Wanaka

Popular summer and winter resort town.

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.

4.5
out of 5

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.

Average temperatures during the day in Wanaka.
June
4°
Jul
4°
Aug
5°
Sep
8°
Oct
10°
Nov
13°
Dec
15°
Jan
16°
Feb
16°
Mar
14°
Apr
11°
May
7°

What people say about Wanaka

4.5
People
5
Food
4
Spaces
5
Value
4
Safety
5

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What to do in Wanaka

Places to visit in New Zealand

Article from September 2024 with 15 places

Some travelers go to Wanaka and never want to leave. Seasonal workers all over the world gather here, both during summer and winter. The city is not only located by a beautiful lake and trails, but during winter it has four ski resorts. But even though this place has a lot to offer it is a calm, nature-focused town to be in. After a day on the slopes or after taking a swim in lake Wanaka, then why not go to a local brewery or just enjoy the view over the Wanaka tree, standing in the water. This Willow tree is standing alone in the lake and has become a “must go to”-place for tourists.

While in Wanaka there are many summits to be discovered, but there is one a lot of people have heard of: Roy´s peak. The trail starts only a few minutes car ride from Wanaka, then a five to six hour hike awaits to reach the summit. In this case the journey is really the goal, because on a nice day you will be able to take in the spectacular views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains on your way up. At the same time it is hard to beat the 360-degree view that you well-deserved will have on the summit.

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