Wanaka, in the Otago region on New Zealand’s South Island, is a year-round hub of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural beauty. The lake town is set beneath Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the majestic Southern Alps. Come to this picturesque part of the country to hike, ski, fish and skydive, among other activities. Visit one of the acclaimed wineries nearby for those days when you just want to relax in the glorious outdoors.
Choose from ski slopes for every level of skier at Wanaka. Ski season runs from June to October, when you can enjoy 50 kilometres (25 miles) of cross-country ski area in the Mount Pisa ranges. Wanaka is an easy half-hour drive from Treble Cone, where you can test your skills on a vertical rise with stunning views over the lake. Shuttle buses run to the popular Cardrona slopes a little farther away.
During the warmer months the inviting waters of Lake Wanaka are a perfect spot for wakeboarding, sailing, waterskiing and trout fishing. Take a sailboat to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll be approached by New Zealand’s friendliest bird, the flightless weka. Hire a kayak or sailing boat to help you find a secluded beach along the lake’s shore.
Adrenaline junkies can take a jet boat tour, or go canyoning through forested waterfalls. Skydive over the lake and snow-capped peaks or take a scenic helicopter ride. Look for familiar scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, as this area was used as a location during filming of the popular movie series.
Take a wine tour to taste the fare of several nearby vineyards. Enjoy incredible views as you sip your pinot noir. Sample some Lake Wanaka trout at the wide choice of restaurants or head to one of the bars for cocktails by the fire.
Great attractions for families include the Wanaka National Transport and Toy Museum and Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World.
Wanaka is a 60-minute drive from Queenstown. Catch a shuttle bus or hire a car. Tour operators organise ski and adventure packages that make getting around easy.
Known for
Family-friendly, Skiing and Romantic
Top hotels in Wanaka
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Wanaka
4 out of 5
109 Mount Aspiring Road, Lake Wanaka, Wanaka
NZ$150
per night
21 Oct. - 22 Oct.
Conveniently near to skiing facilities, this Wanaka apartment building is located in the mountains, within 3 miles (5 km) of Rippon Vineyard and Lake Wanaka, ...…Conveniently near to skiing facilities, this Wanaka apartment building is located in the mountains, within 3 miles (5 km) of Rippon Vineyard and Lake Wanaka, ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (431 reviews)
"A great place to stay at Wanaka. Showers are a little narrow."…""A great place to stay at Wanaka. Showers are a little narrow."WWW…"
20 Studholme Road, Corner of Cardona Valley Road, Wanaka
NZ$154
per night
20 Oct. - 21 Oct.
Situated in Wanaka, this spa hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Lake Wanaka. Wanaka Golf Club and Pembroke ...…Situated in Wanaka, this spa hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Lake Wanaka. Wanaka Golf Club and Pembroke ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (820 reviews)
"Loved having laundry facilities in our room, very nice and quiet. A little drive out of the main town centre (couple of minutes max), but fine if you have a car."…""Loved having laundry facilities in our room, very nice and quiet. A little drive out of the main town centre (couple of minutes max), but fine if you have a car."WWW…"
Located in Wanaka, this beachfront hotel is in a shopping district, 1 mi (1.6 km) from Rippon Vineyard and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Lake Wanaka. Crown Range and ...…Located in Wanaka, this beachfront hotel is in a shopping district, 1 mi (1.6 km) from Rippon Vineyard and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Lake Wanaka. Crown Range and ...WWW…
4.6/5Exceptional! (875 reviews)
"Nice location on the lake, nice friendly staff. Property is in need of sprucing up and a bit dated."…""Nice location on the lake, nice friendly staff. Property is in need of sprucing up and a bit dated."WWW…"
Come with us on the most exciting half day Jet Boating adventure in New Zealand beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of the Rings film locations, into Mount Aspiring National Park, part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area.
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of expansive Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains, and glacial valleys aboard a scenic helicopter flight. Take in the beautiful scenery from the air and disembark in an alpine setting to experience the magical area up close.
This is our half day river kayaking activity for those with an appetite for getting up close and personal with the famous Clutha River. The fun unfolds as the river twists and turns, through playful rapids of the Upper Clutha set amongst the stunning Wanaka scenery.
We have a bunch of different day pass options at Cardrona – from single day ski passes to the Multi-Day Pass, we’ve got you covered! Explore some of New Zealand’s best skiing & snowboarding terrain.
Immerse yourself in our beautiful alpine environment with sightseeing and walking at Cardrona. At over 1800m above sea level, breathe the fresh alpine air and take in the stunning 360-degree views of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hawea.
Enjoy a beautiful half day fully guided kayaking adventure on Lake Wanaka. Relax as you paddle along in the crystal clear waters & take in the views of the stunning Southern Alps.
