Top places to visit in Wanaka

• That Wanaka Tree

  iconic lone willow · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The world's most photographed willow, growing straight out of Lake Wanaka against a mountain backdrop.

• Puzzling World

  illusion attraction · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  A quirky world of tilted rooms, holograms and a giant 3D maze on the edge of town.

• Lake Wanaka

  alpine lake · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  A serene glacial lake ringed by mountains, perfect for lakeside strolls, swimming and kayaking.

• Mount Aspiring National Park

  national park · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate

  A vast World Heritage wilderness of glaciers, beech forest and the pyramid peak of Tititea/Mount Aspiring.

• Rob Roy Glacier Track

  glacier valley hike · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A rewarding valley walk through beech forest to a hanging glacier framed by waterfalls in Mount Aspiring NP.

• Glendhu Bay

  lakeside bay · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A tranquil pebbled bay west of town with the finest views of Mount Aspiring across the water.

• Roys Peak Track

  summit hike · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate

  A demanding but iconic zig-zag climb to a knife-edge ridge with the classic aerial view over Lake Wanaka and its islands.

• Rippon Vineyard

  lakeside winery · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  A biodynamic vineyard on a natural amphitheatre above the lake, offering one of NZ's most scenic tastings.

• Blue Pools (Makarora)

  glacial pools · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A short forest walk and swing bridge to startlingly blue glacier-fed pools on the Makarora River.

• Cardrona Bra Fence

  quirky roadside icon · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A famously eccentric rural fence festooned with thousands of bras, on the historic Crown Range road.

• Mount Iron Track

  easy summit walk · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A short, popular loop climb to a rocky summit with 360-degree views over Wanaka, the lake and the Clutha basin.

• Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain

  lake & lookout · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A tiered walk from a small lake to a summit lookout with soaring views of Lake Wanaka and Glendhu Bay.

Things to do

• Roys Peak Guided Sunrise Hike Hiking · 7 h · from NZD 149 per person
• Skydive Wanaka 15,000ft Adventure · 3 h · from NZD 439 per person
• Mou Waho Island Lake Cruise Nature · 4 h · from NZD 149 per person
• Rippon Vineyard Wine Tasting Food · 1.5 h · from NZD 45 per person
• Cardrona Alpine Experience Adventure · 5 h · from NZD 129 per person
• Puzzling World Illusion Experience Family · 2 h · from NZD 28 per person

Day trips and tours

• Wanaka Highlights & Wine Day Tour 7 h · from NZD 189

Where to stay in Wanaka

• Wanaka Town Centre & Lakefront about NZD 240 per night

  The relaxed heart of Wanaka on the lake, walkable to cafes, the cinema and #ThatWanakaTree.

Hotels

• Lakeside Apartments Wanaka 4.5-star · NZD 260 to NZD 420 per night
• Te Wanaka Lodge 4-star · NZD 220 to NZD 340 per night
• Wanaka Bakpaka 3-star · NZD 40 to NZD 140 per night
• Edgewater Hotel 4-star · NZD 220 to NZD 360 per night
• Wyndham Wanaka 4-star · NZD 240 to NZD 380 per night
• Oakridge Resort Wanaka 4-star · NZD 220 to NZD 380 per night

Where to eat

• Francesca's Italian Kitchen Italian · about NZD 55 per person
• Kika Modern New Zealand, Small Plates · about NZD 90 per person
• Bistro Gentil French · about NZD 95 per person
• Big Fig Modern New Zealand, Healthy · about NZD 30 per person
• Federal Diner Cafe · about NZD 28 per person
• Relishes Cafe Modern New Zealand, Cafe · about NZD 52 per person
• Ritual Cafe Cafe · about NZD 22 per person
• Burrito Craft Mexican · about NZD 25 per person

Getting to Wanaka

Nearest airport: Queenstown (ZQN), about 48 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.

How visitors arrive in Wanaka

• InterCity coach from Queenstown to Wanaka By road from Queenstown · common

  InterCity coach runs from Athol Street in Queenstown to the Lakefront in Wanaka; most air visitors connect via Queenstown. Source: intercity.co.nz

From the bus terminal to the centre

• InterCity drop-off at the Log Cabin

  The coach arrives at the Log Cabin on the Lakefront, 100 Ardmore Street, at the edge of the town centre. Source: intercity.co.nz

Getting around

• Car Rental Self

  Several operators in Wanaka offer car hire, which helps for getting beyond the compact lakeside town to the ski fields and Queenstown.

• Shuttle
• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Trailhead car break-ins

  Roys Peak and remote car parks

  Opportunistic thieves target cars left at popular but isolated hiking car parks.

  How to avoid it: Leave nothing of value in the car and lock all bags out of sight.

Best time to visit Wanaka

• Jan 24°C
• Feb 24°C
• Mar 21°C
• Apr 16°C
• May 12°C
• Jun 9°C
• Jul 8°C
• Aug 11°C
• Sep 14°C
• Oct 16°C
• Nov 19°C
• Dec 22°C

More in New Zealand

• Queenstown
• Auckland
• Rotorua
• Wellington
• Christchurch
• Taupo

Frequently asked questions about Wanaka

What are the main places to visit in Wanaka?

Places covered in our Wanaka guide include That Wanaka Tree, Puzzling World, Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Rob Roy Glacier Track.

Where should I stay in Wanaka?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Wanaka: Wanaka Town Centre & Lakefront.

How do I get around Wanaka?

Ways to get around Wanaka covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Shuttle, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Wanaka?

Scams reported to us for Wanaka include Trailhead car break-ins. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Wanaka?

Average daytime highs in Wanaka run from 8°C in Jul to 24°C in Jan.

Which airport is nearest to Wanaka?

The nearest airport to Wanaka has the code ZQN.