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Adventure

Wanaka nature’s adventure playground, attractions and things to do

  • 3 minutes

Mou Waho Island, Lake Wanaka

Wanaka nature’s adventure playground, attractions and things to do. Find out what it’s like to step out of a plane at altitude or rock climb through a waterfall. Perhaps relax as a local guide explains the need for predator traps in the Otago high country or you assist a local plant a tree on Mou Waho Island. The choice is yours.

 

Calling all adrenaline junkies – adventure Wanaka style

The beauty of nature softens the blow to the pocket book of what is often an expensive addition to your holiday budget. Bucket list adventures are not cheap yet New Zealand is the place to indulge in memory making moments.

@wildwirewanaka
@wildwirewanaka

WILDWIRE WANAKA

OMG this is what you paid for, the sheer dizzying height with the sight and sound of a torrent of cascading water pounding close by. You start the adventure being prepped, tied in (very securely), roped and with an accredited rock climbing guide at all times. The joy of achievement as you are impressed with the views (amazing) and clenched white knuckle grip relaxes. Climb the world’s highest waterfall cable climb, in Wanaka New Zealand or try a heli-hike adventure.

DEEP CANYON WANAKA

Nature sculptured the landscape and DEEP CANYON WANAKA has nailed the jump, scramble, abseil into cool (we confess chilly) deep blue pools filled with glacial fed water. This is the adrenaline challenge where Deep Canyon accredited guides make the day awesome.

@Deep Canyon, Wanaka
@Deep Canyon
@Skydive Wanaka
@Skydive Wanaka

SKYDIVE WANAKA

Get strapped together for a tandem jump, step out into the air over the clear Otago skies. And you are allowed to scream (with delight) in the guide’s ear.

The drawcard for Wanaka is nature. The Southern Alps magic together the majesty of snow capped peaks, reflective lights in deep azure lakes, pristine forests and the cheeky kea parrot. World class landscapes on a par with the best of Europe and North America. Aotearoa New Zealand is the custodian of the wild places and visitors agree. It’s awesome.

WANAKA PARAGLIDING

Not keen on the free fall from a plane, how about tandem paragliding from Treble Cone Mountain floating on the currents as you pivot through the thermals to the lake.

Check out our articles about Wanaka walks where nature provides a chance to get away from it all.

Check our articles on Lake Hawea: easy short walks and Wanaka free things to do for inspiration on where to go outdoors and outside. And want that special selfie location that is not #thatwanakatree or Roys Peak (admittedly great) but no longer unique, check out Wanaka where to take a great selfie and get packing.

@Wanaka Paragliding
@Wanaka Paragliding
Kea, New Zealand @Eco Wanaka Adventures
Kea @Eco Wanaka Adventures

ECO WANAKA ADVENTURES

Do you want to take the hassle out of getting to Rob Roy Glacier or would love to plant a tree on Mou Waho Island then the tour operators for you. Locals who are putting action into words when it comes to sustainable tourism. Eco Wanaka have been proactive in introducing Predator eradication by installing traplines at high altitudes to protect our endangered Alpine Parrot the Kea and the rare Rock Wren. Eco Wanaka on the island in the middle of Lake Wanaka are credited with planting over 8,000 trees.

EXERCISE, MUSCLE POWER TO GET AROUND (or an E-Bike)

 

WANAKA BIKING ADVENTURES

Central Otago Southern Lakes is the venue for the toughest competitive sports events and incredible bike parks are now a stone’s throw from Wanaka and Lake Hawea leaving no excuse not to hop on the bike for a spin. Bike hire is easy with a number of operators.

WANAKA BIKE TOURS

A guided tour doesn’t mean cycling shortcuts, rather the hassle is taken out of finding the best routes. There are options from a fully guided tour, mountain biking tours and heli biking trips for all fitness levels and skills. Remember to ask about family packages.

Otago cycle trails, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
Otago cycle trails, Wanaka, South Island
@Bike Lounge
@Bike Lounge

BIKE LOUNGE

Bike Lounge has stores in Wanaka and Queenstown. Bike Lounge sells premier bike brands as well as renting bikes.

TIP

Need to test out the local park or beach rent Frisbee’s / Disc Golf.

RACERS EDGE

Wanaka’s specialist ski + bike + outdoors. Meet the employees who are usually found outdoors on their day off. Repairs to bikes, rents bikes and definitely knows the best place for MTB buffs.

@torpedo7
@torpedo7

HOW TO GET TO MOU WAHO ISLAND BY YOURSELF?

Mou Waho Island, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
Mou Waho Island, Lake Wanaka

You cannot visit Mou Waho Island without a guide. Catch the local water taxi service (check with the Wanaka visitor centre for details) as they operate several daily services.

Kayak Hire & Boat Ride to Mou Waho Island offers guided tours to Mou Waho Island kayak one way and catch a water taxi back with snacks and a guided walk around the island. This is a full day exploring Lake Wanaka with a picnic lunch as part of the deal.

HORSE TREKKING & 4WD OFF-ROAD TOURS

GLEN DENE STATION

Spend a day on a working high country station with third generation custodians of the land. You will meet the hardy merino sheep, the mainstay of farming life in the region. There are beehives with the popular mountain honey, a sweet treat. There are options from 4WD safaris where visitors can observe the wildlife. The wildlife ranges from tahr, chamois, wild deer, rabbits, red stags, geckos and skinks including the endangered Grand Skink. Birdlife flourishes too, with kahu (Australasian harrier), tauhou (silvereye) and piwakawaka (fantail). Horse trekking on a working farm adds to the sense of what the place means to the locals. A perfect way to spend the day on horseback is with someone whose heart belongs in the high country.

@Glen Dene Station
@Glen Dene Station
@ridgelinenz
@ridgelinenz

RIDGELINE ADVENTURES

Nothing like a private 4WD tour going where you want and stopping for as long as you want to get into the spirit of adventure. Go to places where tracks are few and far between and immerse yourself in the majesty of the high country. This is an opportunity to view the skyline from Mt Baker on West Wanaka Station. To listen to locals describe the land and the importance of sustainability. You are part of the predator programme and witness first hand the destruction caused by imported pests such as stouts.

Get to walk on private beaches and hear the story of how the lake has created waves of gravel markers indicating ancient beach zones.

HELICOPTER PICNICS – FISHING, DOING YOUR THING

ALPINE HELICOPTERS

How about the thrill of a helicopter picnic, it’s sensational being whisked to a stunning location where silver service is part of the deal. Fly fishing comes with heli rides to the fishing sweet spots complete with snacks and the chance to BBQ your catch over hot stones. Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka have pampering down to a fine art. It’s where the wild meets indulgence.

@alpinehelinz
@alpinehelinz
@Alpine Fishing Guides
@Alpine Fishing Guides

FISHING IS YOUR THING

ALPINE FISHING GUIDES

Walk the braided rivers, wade into quiet tributaries, or perhaps drift or boat fishing as a relaxing change from the typical wading fish experience. Alpine Fishing Guides has been in operation since 1996 and by Greg Dougherty and his wife Paula since 2002.Offering guided fishing trips in the Wanaka region on the South Island of New Zealand for wild Brown and Rainbow trout. There is nothing like a passionate local to know the best spots to fish.

For more holiday inspiration check out Wanaka travel guide and get started planning your next adventure.

 
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Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

 

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