The Paddle & Pint is an English-themed pub on Ardmore Street in the centre of Wanaka, offering a good range of ales alongside hearty, English-style pub food. The pub sits with views across Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains, with a cosy indoor pub interior and a terrace for those who'd rather soak up the sun with a pint.
The food menu runs from an all-day Full English Breakfast through to Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and a selection from the grill, alongside burgers, risotto, pies and shared platters. The bar also serves a range of cocktails, with customers regularly mentioning the pink gin with berries, pineapple and coconut mojito, and whisky sour.
Reviewers consistently highlight the lake views, friendly and attentive service, and mid-range pricing that offers good value. The Paddle & Pint takes bookings, offers gift vouchers, and is open from 11am until late, daily.
Set on Ardmore Street in the centre of Wanaka, The Paddle & Pint brings a slice of English pub hospitality to the shores of Lake Wanaka. It's built around a good range of ales and hearty, heart-warming pub grub, served up in a cosy interior or out on a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the lake and mountains.
The menu leans firmly into English pub tradition, starting with an all-day Full English Breakfast and running through to Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and a succulent selection from the grill. Reviewers have singled out dishes like the half chicken, risotto, pies, chicken burger and the Mushroom and Feta Burger, which one customer described as "a delicious explosion for your taste buds." Others have praised the salmon, pork and fish and chips, along with the food platters, described as tasty, fresh and good value.
Alongside the food, The Paddle & Pint has built a reputation for its cocktails. Reviewers have called out the pink gin with berries as "a winner," while others rate the pineapple and coconut mojito and the whisky sour among their favourites. Combined with the pub's views across Lake Wanaka and the mountains beyond, it's become a popular spot for an afternoon or evening drink.
Customers consistently mention the friendly, attentive service at The Paddle & Pint, with staff happy to chat, offer recommendations for things to do in Wanaka, and provide table service for drinks. Several reviews describe stumbling across the pub and being pleasantly surprised by both the food and the welcome.
The pub offers guests the choice of an intimate spot inside the cosy pub interior, or a seat on the terrace to soak up the sun with a pint and the lake view. It's a setup that suits both a quick lunch and a longer, relaxed afternoon or evening.
The Paddle & Pint takes bookings directly through its website and also offers gift vouchers, making it easy to treat someone to the experience. The pub is open from 11am until late, daily, and can be reached by phone or email for bookings and enquiries.
Found at 151 Ardmore Street in the centre of Wanaka, The Paddle & Pint is an easy stop for visitors and locals alike, whether it's for a pint on the terrace, a full meal, or a cocktail with a view.