The former BP service station on Ardmore Street is being transformed into a Countdown ‘Metro’ which will be open before Christmas.

Different to a Countdown supermarket, a Metro is a smaller store format and Wanaka’s will feature a pick-up service for online shoppers as well as a “thoughtfully curated” grocery range, barista-made coffee, ready-to-go meals and health-focused snacks, Countdown general manager property Matt Grainger said.

It will even have a drive-thru option for customers to pick up their online shopping orders.

“Over the last two years we’ve steadily been increasing our online deliveries from Queenstown into Wanaka, with more deliveries and delivery windows to help ensure we can meet demand,” Matt Grainger.

This demand had spurred the decision to create a Metro in Wanaka - the first of its kind in the South Island.

The former BP site on Ardmore Street is being repurposed to create the new Countdown Metro. PHOTO: Wanaka App

Countdown is owned by Woolworth’s Group, and this move marks the supermarket giant’s first foray into Wanaka. 

The town’s four existing chain supermarkets are owned by Foodstuffs.

The new store, which is on a 140sqm site, is expected to create 14 new jobs.

“....we’re looking forward to welcoming new team members from the local community and providing some new options for customers at the same time,” Matt said.

Preliminary site works are currently underway and customers will be able to see the service station transform into the Metro over the coming months. 

Countdown representative Ally Orr told the Wanaka App the site was leased and would not be drawn on any future plans for a permanent Countdown supermarket in Wanaka .

“We’re currently focussed on bringing a fantastic new Metro store to life for the Wanaka community and don’t have any firm future plans beyond that at this stage.”