Club Wyndham Wanaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

You know what struck me first about Club Wyndham Wanaka? It’s actually tucked away on Mount Aspiring Road in this quiet spot that feels removed from the main tourist hustle, but honestly, you’re still just a few minutes’ walk from the town center. I mean, Wanaka can get pretty crazy during peak summer and ski season, so having that buffer is clutch. The property itself has this modern alpine vibe going on – think clean lines and lots of glass that frames those ridiculous mountain views. And I’m talking about proper views here, not some partial glimpse you have to crane your neck to see. From most of the rooms, you’re looking straight out at Lake Wanaka with the Southern Alps doing their dramatic backdrop thing.

What really sold me on this place was how it nails that sweet spot between having actual amenities and not feeling like some massive resort complex. The apartments are spacious – like, you can actually spread out your gear without tripping over your partner’s hiking boots. Full kitchens too, which is honestly a game-changer when you’re staying more than a couple nights and don’t want to eat out every meal (Wanaka restaurants add up fast). The staff here genuinely know the area well – they’ll point you toward the lesser-known walking tracks around Glendhu Bay or tell you which wineries in the valley are worth the drive. Check-in was smooth, parking’s easy and free, and the whole place has this relaxed energy that matches Wanaka’s vibe perfectly.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t your budget backpacker spot, and it shows in all the right ways. The building’s well-maintained, soundproofed enough that you won’t hear every conversation in the hallway, and there’s actually decent water pressure (trust me, after a day tramping around Roy’s Peak, you’ll appreciate a proper shower). Location-wise, you’re close enough to walk to Botswana Butchery for dinner or grab coffee at Kika, but far enough from Ardmore Street that you won’t get woken up by late-night revelry. The 8.7 rating makes total sense to me – it delivers on what it promises without any nasty surprises. If you’re planning to use Wanaka as a base for exploring the area (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), this place gives you that home-base feeling while keeping you close to everything that makes this part of Central Otago special.