Find a place where you enjoy year round attractions. Wanaka is a quintessential summer destination with a deep blue lake for kayaking, strolling along or swimming while winter offers the joy of skiing in Treble Cone or Cardrona. The beautiful outdoors defines adventure from hikes in mountains and along glacier fed rivers or the exhilaration of bungy jumping or rock climbing. Challenge your inner self as you boogie board down surging rivers.
where several days is not enough
Explore the South Island’s majestic alpine landscapes and rest, revive and unwind in one of New Zealand’s premier resort towns, Wanaka, Otago.
Puzzling World is an iconic, award-winning attraction that since 1973 has fascinated people of all ages. Boasting the world’s first ‘Mega Maze’, five Illusion Rooms, and a huge Puzzle Café we invite you to enjoy Wanaka’s wonderful world of weirdness! Family Fun with Kids, Wanaka best attraction!
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Visitors are drawn to the lakeshore and #thatwanakatree. Admittedly the solitary Wanaka willow is undeniably picturesque, the lone willow seemingly floating on the lake. #thatwanakatree with is dropping slender branches framing the view of the Southern Alps is the theme for zillions of instagram shots. For the hardy there is the slog up the sheer slope of Roys Peak. Visitors queue to snap a quick shot of yourself in a selfie pose as a human dot against the vastness of the outstanding mountain and lake scene below.
Roys Peak is part of millions of outstretched arms backdropped against a striking landscape. Plus the selfie looks scary … is the person going to plummet off the mountain. Yet while Roys Peak is the destination for many there are plenty of original relatively undiscovered corners for the selfie pose, the couples or family photo capturing the holiday spirit. Check out Wanaka where to take a selfie and enjoy finding new places to express yourself.
Walking, strolling or hiking the choice is yours. The scenery provides the magic.
There is a walk, a hike and day tramp for everyone in Wanaka. The bonus is the beautiful outdoors year round with scenery people would like to bottle and take home.
Unmissable short walks include:
Stretch the legs and lace up the hiking boots:
For more ideas about best walks in Wanaka check out Wanaka 11 walks for families and the dedicated tramper, #thatwanakatree key facts and other beautiful places to visit in Otago.
A place that celebrates snow and ice is definitely the place to be when the weather is chilly. And forget the wet weather gear Wanaka has the answer with several outdoor shops stocking your sized clothing.
Wanaka’s local cycle trails provide scenic lakes, mountains and the outdoors with a touch of comfort with cafes and wineries a heartbeat from the trail. Close by Wanaka is the Otago network of bike trails with Lake Dunstan cycle trail a mere 51 km distance.
Dedicated cyclists must-go list with Central Otago cycle trails at the top must include Wanaka on the bucket list. The cycle trails are shared with walkers and even horseback riders creating a mix of interests. For walkers it is very easy to pick a short section or even loop back on a section and meander through the visually impressive scenery and sights of long ago gold mining activities.
READ MORE about getting there and key facts about Central Otago four cycling & walking trails attractions and things to do – Best Bits.
The star of the show, Lake Wanaka’s average water temperature is 8.9°C – 20.0°C. Bracing dip is another word for chilly. No wonder plenty of people swim in a wetsuit.
You can travel the short distance to the Karawau Gorge for a classic, bungy jump into the canyon with rubber bands around your ankles. For New Zealand kiwi style adventure Wanaka dishes up the goods with everything from rock canyoning to sky diving or sustainable journeys to the high country beyond.
Every holiday deserves a treat, or several. Wanaka is packed with tour operators offering exhilarating adventure options from high wire balancing past waterfalls to adrenaline laced rock climbing. Equipment for skiing, summer sports or active outdoor pursuits adds up. Who doesn’t want to SUP or kayak to a marine reserve and picnic on a remote beach.
Perhaps the idea of jet boating to a quiet place to fish feels like heaven or an expensive way to fish. Glorious scenery is free, it is what to do while in Wanaka that costs. Wanaka offers airborne heights where you land on a glacier or the wild calls with horse trekking or 4WD into the pristine alpine landscapes.
There are professional guides specialising in almost everything outdoors from fly fishing, hunting, tramping and hiking and experts on the flora and fauna. Check out a few of the tour operators Wanaka Adventures and decide which ticks your bucket list.
Find what to do on a rainy day in Wanaka or need a great book to read under a shady tree. Forget about that instagram fabulousness of Roys Peak, bathed in warm light. Wanaka has lots to do and see on rainy days. Unique experiences Wanaka style add a flourish to the damp day outside.
… read more Wanaka 6 indoor attractions to visit.
Wanaka wine region is classic Central Otago pinot noir with some family vineyards having stretched their wings with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling.
Wanaka wine region is the northernmost area of Central Otago with a cooler wetter climate than interior Central Otago. Lake Wanaka modifies the severity of frosts yet adds an additional challenge of moisture laden air. The long hot dry summers are classic Central Otago in Wanaka which encourages the development of ripe fruit complexity without the loss of precious acidity. While Pinot Noir is the local favourite family vineyards have stretched their wings with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling.
… read more WANAKA WINE & CRAFT BREWERY (+ GIN DISTILLERY) TRAILS
Wanaka has found the recipe for family holidays. Perhaps it is the stupendous grassy foreshore with plenty of space for kids to play (playgrounds, ice cream vendors, kayak and SUP) or the small town feel to the town centre. Wanaka offers kids (and the young at heart) puzzles and mysteries at Puzzling World, adventures from jet boat tours to working deer farm tours.
The town is pedestrian friendly with the lake separated from the town by a large grassed foreshore and limited speed zone road.
Here are 11 ideas …
Relax you are on holiday without a big block retailer in sight. Small town vibe with individual operators carefully selecting goods and services suitable for your next adventure or wine trail. Outdoors stores specialise in both summer and winter activities with snow boards stacked next to swimmers. The curated clothing shop is next to an interesting art gallery or perhaps it’s time to rest between excursions in the cafe overlooking Lake Wanaka.
Check out the stores behind the main street cafes, THE PRECINCT. The Precinct is a chic contemporary space with a range of gift shops and hospitality stores inhabiting the spaces. The Precinct neatly links to nearby streets with a short 10 minute walk to the massive off street parking space
Wanaka is serviced by supermarkets, pharmacies and banks making keeping in touch a breeze as well as a place to collect foodie treats for an impromptu picnic.
What a calendar, it’s packed with festivals, events and challenges. Wanaka is often fully booked accommodation on the dates. Get in early to secure your spot.
Wine trails and vineyards with drop dead gorgeous views.
The only difficulty facing visitors is deciding which vineyard to patronise.
Wanaka is an ideal location to explore Central Otago. Wanaka’s location is a natural hub to explore Otago. Savour views of glorious mountain ranges and the semi-arid desert plateaus of Central Otago with its gold mining heritage. Join the dots on a road trip around the lower South Island. Nearby is Cromwell, Alexandra and Clyde creating opportunities for day trips or an overnight stay.
You can easily visit historic Cromwell in a day from Wanaka. One way the trip is less than an hour. Key highlights
… read more WANAKA ROAD JOURNEYS, INSPIRATION FOR DAY TRIPS
Wānaka airport is 10 minutes from town and has scenic and charter flights, the nearest domestic and international airport is Queenstown Airport which is 60 minutes away. See our flights to Wānaka and buses to Wānaka page.
Wanaka has a resident population of less than 12,000 people making a public town bus service unviable. There are several shuttle buses to destinations such as Puzzling Word, Raspberry Creek car park (Rob Roy Glacier walk) and popular walking tracks. Biking is a breeze with cycle hire companies readily including transport as part of the package.
The outdoors is amazing and it’s free. Your holiday should not be about stressing about the cost of entertainment especially when families are involved. Let’s get you out and about without breaking the bank. Check out Wanaka Things To Do and See for Free – Best Bits and get inspired. And click on Wanaka walks and hikes for outdoor activities where the only thing needed are boots and water / snacks / clothing.
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A town that celebrates the outdoors is casual with hiking boots and activewear part of the streetscape. Bring layers as even in summer it can be chilly in the evening.
Wanaka has a below average rainfall with extended periods of hot dry summer weather. Summer weather is mid-January to late February with an average temperature in the mid-20c. Winter season average temperature is in the single digits.
The warm season lasts for 3.3 months, from 6 December to 17 March, with an average daily high temperature above 18°C. The hottest month of the year in Wanaka is February, with an average high of 20°C and low of 10°C.
The cool season lasts for 3.0 months, from 26 May to 25 August, with an average daily high temperature below 9°C. The coldest month of the year in Wanaka is July, with an average low of 2°C and high of 7°C.
Source Wanaka Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (New Zealand).
Winter – Wanaka is unlikely to experience snow however at night the temperature usually drops below freezing. The average night temperature is -2c. The height of winter is June – July.
Wanaka is located in the province of Otago with the nearest international airport Queenstown approximately 1 hour drive over the Crown Range Highway.
Wanaka is a quieter version of Queenstown with lakes, mountains and the outdoors the key calling card. Wanaka has a depth of adventure and tourist attractions similar to those offered by Queenstown and Rotorua. The ace in the card for Wanaka is the close proximity to the two largest ski resorts in New Zealand, Cardrona and Treble Cone.
Another drawcard for Wanaka is the lakefront with its extensive foreshore and beach holiday atmosphere. Wanaka is both budget wise and activity wise a better option for families and visitors focused on getting outdoors for walks, hikes and biking.
Queenstown dubbed the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’ wins hands down with the sheer scale of tourism operators. Visitors will need to ensure they have pre-booked their chosen activity and have budgeted for impulse buys.
The easiest way to get to Wanaka is by car or motorhome. Check out our Wanaka travel distance table and you can see Wanaka is 1 hour from Queenstown and its international and domestic airport.
| Wanaka | Queenstown resort town | Via Crown Range Rd 1 hour or 69 km |
| Wanaka | Queenstown resort town | Cromwell 113 km 1 ½ hours, (SH 6) |
| Wanaka | Milford Sound (Fiords) scenery | 343 km, 4 ½ hours (via SH 6, 4) |
| Wanaka | Cromwell (Bannockburn Sluicings, Gold Mining Centre) | 56 km, 45 minutes |
| Wanaka | Alexandra (curling, ice skating) | 89 km, 1 hour |
| Wanaka | Clyde (river cruises, jet boating) | 91 km, 1 hour |
| Wanaka | Karawau Gorge (bungy) adventure | 89.5 km, 1 ¼ hours (via SH6) |
| Wanaka | Haast Pass, Blue Pools | 72 km, 1 hour (via SH 6) |
| Wanaka | Lake Tekapo scenery | 99 km, 2 ½ hours (via SH 8) |
| Wanaka | Aoraki, Mt Cook scenery | 208 km, 2 ¾ hours (via SH 8, 80) |
| Wanaka | Christchurch premier South Island town, travel hub | 543 km, over 5 hours (via SH1, 8) |
| Wanaka | Dunedin historic town with wildlife on Banks Peninsula | 275 km, 3 ½ hours (via SH8) |
| Wanaka | Waitaki Valley wineries, extraordinary geological landscapes | 165 km, 2 hours (via SH8 & Lindis Pass) |
SH = state highway. As always check road conditions with NZTA, New Zealand Transport Agency before departing.
Bus Queenstown to Wanaka | Cheap travel with InterCity. InterCity operates a regular bus from Queenstown to Wanaka. The InterCity bus leaves Queenstown at Athol Street and arrives in Wanaka at the Log Cabin on the Lakefront, 100 Ardmore Street. Your journey will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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