APRES-SKI IN WANAKA

Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island is not just a place of pilgrimage for skiers and snowboarders from all across the world but is, in itself, a World Heritage site and a must-see destination for anyone visiting New Zealand. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka and a 45-minute drive from the adrenaline-filled city of Queenstown (where bungee jumping was invented), Wanaka is nothing short of spectacular. It combines the peace and serenity of awe-inspiring scenery with ample facilities, a fantastic variety of cuisine (Kiwi, Mexican, Thai, vegetarian and even Kashmiri!) and a great nightlife. The town has an awesome feel about it - its beauty, its friendly people and its laid-back lifestyle perfectly sum up the entire country and New Zealand is certainly a country that will get into your soul. Sadly, one or two of the Bledisloe Cup rugby clashes are played in New Zealand during the SnowSkool course and recently, the results have not been much to the liking of our Aussie students!

Cool Wanaka

Wanaka offers plenty of variety for a night on the tiles. Wanaka has over forty bars, pubs, lounges and nightclubs offering everything from big-name DJs to live bands, quiz nights, bingo, fancy-dress nights and even a leg of the New Zealand jelly-wrestling tour – which has, in the past, been won by a SnowSkool student! If it’s a quiet relaxing night you’re after why not enjoy one of the many Kiwi and international beers on offer at the famous Speight’s ale house. The view from the balcony over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding snow-capped peaks is tough to beat.

However if it’s a party you are in search of why not start the night off with drinks specials in the ever popular Shooters Bar? Then take a trip to Post Office lane and enjoy outdoor drinking with a log fire before dancing into the early hours at the Red Rock club?

Attractions

If you do not fancy heading out for the evening, the SnowSkool apartments offer the perfect venue for relaxing, pick a DVD from the FREE video library, catch up on your correspondence with wireless internet or hit the saunas to relax those tired limbs!

Many people ask about how much money they will require to sustain a lively season-long experience in Wanaka. In the past, we have polled SnowSkool students and the average weekly spend tends to be about $150 per person per week and this will cover all aspects of your social life as well as breakfast, lunches and all food at the weekend.

SnowSkool @ Queenstown

The SnowSkool weekend trip to Queenstown has to be worthy of special mention! Every year, the team make a trip over the Crown Range to Queenstown. Unfortunately I can’t go into too much detail but the days involve bungee jumping, sky diving, jet-boating, luge, toboganning, bungee-swings and much more and the nights involve dancing, bars, chatting(-up), drinks, dinner, nightclubs, watching the sunrise and much more. I am sure you get the picture!

Interested in finding out more ...

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