OceaniaWanaka
Alpine lakes, towering peaks, and world-class Pinot Noir.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
While Queenstown draws the crowds, Wanaka offers a quieter, more intimate gateway to New Zealand's Southern Alps.
It is a place shaped by glacial valleys and extreme geology, where the iconic lone tree in the lake is just a preamble to the vast wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient ice and pure alpine rivers.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €100–250 total
- 01Hike the Roys Peak track for sunrise views over Lake Wanaka. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Walk to the Rob Roy Glacier viewpoint in Mount Aspiring National Park. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Discover the vibrant Blue Pools Track with its swing bridge and clear water. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Visit the Cardrona ski field, transforming into a bike park in summer. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Taste local vintages at the region's Pinot Noir cellar doors. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 06Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Wanaka past 'That Wanaka Tree'. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Alpine lakes, towering peaks, and world-class Pinot Noir.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €80–150/night
In Wanaka
Central Wanaka
walkable to shops, cafés, and the lakefront
Albert Town
residential, riverside paths, access to trails
In Lake Hawea
Hawea Flat
peaceful, larger plots, close to Lake Hawea activities
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
Fly into:
- Queenstown Airport ZQN
- Dunedin Airport DUD
Plan the journey
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
A rental car is essential for exploring the wider Wanaka region and Mount Aspiring National Park's trailheads. Within Wanaka town, walking and cycling are easy. Shuttles run to ski fields in winter.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €30–60/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Lamb Shank
slow-cooked local lamb
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Green-Lipped Mussels
steamed shellfish
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Whitebait Fritter
small fish omelette
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Hāngi
earth oven roasted meats
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Lamington
sponge cake, coconut
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
92/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Spring · Summer
When it's at its best
Stay for
6 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$$
A splurge
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Embrace the outdoor lifestyle, start early for popular hikes like Roys Peak to avoid crowds, and wind down with a craft beer or local wine at a lakeside bar. The pace is relaxed, mirroring the stunning natural surroundings.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Spring
Spring: mild days around 12-20C, with comfortable evenings and the landscape coming to life.
- sturdy hiking boots for mountain trails
- layered clothing for variable alpine weather
- swimwear for lake and river dips
- sunscreen and hat, UV is strong
- reusable water bottle
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Hand-picked, one a day.