. Bar patrons get to enjoy a number of craft ales and locally produced wines, while the dining crowds are invited to relish delicacies like bluff oysters, blue cod entrées and mains, a hearty selection of vegetarian meals as well as dishes to satisfy all meat lovers.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.