Wanaka
Nearby
Queenstown Central Otago Dunedin OamaruWanaka: Understand
Population ~8,500
Wanaka is set on a stunning lake with endless water-sport activities. Wanaka is much more relaxed than Queenstown, and many of it’s activities are cheaper than it’s big brother too. There are countless mountain biking and hiking options near Wanaka with Mt Aspiring National Park at your doorstep.
Wanaka: See & Do
Hike Mt Iron (just 1-hour return)
The Wanaka Tree
Pay a visit to Mou Waho
Puzzling World is located 2 minutes from Wanaka township and offering a “modern-styled” Great Maze. Also features Illusion Rooms and a cafe.
Skydive Lake Wanaka offers tandem skydiving from 12,000 or 15,000 feet over Lake Wanaka and the spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park.
Adventure Consultants offers climbing courses, guided ascents, trekking throughout the Southern Alps including Mt Aspiring, Mount Cook, the Bonar Glacier and Mt French.
Alpine Fishing Guides offers guided drift-fishing and spin fishing experiences on the many world-renowned fly-fishing rivers near Lake Wanaka and Central Otago.
Alpine Kayak Guides offers guided kayaking trips on local Wanaka Rivers including the mighty Clutha river, Makarora river and the glacial fed Matukituki river.
1-Day Trips from Wanaka
Roy’s Peak
Rob Roy Glacier
Rocky Mountain
Ski Fields near Wanaka
The season here is longer than others, typically open June – October (weather dependent).
Cadrona is 35 minutes from Wanaka. It’s NZ’s most popular skifield and is well set-up with half-pipes, terrain parks, child-care facilities for parents, and a high-performance center. It’s a great option for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There was also a tradition for women to leave their old bra on the fence at the bottom of the mountain before leaving town …
Treble Cone is the largest ski field in the South Island and boasts the longest vertical rise in the Queenstown Southern Lakes District. It’s a 30-minute drive from Wanaka. It’s proximity to Wanaka means it offers sensational views of the lake and village.
Wanaka: Eat & Drink
The Dripping Bowl
Big Fig
Rhyme and Reason
Rippon (wine tasting)
Wanaka: Sleep
Offers quality Apartment accommodation featuring two bedrooms, wireless Broadband Internet access, Satelite TV and a drying room.
Minaret Lodge
Offers luxury 5 star Wanaka bed and breakfast lodgings in a 2 acre park-like setting. Located close to Lake Wanaka and the town centre.
Peak-Sportchalet
Offers quality, self-contained studio, one and two bedroom chalet accommodation in a quiet location with picturesque mountain views.
Wanaka Edge Apartments
Offers well appointed, self-contained, 1 / 2 bedroom apartment suites featuring spa / sauna facilities, breakfast hampers and ski lockers.
Maple Lodge Wanaka
Offers boutique, Bed and Breakfast accommodation set in its own 7-acre private grounds with a plantation of sugar maple trees.
Wanaka Heights
Centrally located motel accommodation featuring spacious units with private balconies, all boasting panoramic mountain and lake views.
Wanaka Cottages
Offers luxury holiday houses for couples, families and large groups. Includes a private, sunny deck with cedar spa pool plus a modern kitchen.
Where to next?
Nearby in Otago:
Queenstown Central Otago Dunedin Oamaru
Nearby Regions:
Southland West Coast Canterbury