Originally founded as a remote frontier community during New Zealand’s gold rush in the 1800s, Wanaka is one of the best kept secrets on the South Island. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and snow capped peaks, the town is nestled on the banks of a large freshwater lake amongst ancient pine forests and wildflower meadows.
The perfect year-round destination, Wanaka boasts fantastic skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and excellent hiking, rock climbing and fishing during the warm summer months. The town itself has a great selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as a local cinema, several museums, and other cultural attractions to explore. Steeped in history and still thriving today as a top-tier holiday spot, Wanaka welcomes families, couples and solo travelers all through the year.
An ideal destination for a fun, action-packed vacation or a relaxing retreat in nature, Wanaka provides visitors the opportunity to experience the very best of New Zealand’s unspoilt wilderness with all the comforts of home.
How Do You Get To Wanaka, New Zealand?
The most convenient way to reach Wanaka is to fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN) in New Zealand. The Queenstown Airport mainly caters for international flights from Australia, including flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. For international visitors, it’s easiest to fly into one of Australia’s major airports first and then catch a connecting flight to Queenstown Airport in New Zealand.
Queenstown Airport is just 70 km from Wanaka and the drive takes around 1 hour. If you’d like the freedom to travel at your own pace then you can hire a car at the airport and cruise through the magnificent scenery to the resort, stopping off at beauty spots along the way. Alternatively, you can take one of the daily shuttle bus services straight from the airport to Wanaka, or jump in a taxi that will drop you off at your hotel.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Wanaka, New Zealand?
Wanaka is a year-round mountain resort but each season definitely has its own pros and cons for visitors.
In the summertime, between December and February, the temperatures range from around 20-30 Degrees Celsius – ideal for hiking, biking, water sports on the lake, and site seeing in the town. You can also enjoy several local festivals that Wanaka hosts during the summer months, including unique arts and food events.
During the winter months, between June and late August, the mountain slopes are a paradise for skiers and snowboarders with bright sunny weather and deep banks of fresh snow.
The spring and fall in Wanaka are great for hiking, cultural visits, and tranquil holidays by the lake. In the spring you can appreciate the huge meadows of native wildflowers and in the fall you’ll see the colorful leaves that decorate the forests around the lake. To avoid the crowds and get the most competitive prices for accommodation, you should visit during the autumn – of course, if you’re planning a skiing trip then you’ll need to plan your trip for the winter to catch the best snows!
What Is There To Do In Wanaka, New Zealand?
Skiing and Snowboarding During the Winter at Wanaka
There are several main skiing areas near Wanaka that offer world-class facilities and exciting off-piste opportunities.
You’ll find the most reliable snow and the longest scheduled ski season on the South Island at Cardrona Alpine Resort, just 35 km from central Wanaka. For more high-adrenaline off-piste skiing, the nearby Treble Cone ski area is your best bet. Alternatively, you can try out some cross country skiing, snow shoe hiking, and other fun activities at the Snow Farm where there’s also a lovely on-site restaurant, cafe, and alpine lodge.
Just remember, that in the Southern hemisphere the winter ski season begins in June and runs through until mid to late August, so plan your trip accordingly! To reach the ski slopes from your accommodation in Wanaka you can easily take a taxi, hire a car, or arrange travel at the hotel’s front desk.
Join a Half-Day Guided Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
The wilderness that surrounds Wanaka is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring, and an easy way to start your explorations is to join a half-day guided tour. The guided tour begins with a relaxing cruise across Lake Wanaka to the Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll learn all about the flora and fauna of Lake Wanaka as you cross over to the island.
Once you arrive on Mou Waho you’ll discover its hidden wonders, including a secret alpine lake right in the heart of the island. You’ll also take a short hike up to some fantastic view points to admire the lake and surrounding scenery. After taking in the exhilarating views of Wanaka you’ll have tea and snacks to refresh yourself for the trip back.
And there’s one last thing! Before you head back, you’ll be able to plant a native tree on the island so you can leave your mark while helping to maintain the precious ecosystem you’ve just explored.
See the Sights with a Milford Sound Glacier Flight and Boat Cruise
For the more adventurous visitor, this flight in a light aircraft and boat cruise is an exciting way to release your inner explorer! After meeting at the Wanaka airport to board your flight, the pilot will take you up over the scenic Clutha River and the Wanaka and Hawea lakes before flying down the full length of the alpine fjord. Along the way you’ll see glaciers, dramatic waterfalls, mountains, and picture-perfect views of the rugged alpine valleys.
Once you arrive at Milford Sound, you’ll take a boat cruise through the waters, admiring the incredible scenery along the shores. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for some of Milford Sound’s most exotic inhabitants, including seals, penguins and dolphins. Finally, you’ll meet up with the pilot again who will fly you back to Wanaka via a different route.
For your convenience, there’s a choice between morning or afternoon tours – whichever suits your schedule better. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before your flight is due to depart at the start of the tour.
Visit the Top Local Wineries and Learn About Local Maori Culture
This laid-back guided tour lets you immerse yourself in the fascinating Maori culture of Wanaka as well as tasting some of the finest locally produced wines. You’ll be picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and driven to several nearby wineries while learning about the regional Maori history from your guide. At each winery you’ll sample a selection of wines and enjoy a range of snacks, all while marveling at the outstanding vistas below.
An absolutely lovely way to spend a relaxing day finding out about the region’s history while savoring some of the best wines in the hemisphere – this half-day tour is unmissable for any culture vulture that’s visiting Wanaka.
Stay at the 5-Star Fully-Serviced Lakeside Apartments, Wanaka
There’s a wide range of accommodation in Wanaka but few establishments can compare to the luxury, convenience, and excellent facilities of the Lakeside Apartments. These fully-serviced 5-Star apartments are available with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms and include a designer kitchen, two bathrooms, a dining area, and a spacious lounge. All the apartments have access to free on-site parking, outdoor pools, spa facilities, BBQ pits, and free high speed internet.
Situated right beside the picturesque shores of Lake Wanaka, it’s a short walk from your apartment to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops in town – so you’re never too far from the action. Furthermore, you can arrange hiking or skiing trips directly from the comfort of your apartment. The ideal mix of hotel luxury with the privacy of a private rental property, the Lakeside Apartments provide visitors to Wanaka with everything you need to enjoy a home from home on the shores of an alpine lake in New Zealand.
To book your apartment, or find out more, you can visit the Lakeside Apartments official website, here.
