As Wanaka grows, so too does its hospitality offering. Long overlooked in favour of neighbouring Queenstown, the small town is slowly but surely developing its food and drink scene. Verve is a notable addition; a local-focused wine bar from Lucy Wilson, who brings experience at local spots Mutton Bird, Kika and Ground Up brewing, alongside stints in hospitality overseas, to Wanaka’s Helwick Street. The idea behind Verve is simple: highlighting local breweries and wineries, alongside a few notable international bottles, poured alongside a simple menu of snacks and occasional stints from pop-up chefs.