The present site of Wānaka was first surveyed in 1863, and settlement increased in Pembroke (the old name for Wānaka) during the 1870s because of timber milling in the Matukituki and Makarora Valleys and the use of Lake Wānaka for transport.
Wānaka is believed to be named from the word Wānaka, which is a South Island form of wānanga, meaning sacred knowledge or a place of learning. Residents changed the name from Pembroke to Wānaka in 1940.
Wānaka and Hāwea are lakes of cultural and statutory significance to Kāi Tahu. Tourism in Wānaka began in 1867 when Theodore Russell opened the first hotel. In 1883 the Theodore, a paddle steamer, offered cruises for tourists on the lake.
Treble Cone Ski Area opened in 1968 and in 1978 the Cardrona Alpine Resort was opened.
The population of Wānaka reached 400 in 1960. As at 2023 the population of Wānaka and surrounds was 17, 290.
These aerial shots of the township in the early 1980s were taken by an Otago Daily Times photographer. Can you spot your house?
HOW TO BUY PHOTOS
If you would like to buy a copy of this picture or any other picture featured in the Wānaka Sun, call in to the office at 82 Brownston St. Copies of picture are also available from the ODT front office, Lower Stuart St, Dunedin or at www.odtshop.co.nz
