Wanaka

On the southern shore of Lake Wanaka, with some of New Zealand's most striking mountains behind it, Wanaka is the welcome mat for Mount Aspiring National Park. It has labeled itself the world’s first "Lifestyle Reserve" and is a favorite of Kiwis on vacation, a smaller, quieter alternative to Queenstown. The region has two ski resorts, numerous trekking and river-sports opportunities, and if you arrive on a rainy day, you can hit a couple of unusual cultural attractions. These good points have not gone unnoticed, and Wanaka is one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, with new housing popping up in record time.