Wānaka’s streets were relatively busy yesterday (Wednesday September 8), the first day at alert level two.

Life appeared to be back to normal in the Wānaka CBD as people chatted in cafes, meandered through shops and caught up with friends. 

Yesterday was the first day since August 17, when the national alert level four lockdown was announced, that members of the public could be out and about in public and it meant a busy day for some local businesses.

Wānaka New World staff said the store had been busier yesterday than during lockdown, and that elderly people in particular who had stayed at home during alert level four had ventured out.

Ritual Cafe owner Chris Hadfield said the afternoon had been particularly busy for the cafe, and a staff member said “they wouldn’t have wanted to be any busier”.

Ritual Cafe owner Chris Hadfield. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Meanwhile Peter Byrne of the Lake Bar said he was pleased to be operating at level two, but is feeling a bit constrained by the new rule of 50 people inside. 

Last time with 100 people was okay, he said, but big venues like the Lake Bar will find it tougher to operate with the limit of only 50, particularly as the spring weather isn't always conducive to having people seated outside.

Staff at Wānaka New World said the store was busier than it has been during lockdown. PHOTO: Wānaka App

The snow also tempted plenty of locals to Treble Cone and the Snow Farm (Cardrona Alpine Resort was closed because of high winds).

Keen skier Caroline Harker told the Wānaka App there was “a great atmosphere” at busy Treble Cone, where there were queues of 15 minutes or so at the main basin chairlift.

“Everyone was in a really good mood and happy to be back on the mountain.”