The Leaves are Changing!

Autumn is arguably one of the best times of year to visit the Queenstown Lakes District – the leaves are oh-so beautiful, the temperature is perfect for adventures and trails are quieter than in peak seasons. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, it’s perfect for a visit to the Secret Sauna and slow mornings with a coffee. The best time to see those beautifully yellow leaves is during April (but you’ll notice it anytime between late March to early May, depending on the weather).

Public Holidays & School Break

April is a jam-packed month. Autumn school holidays for Australia and New Zealand kick off in April, as well as Easter and Anzac Day providing with public holidays for us adults. You can get a $30 voucher for two nights or $75 voucher for three nights if you stay in any glamping accommodation at The Camp. It’s the perfect time to get out with your family and loved ones to make the most of getting outside before the weather starts to cool down.

Events in April

Check out the list of events below happening in the area:

Festival of Colour

March 29 – April 6, 2025

A true celebration of creativity, the Wānaka Festival of Colour is a nine-day event packed with theatre, music, dance, and storytelling from March 29 – April 6, 2025.

There’s a wide range of events happening throughout the week – check out the 2025 Programme for more info on individual events.

Native Plant Propagation Workshop with Te Kakano

April 1, 2025
Native species are an important component of our ecosystem and multiplying a single plant sure does make it easy. Join the Te Kākano team for a hands-on experience in native plant propagation. Learn about local flora, eco-restoration efforts, and how you can contribute to a greener future.

Harakeke Weaving Workshop with Te Kakano

April 5, 2025
Ever weaved some flax before? If you haven’t, it’s a great way to get crafty and cultural, all at once. Discover the traditional art of harakeke (flax) weaving in this interactive workshop. Connect with Māori culture while learning the techniques to create your own woven piece to take home.

Herbal Culture – Winter Remedy Workshop at Grow Wanaka Community Garden

April 12, 2025
We might be talking about autumn, but winter is just around the corner! Prepare for the colder months by learning how to craft natural herbal remedies. This workshop at Grow Wānaka Community Garden offers practical insights into using herbs to support health and well-being.

Wheels at Wanaka 2025

April 18–20, 2025
The largest vintage machinery event in New Zealand returns! Witness an incredible display of tractors, motorbikes, trucks, and heavy machinery in action. This year, Wheels at Wānaka will attempt a world record for the most Caterpillar machines in a parade while also hosting the New Zealand round of the Cat Global Operator Challenge.

Easter Egg Hunt

April 20 (Easter Sunday)

Get ready for the annual easter egg hunt at The Camp – it’s the perfect thing to keep the kids occupied. With sustainability a focus for us, you’ll be finding rocks instead of chocolate – bring them to us to receive your bounty!

Beach Clean-up at Wanaka Lakefront

April 22, 2025
Here at The Camp, sustainability and conservation are always front of mind – we want our beautiful home to be better for the next generation, and part of that means looking after what we’ve already got.

Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to the environment. Join the community in cleaning up the Wānaka Lakefront and help preserve this beautiful area for future generations.

Get Your Feet Wet at Bullock Creek

April 24, 2025
A great opportunity for eco-conscious individuals to engage in water conservation efforts. This hands-on experience focuses on freshwater restoration and protecting native species in Bullock Creek.

Last Month of The Food Truck at The Camp

As the cooler months set in, it’s your last chance to enjoy the delicious offerings from The Camp Food Truck before it closes after Easter weekend. We’re open Thursday to Sunday from 8–11 AM and 4–8 PM, so make sure to stop by for a meal. Oh, did we mention pizza nights? Every Thursday until we close, you’ll be able to grab any pizza for just $20 (including takeaways), plus plenty of other great options on the menu and music every Sunday from 4.30-7.30pm.

April is shaping up to be an exciting month in the region filled with creativity, culture, and community initiatives. Whether you’re keen to immerse yourself in the arts, learn a new skill, contribute to conservation efforts or explore the area (because that temperature is perfect for an adventure), there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mark your calendar and make the most of this vibrant autumn season!

Book your spot at The Camp

Summer is here, and there’s no better time to soak up the sunshine, explore Lake Hawea, and enjoy everything our incredible region has to offer. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable holiday season, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your summer stay at The Camp.

The Food Truck is Back!

Take your family to The Camp Food Truck for breakfast and dinner! We’re thrilled to announce that our food truck is in action. Our hours have extended for the peak season, which means that we are now open from Wednesday to Sunday, 8-11am and 3-8pm, from October through April.

We have a vibrant crew running the food truck this year and they are here to keep you fuelled for all your adventures.  Serving up fresh, locally sourced bites, you’ll find Kiwi-inspired flavours alongside mouth-watering vegan and gluten-friendly options. From quick breakfast fixes to hearty sunset dinners, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget that we have ice, drinks, ice creams available on site at The Camp Shop.

Stay in the loop by following us on Instagram, and don’t forget to check out our breakfast menu and dinner menu.

The Secret Sauna – Growing to Meet Demand

After an incredible first year, The Secret Sauna is expanding! Nat has added an additional sauna to accommodate larger groups, so you can relax and unwind in this serene lakeside retreat. Everyone is raving about the health benefits! Nestled in the natural beauty of Lake Hawea, the sauna is the perfect way to recover from a big year or a long hike/bike ride. The sauna will be exclusively available to our guests up until 10 January 2025, so make sure to book your spot in advance.

What’s New in Lake Hawea?

Fresh Choice Supermarket

A brand-new Fresh Choice supermarket has opened in Lake Hawea, just minutes away from The Camp. Stocked with all your essentials and local goodies, it’s perfect for grabbing last-minute picnic supplies, fresh ingredients, or snacks for your adventures.

New Gym Opening

Fitness enthusiasts will love this addition to Lake Hawea’s offerings. The new gym in Hawea features 24 hour access, modern facilities and a convenient location, providing a fantastic way to stay active during your stay. Whether you’re maintaining your routine or unwinding after a day of exploring, the gym is ready to welcome you.

Plan It: Your Personal Travel Assistant

Make your trip to Lake Hawea truly unforgettable with Plan It, an app that connects you to a team of personal travel assistants. They’ll guide you to the best experiences and help you craft the trip of a lifetime – it’s the ultimate booking tool for adventures like jet boating, bungy jumping, and more.

Use code “THECAMP” to receive exclusive discounts on activities all across New Zealand. Whether it’s booking outdoor adventures, dining experiences, or local events, Plan It ensures you don’t miss a thing!

Local Events and Activities

Lake Hawea is buzzing with excitement this summer! Here are some highlights to add to your itinerary:

Live Music Nights

Catch live music on Sundays from 4.30-7.30pm by The Food Truck at The Camp through the summer months. We hosted the Dirty Money Duo a few weeks back, and have plenty more talent to keep you entertained! Keep an eye on our social media for updates on dates and artists.

Bike Hire & Outdoor Adventures

Leave your bike at home! We now offer bike rentals in conjunction with NZ Bike Trails so you can explore the area with ease. Explore on a regular bike or ebike the Dunstan Trail (with shuttles to the trail included) or choose a trail close to the camp. You can book bikes to hire through Plan It or by coming into the office at The Camp.

Use code THECAMP for exclusive deals. Experiences make great Christmas gifts, so plan ahead.

Yoga Classes

Yogis, rejoice! Don’t lose your progress over the silly season. You can sign up for a drop in yoga class while you’re staying at The Camp. Head down to the Lake Hawea Community Centre (located in the main township) for yoga classes with Danni on Thursday nights, from 6.30-7.45pm.

Learn More Here 

Surfing in Hawea

The newly launched YourWave is an exciting addition to the region. Perfect for surfers of all levels, this innovative wave pool allows you to catch the perfect wave, no matter the conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to try something new, YourWave offers a thrilling experience for everyone. Book your session online and get ready to ride! You can book this through Plan It to make your trip arrangements streamlined. Don’t forget to use the code “THECAMP” when starting your journey with Plan It.

Hawea is also home to its own purpose-built wave, which can be found at the Camphill Bridge. The Hawea Wave is great for white water kayak, bodyboarding and surfing, but be warned – this is not for the faint hearted or beginners!

Lake Hawea Disc Golf

Lake Hawea’s disc golf is probably one of the most beautiful courses in the country (but we might be bias). Play a 18-hole round (par 57) while taking in the serene lakeside views, located at the corner of Lakeview Terrace and Muir Road. All you need is a disc (frisbee) to play a round – it’s the perfect afternoon activity while you’re staying at The Camp with the family or your friends. You can find the map at the beginning of the course, online from the Hawea Community association or on the free app UDisk.

Hiking Trails Nearby

There’s plenty of walking and hiking trails catered for a variety of ability levels. If you fancy a stroll, the Gladstone Track is a fantastic walk along the lakefront and will get you to the disc golf course. For those after a bit more elevation, the Isthmus Peak Track boasts panoramic views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka – skip the crowds of Roy’s Peak and get an even better view.

Summer at The Camp Hawea is all about making memories, exploring the outdoors, and enjoying the best of what our region has to offer. Don’t forget to stay updated about news and everything else happening in the region through the Wanaka App. We can’t wait to welcome you and help make your stay unforgettable. See you soon!

If you too are passionate about sustainability, our planet and people and want to learn how to implement regenerative practice, then the 2021 Aotearoa WAO Summit, held in Wanaka and Queenstown, is for you.

Started a few years back, the WAO Summit is now a six-day event aimed at mainstreaming sustainability and fostering diversity.

There are over 40 different kōrero, workshops, films and tours – all designed to help people, help the planet.  We are a proud supporter of the WAO Summit and we look forward to hosting people at Glen Dene Station on the Saturday as part of the Food & Fibre Tour.

We need to act now to decarbonise our economy, restore and increase biodiversity and ensure we look after the wellbeing of our communities along the way.

We play our part on a daily basis, with an array of sustainable practices we implement to ensure we leave our land better than when we found it. We are always looking at ways to gather knowledge, share our knowledge and together create a better future.

Here’s our other top tips for this year’s WAO Summit.

1/ As a proud sustainable tourism business, we’ll be attending the Back to Life Hui on Tourism on opening day – 26^th October. An almost full-day deep dive into regenerative tourism and continuing the conversations we started as a tourism community earlier this year.

Tip: There’s a talk on this too. Same day 3-5.30pm at the Lake Wanaka Centre.

2/ There are multiple workshops aimed at enabling businesses to calculate their carbon footprint. Checkout the best one for you here.

3/ On Friday 29 October, we couldn’t look past the Food & Fibre Talk – A vision for the primary sector – 7-9pm at the Lake Wanaka Centre.

4/ Join the Food & Fibre Tour on Saturday for a tour of local farms and producers around the Upper Clutha. Join us on-farm to see the work that has already been undertaken and how farmers are using technology, small group frameworks and integrated farm planning to stay ahead of the changes.

5/ End the Summit with locally-grown and produced food at the Spring Feast Lunch – Localising Food and Community Resilience with Robyn Guyton. We can’t think of anything better than ending a week of learning with a sumptuous meal made with love by volunteers and made with local produce.

Tickets still available and passes are a great way to book multiple events valid for certain sectors too.

Learn more about the Summit here.

Autumn is a perfect time to visit the Southern Lakes region with warm days, cool nights and the stunning autumn colours, so it’s no surprise that a lot of our most spectacular events are held over this period.

If you needed a reason to come visit us at The Camp over the next two months, and really you need no reason to come, we’ve rounded up our highlights of the best “must-do” events in Hawea and Wanaka. From adventure races, to vintage cars, wine, food and agriculture, there’s something for all tastes. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Lake Hawea camping or glamping adventure now and explore your backyard this Summer and Autumn.

Adventure:

Aside from Challenge Wanaka, held in February, the Motatapu Adventure Race and the Lake Hawea Epic Bike Race are a must for anyone fond of a bike, run or swim. Pitched at levels from beginner to advanced, each event offers something unique.

Motatapu – 6 March – The iconic Motatapu returns in 2021 with four iconic races, the 47km Mountain Bike Race, 15km Miners Trail, 42km Marathon and 51km Ultra Run. Held on one epic day, it is your one chance a year to experience the breathtaking high country terrain and traverse the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe Stations between Wanaka and Queenstown. www.motatapu.com

Lake Hawea Contact Epic – 17 April – Choose one of the three circumnavigations of Lake Hawea at 160, 125 or 95 km and enjoy the 100% pure South Island High Country Station scenery and remoteness on a ride you will never forget.

Or as an introduction, head in the other direction and complete the 35km Traverse riding through private farmland, traversing the mighty Clutha and Hawea Rivers, and back to the Lake Hawea Hotel.  A great option for beginners and intermediate riders as an introduction to the Contact Epic Experience. https://www.lakehaweaepic.co.nz/

Lifestyle:

The Wanaka A+P Show – 12-13 March 2021 – Wanaka Showgrounds – The Wanaka A&P Show is one of the South Island’s largest and most popular agricultural and pastoral shows. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Wanaka and the majestic Southern Alps, the Show brings together the very best of town and country. www.wanakashow.co.nz

NEW for 2021 – Ripe Food & Wine Festival – March 21 – Corbridge Estate – Central Otago’s acclaimed wine and food will take centre stage in Wānaka next year with the launch of Ripe, a new festival for the region. World class wine & food will be supported by entertainment including Nadia Lim and The Jordan Luck Band. www.ripewanaka.nz

Wheels at Wanaka – April 2 – Wheels at Wanaka, Easter 2021 If it’s got wheels or tracks it will be on show! Anyone can enter their unique set of wheels. Buzzing with energy, Wheels at Wanaka is a huge history in motion experience not to be missed. https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/

Festival of Colour – 12-18 April – The Festival of Colour is an arts and ideas festival with a packed week-long programme featuring an exciting mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts and conversation to take place in April in Wānaka. Known as ‘the best little arts festival www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

To view accommodation options, click here.