Cinema Paradiso - Wanaka

Cinema Paradiso is a cool throwback to the drive in days. It's a popular spot so make sure you drop in or call to reserve your tickets in advance. There's only three theatre rooms. Pretty dope that you can bring food and drinks into the theatre. We dropped in earlier during the day and bought tickets for the last show of the night. It's $15.00 NZD/ticket for adults. There's an intermission halfway through the movie 15 minutes) to grab cookies and drinks. Everyone comes here for the comfy couches and cars to sit in. It's a fun spot with a cafe inside. There's drinks beer, wine, cider, coffee and tea), popcorn and pastries available. Their speciality is homemade ice cream $4.50 NZD) and cookies $4.00 NZD, three kinds). Cool that they also have a few board games to keep you entertained. We came back to eat dinner. The menu is small but there's pizza, snacks, salads and burgers. We shared two dishes. Lamb burger $16.00 NZD) lamb was excellent; cooked perfectly and had a great spice rub. We also liked the beets and cabbage slaw along with the bun. Spinach ravioli $15.00 NZD) won't blow you away but it was a solid ravioli. Great spot to watch a movie on a rainy day. Food is pretty solid too.

The coolest movie theater ever!!! We NEVER go to the movies at home (Honolulu, Hawaii . Not really interested in paying for the overpriced ticket and overpriced junk food. Also not interested in dealing with the crowds when we could just as easily enjoy a movie from the comfort of our own living room. Having said this, we definitely weren't interested in seeing a movie while on vacation. That was UNTIL we read the description of Cinema Paradiso while researching things to do in the Wanaka area. After which, we HAD TO go. Cinema Paradiso is more movie house/cinema with only 3 screens (versus the mega plex theater concept in the U.S. . They also have a cafe serving hot foods (pizza, baked goods, etc. , beer and wine in addition to popcorn. The seating in the theaters are a mix of standard theater seating with comfy couches, recliners and even a classic car or two to sit in. Our girls, of course, picked the car while mom and dad sat nearby. Patrons are welcome to bring their purchased refreshments into the theater to enjoy during the movie (desserts served on real plates with real utensils, btw making the experience very homey. The movie is stopped midway for an intermission. During this time, everyone gets up to go to the restroom, refill their wine glass, or get a snack (like freshly baked cookies!!! . Our girls opted for popcorn (in a old school popcorn box! and I indulged in a slice of delicious carrot cake. After a while, the theater attendant comes in and asks if everyone is back and ready to resume the movie (how freaking polite . Great concept and a fun experience that everyone in the family enjoyed. Oh, and the price was right! $15 NZD for adults and $8 NZD for kids!!!

A regular of ours movie meal . We even get a discount being 60+ food Devine great salads . Unique cinema experience .

Seriously, lads, this is a must visit experience in Wanaka. A small quirky theatre with couches, cars and random seats to really stretch out and enjoy the movie. Seating is first come, first served so get in early to nab your favour berth. There's even an intermission to grab the excellent chocolate chip cookies or a glass of wine or tea or coffee to bring back in for the second half. Fabulous. Do not miss if in town. To some extent, the movie doesn't matter. Go for the retro vibe.

Love this movie theatre. Every time I am in Wanaka I have to go and see something! I even went twice by myself in the last 2 weeks! They have unique comfortable seating and amazing food options sweet and savoury! The intermission is a nice way of making sure you can top up on that popcorn/food/drink and go to the bathrooms, I think every movie theatre should have that! Also the prices are very good. Try out the apple crumble cider when you're there as well!