Hey, Do you need to be in Wanaka?  Because Queenstown is about a 40min drive or so from there and it is booming!  There is plenty of accomodation and lots of clubs, bars and shopping going on.

There is backpackers accomadation you can stay in for weeks or months, like the YHA.  There is also plenty of housing...might be easier to find some roomies to share with. 

You can also access the mountains from there, too, on the bus system.

Wanaka is a cruisy, much smaller town, but also set beautifully amongst a huge lake, Lake Wanaka.  

If you havn't already, check out Queenstown and I am sure you will find a lot more on the web.  

:) 

When I was in Wanaka I stayed at the Purple Cow backpackers. Was a fantastic place and will be staying there again the next time I head down. http://www.purplecow.co.nz/

It's a 2 min walk into town, 1 min to the supermarket and mini vans will pick you up from the door to take you up the mountain.

I stayed in a double room with my own ensuite and the room was fantastic. I imagine the shared rooms would be just as nice and a lot cheaper. The thing I loved the most about this place was the communial area. There's a great area with tables, couches and a fireplace that provides a perfect opportunity to meet other travellers.

I stayed in both Queenstown & Wanaka during the trip and I enjoyed Wanaka more simply for the peace and quiet and beautiful scenery. If you want a bit more action and some late nights then you'll want to stay in Queenstown

i was in wanaka last year for the burton open at the snow park.

while in queenstown, i stayed in a really cosy hostel called southern laughter..check it out..http://www.southernlaughter.co.nz/

have fun out there!

would definitely suggest the purple cow - it over looks the lake and has awesome views. also has awesome ppl and great atmosphere - highly recommend this place!

emma