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Lake Wanaka offers a variety of activities throughout the year. The lake is known for trout-fishing, while the surrounding area has several climbing, walking and mountain-biking tracks and lakeside vineyards. Clutha River is suitable for river-rafting, river-surfing and fishing. Tour operators offer sky-diving and horse-back rides. The Figher Pilot's Museum and Transport Museum are noted for their historic exhibits.
Bode Miller of the USA Ski Team is among several who compliment Wanaka's skiing. Wanaka has the largest skiable area in Oceania and is reliable throughout the winter. Cadrona and Treble Cone skifields cater for varying abilities. Wanaka also has the country's first free-style skiing park and the only nordic and cross-country skiing park. All skifields are noted for their views and helicopters deliver keen skiiers to some of the highest points.
The skiing season nears an end with the hugely popular Wanakafest ever September. Popular summer events include the "Perfect Woman" Labour Weekend, the Hawea Picnic Races at the start of every summer, the Wanaka Rodeo, the Wanaka Yacht Club Regetta and the Paragliding Festival. Every even year the Rippon Music Festival is held in February and the Warbirds of Wanaka attracts interest over Easter weekend. Other autumn highlights include the Agricultural and Pastoral Show and the Motutapu Mountain Bike Ride.
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