Things To Do in Wānaka

A four-season destination

Summer is a perfect time to be on the lake, & in winter the snow-covered mountains, attracts skiers & snowboarders from around the globe. Autumnal colours offer up a spectacular sight, & the spring brings to the fore fresh new growth & life.

Whatever the season or reason for your visit to lakefront Wanaka, for more information on what to do in the area on land, water or air, just ask. We can make arrangements on your behalf or point you in the right direction.

Just remember – one day is never enough in Wanaka!

Food & drink

All year round, fine local food and wine will delight the senses and satisfy the taste buds of nigh all foodies. Packed with award-winning restaurants, cafes, artisan produce, wineries, breweries, an artisan distillery and a Wanaka Farmers Market there is no need to go hungry or be parched in Wanaka!

Shopping

Wanaka Township is perfectly formed. Clothing boutiques are thoughtfully curated with a mix of iconic international and New Zealand brands. Alongside there are art galleries, adventure equipment stores, banks, pharmacies and supermarkets.

On the water

Crystal-clear water is the heart of Wanaka’s outdoor lifestyle with Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea the main drawing cards to the region for many. By kayak, boat, SUP, sail or jet boat you can explore and enjoy the lakes, rivers, beaches, islands, and waterfalls.

In nature

Surrounded by magnificent mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and World Heritage Areas, the awe-inspiring beauty of Wanaka is unforgettable and offers up picture-perfect moments. Mt Aspiring National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area. By night, the Wanaka sky is so full of stars you may not want to sleep but star gaze.

Adventure

For adrenalin-inducing adventure in awe- inspiring scenery, it’s hard to beat Wanaka. From Wanaka’s doorstep, you can skydive, tackle the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata, explore world-class canyons, fly a plane or get upside down in one, try off-road 4 wheel driving, quad biking, horse trekking and more.

Family friendly

So much family fun to be had! Explore lakes, forests, and mountains. Pick a spot and pack a picnic. Bike or hike the many family-friendly tracks. Hit the water or the ski slopes. Say hello to the farm animals at the Wanaka Lavender Farm, visit Warbirds and Wheels and don’t miss Puzzling World.

Walks

Wanaka has over 750kms of walking tracks. Mt Aspiring National Park tempts serious hikers and climbers, while an array of shorter tracks offers strolls closer to town for those after a not so strenuous stretch of the legs.

Snow

Skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and après skiing – there’s an experience on the snow for the starter to the seasoned pro across three diverse world-class ski fields a mere 40-minute drive from the town centre.

Biking

Stunning rides await the beginner and expert mountain biker and road cyclist.

Health & Wellbeing

Relax, recharge and rejuvenate in this scenic setting with yoga, gym sessions, massages, spa treatments and more.

Proximity

On Wanaka Station Park

Lake Wanaka / 2 minute stroll through Wanaka Station Park 200 m / 219 yards
The Wanaka Tree / 2 minute stroll through Wanaka Station Park 200 m / 219 yards
Wanaka Township / 15 minute easy, flat stroll 1.5 km / .9 miles
Cardrona / 20 min drive 25.4 km / 15.8 miles
Cardrona Alpine Resort / 37 min drive 35.6 km / 22 miles
Snow Farm NZ / 46 min drive 37.2 km / 23 miles
Treble Cone Ski Area / 23 min drive 21.8 km / 13.5 miles

#thatwanakatree

Just 50m from the Wanaka Homestead & Lodges is probably the most photographed tree in New Zealand and the only one with its own hashtag #thatwanakatree. This 100-year old willow tree stands alone in the cool water of Lake Wanaka at Roys Bay. In the early 1900s, the tree started its life as a humble fence post in that very spot – just a sole determined branch chopped off a large willow plugged in the ground.

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