Wānaka launches its own Monopoly game

Wānaka is launching its very own customised Monopoly board just in time for Christmas.

Players can expect to see iconic destinations like WasteBusters, Puzzling World, the Cardrona Hotel, Treble Cone and Roy's Peak replacing the original street names of the popular property-purchasing game.

The officially licensed edition, created by the Wānaka Business Chamber in partnership with Winning Moves AU, will be launched at a public event tomorrow night (Wednesday, December 20) near the town's lakeside Dinosaur Park.

A giant three-by-three-metre board will be there for playing, and “Mr Monopoly” will join district Mayor Glyn Lewers for some fun and games.

“We are extremely excited to unveil the Wānaka Monopoly Board, a tribute to our town's rich history, breath taking landscapes, and vibrant business community," Wanaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat says in a statement.

"This game not only offers entertainment but also serves as a celebration of our local businesses, landmarks, and the unique character of Wānaka."

The process of selecting landmarks and businesses to feature on the board involved input from the local business sector.

The creators say this process has ensured the final product is a true representation of Wānaka's identity, "showcasing the places and establishments close to the hearts of locals and visitors alike".

So, who and what made the final cut? The Wānaka Monopoly board custom themed squares are:

Brown: Community Networks/Link, Wastebusters

Light Blue: National Transport & Toy Museum, Wanaka Beerworks, Thieving Kea

Pink: Lake Hāwea Safaris, The Camp - Lake Hāwea, Hāwea Store & Kitchen

Orange: Pembroke Patisserie, Templeton Engineering, Hook - Lake to Plate

Red: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Cardrona Hotel, Post Office Lane

Yellow: Puzzling World, Mitre10 MEGA Wānaka, LOGIC1

Green: Treble Cone, Edgewater Hotel, Lakeside Apartments

Dark Blue: Roy’s Peak (sponsored by Measured Land Surveys), Mt Iron (sponsored by Northbrook Wanaka)

Transport: Wānaka Powersports, Yello! Taxis, Southern Alps Air, Bike It Now! Utilities: Ray White, Guy and Sheryl Alty

Tax: Drive Accounting

Chance and Community Chest: The Spice Room, Mons Royale, Christie Brothers Building, Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, Cloud Cents

The street names are replaced with iconic Wānaka spots including

Roys Peak, the ski fields of Cardrona and Treble Cone, Puzzling World, the Cardrona Hotel and The National Transport and Toy Museum (Image/Supplied).

The Wānaka Monopoly Board will be available for purchase at local retailers Paper Plus Wānaka, Mitre10 Mega Wānaka, and The Camp Lake Hāwea, as well as on the Wānaka Business Chamber’s website. 

Keen to attend the launch? Be at the lakeside for 5.30pm.