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!

Thanks to the amazing team at NZ Bike Trails, we have a range of kids, medium and large mountain bikes for hire from The Hub Office and Store at The Camp. When you arrive, make sure you head into the office to see the lovely team to book your bike!

There’s so many trails to explore around the Lake Hawea region and the waether is looking like perfect biking weather.

NZ Bike Trails also has e-Bikes for rent and while these are not onsite, we can organise booking these for you!

Why not e-Bike from The Camp in Lake Hawea to Wanaka and get a shuttle back? Take your time, do a bit of shopping, have a lovely lunch in Wanaka and then shuttle back!

Or e-Bike the amazing Dunstan Cycle Trail with a guided tour with NZ Bike Trails? To book, talk to thee team at the Office and they will sort you out with the bike option that best suits you.

For more information on NZ Bike Trails click HERE.

While many of our guests are super excited just to kick back in their accommodation, whatever style it is (and we have many!) some of our guests want to get out and about and explore  – stat! And regardless of where in The Camp you are staying, from our lavish Cross Hill Geodomes to an unpowered tent site, we know that our guests love the inside info on the best things to do in the region while they’re here.

So, we’ve put together a few lists of Top 5 Things to Do in the Lake Hāwea region this summer – this is the first one! Stayed tuned for more!

1. Take a hike – or two, or three…

There are so many incredible walks and hikes around the Lake Hāwea region! Depending on your level of fitness, there’s a walk or hike suitable for everyone. From the easy, undulating Gladstone Track on the Lake Hāwea lakefront, to the dramatic challenge of Corner Peak at 1683metres at the far end of Timaru Creek Road, there’s no shortage of epic views to be enjoyed.

Gladstone Track:

Located along the lakefront, Gladstone Track is a fairly easy walk or bike ride that winds it’s way from the start of the Lake Hāwea township all the way to Johns Creek in the righthand corner of the lakefront. 12.4kms long, the walk can be started and ended at different areas along the way as there are numerous access points including Scotts Beach, Kite Surfers Beach, The Esplanade car park, Flora Dora Parade entrance, and Johns Creek. Amazing views and the opportunity to stop and skip some stones, this is the perfect walk or bike ride for nearly every fitness level and age.

Dingle Burn Peninsula Track:

Located down Timaru Creek Road, the Dingle Burn is a pretty popular fishing spot for those keen on a bit of fishing. A 3-4 hour walk, it is rated as an easy walk for most levels of fitness. On a clear day, Mt Aspiring/Tititea can be seen from the track.

Isthmus Peak:

Corner Peak:

This is hike not for the faint-hearted. At a whopping 1638m high, it is one of the more challenging hikes in the area. It does however, offer some of the most spectacular views available in a region that is jaw-droppingly full of them. Adventurous, challenging, a little confusing in terms of route indicators, Corner Peak is one to tick off if you’re an experienced tramper or hiker.

Grandview Mountain Track:

An 18 kilometre, 4-6 hour, 1398m elevation hike, you will be well-rewarded with the views over Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka and the magnificent mountains beyond. Starting at the Grandview Creek car park, hikers are given a variety of terrains on this trail. From pockets of kānuka shrubland to farmland on the lower sections to the small remnant of Beech forest on up to the alpine tussockland that dominates the tops, then on to rocky terrain and trails if you choose to combine this track with the Breast Hill trail.

TO NOTE:

With all tracks and trails there can be a certain amount of risk. Make sure you have enough water, sunscreen, bug spray, good walking or hiking shoes, the right clothing and extras for warmth if the weather turns quickly – even in summer! Check the Department of Conservation information on any track before heading off.