Calm lakeside town in New Zealand's South Island. Gateway to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Known for its art scene and vibrant local restaurants.
Wanaka, a town on New Zealand's South Island, sits on the shores of its namesake lake with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. This scenic destination draws visitors year-round with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing at nearby resorts. The town has a thriving food scene, and you can explore quirky places like Puzzling World or visit nearby award-winning wineries.
Location and Landscape
You'll find Wanaka in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, about an hour's drive from Queenstown over the Crown Range. The town lies at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, with the Southern Alps rising around it. This setting creates a natural playground, with Mount Aspiring National Park to the north providing hiking trails and glacier views. Lake Wanaka's clear waters stretch for 45 kilometers, allowing for boating, fishing, and other water activities right from the town's edge.
Seasonal Activities
Wanaka caters to adventure seekers in every season. In summer, you can tackle hiking trails for all fitness levels. The Roy's Peak Track is a challenging but rewarding day hike, offering expansive views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. Mountain bikers can explore hundreds of kilometers of trails, from easy lakeside rides to more technical tracks in the nearby hills.
In winter, Wanaka transforms into a ski town. You can reach Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area within a 40-minute drive, both offering varied terrain for skiers and snowboarders. For a different winter experience, try cross-country skiing at Snow Farm, New Zealand's only Nordic ski area.
Food and Wine Scene
Despite its small size, Wanaka has a rich culinary landscape. You'll find everything from casual cafes to high-end restaurants, many using local produce. Start your day at Fedeli with artisanal pastries and strong coffee. For dinner, try Kika's innovative small plates in a stylish setting.
Wine lovers should visit Rippon Vineyard, just outside town. This biodynamic winery produces excellent Pinot Noir and has one of the most photographed views in New Zealand, with rows of vines sloping down to Lake Wanaka.
Interesting Places to Visit
While nature is the main draw, Wanaka has some intriguing man-made attractions. At Cinema Paradiso, you can watch films from old couches or even a converted car. During intermission, they serve freshly baked cookies.
Puzzling World challenges visitors with a giant maze and rooms of optical illusions. It also has a leaning tower that seems to defy gravity.
To learn about local history, visit the Wanaka Museum, which has exhibits on the region's Maori and European settlement.
Getting There and Around
Most visitors drive to Wanaka, either as part of a South Island road trip or after flying into Queenstown Airport, about an hour away. Once in Wanaka, you can walk around the town center easily, but having a car is useful for exploring the surrounding area. In summer, you can rent bikes to explore the lakeside trails. For those without a car, shuttle services to the ski fields operate in winter.
Best Time to Visit
You can enjoy Wanaka year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Summer (December to February) is ideal for hiking, water activities, and outdoor dining, but it's also the busiest season. Fall (March to May) brings colorful foliage and milder temperatures, good for hiking and biking. Winter (June to August) is prime time for skiing and cozy evenings by the fire. Spring (September to November) has warmer weather and blooming wildflowers, with fewer visitors than summer.
