What to Do in Wanaka: Alpine Paradise on Crystal Blue
Wanaka sits beside Lake Wanaka with the Southern Alps rising behind it, creating a setting ideal for outdoor adventure and relaxed lakeside living. The town offers walking tracks, ski fields, water activities and family experiences throughout the year, making it a key destination for travellers planning what to do in Wanaka during a South Island itinerary.
Getting to Wanaka
Wanaka is conveniently accessible from major South Island destinations, with well-maintained roads and regular transport services available throughout the year.
Main Wanaka Activities and Things to Do
Using Wanaka as your base gives you access to lakefront walks, mountain trails, winter sports, water activities and the famous Lake Wanaka Tree. The town suits visitors who want fresh alpine air and a calm atmosphere while staying close to cafés, restaurants, markets and boutique stores. Travellers often pair Queenstown and Wanaka for easy day trips from Wanaka or a wider Southern Lakes journey.
Visitors searching for what to do in Wanaka with kids, or adults looking for more challenging hikes, will find varied options. The region offers gentle lakeside paths, alpine viewpoints, bike routes, boat trips and light adventure activities. Seasonal changes add variety, from skiing in winter to warm lake days in summer. For longer trips, the route from Wanaka to Milford Sound or Milford Sound to Wanaka can be planned as part of a wider itinerary.
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Towns near Wanaka
Explore the remarkable destinations surrounding Wanaka, each offering distinctive experiences that complement your visit. From adventurous Queenstown to charming Arrowtown and the gateway town of Te Anau, these nearby locations are perfect for day trips or extended explorations.
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About Queenstown
Just 67km from Wanaka, Queenstown is internationally renowned as New Zealand's adventure capital. This vibrant resort town offers year-round activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, and premium ski fields, alongside sophisticated dining and shopping experiences. Many visitors enjoy the contrasting atmospheres of bustling Queenstown and more relaxed Wanaka for a comprehensive Southern Lakes experience.
Explore Queenstown
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About Te Anau
Located approximately 230km southwest of Wanaka, Te Anau serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. This picturesque lakeside town sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand's second-largest lake. It's the ideal base for exploring Fiordland's wilderness, accessing the famous Milford Sound cruises, and experiencing three of New Zealand's Great Walks in one remarkable region.
Explore Te Anau
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Make the most of Milford Sound on our Discover More Cruise – our longest cruise on the fiord. With extra time on the water, you’ll journey further, get close to waterfalls and wildlife, all while enjoying expert insights from the nature guide. On select departures for a limited time, this unforgettable experience is available at a special discounted rate.
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Travel deeper into Milford Sound with our Coach & Discover More Cruise. Sit back on a premium coach journey from Queenstown or Te Anau, complete with expert commentary and photo stops. On arrival, board our longest cruise for more time to explore the fiord. Available over select dates at a special limited-time discount of 15% off.
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Embark on a small group Queenstown Wine Tour and enjoy $20 off this exclusive experience. Visit four boutique cellar doors, savour premium tastings, and enjoy a delicious light platter. With luxurious transport and stunning Central Otago scenery, this is a wine adventure not to be missed!
Weather in Wanaka
Wanaka enjoys a continental climate with four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences and landscape transformations throughout the year.
Summer (December-February)
Summer (December-February) brings warm, dry days with temperatures reaching 20-25°C, perfect for lake activities, hiking, and long evenings at waterfront restaurants.
Autumn (March-May)
Autumn (March-May) transforms Wanaka into a photographer's paradise with spectacular golden foliage against azure lake waters and snow-dusted mountains.
Winter (June-September)
Winter (June-September) delivers crisp, clear days around 0-10°C with reliable snowfall for the region's excellent ski fields.
Spring (September-November)
Spring (September-November) features warming temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures before the summer crowds arrive. Wanaka typically receives less rainfall than the west coast, contributing to its reputation for clear, sunny days across all seasons.
Where to Eat in Wanaka
Wanaka's food scene combines spectacular lakefront dining settings with creative cuisine showcasing Central Otago's renowned produce and wines.
This alpine town punches above its weight with diverse dining options ranging from casual cafés to refined restaurants helmed by innovative chefs. Lakefront establishments offer unrivalled views across Lake Wanaka to the mountains beyond, creating memorable settings for any meal. Local specialties feature Central Otago wines, stone fruit, wild game, and artisanal products from surrounding farms. Several wineries within easy reach provide tasting opportunities and gourmet experiences. For casual dining, food trucks and markets showcase international flavours with local ingredients, while coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the town's excellent café culture after a morning of adventure.
Day Walks around Wanaka
Wanaka offers an impressive array of walking tracks suitable for all abilities, from leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging alpine hikes with spectacular panoramic views.
The iconic Roy's Peak track rewards hikers with one of New Zealand's most photographed views – a breathtaking panorama of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park from its 1,578m summit. For those seeking less demanding options, the Mount Iron Loop Track offers a relatively easy 1.5-hour circuit with 360-degree views of the Wanaka Basin. The Blue Pools Track provides access to crystal-clear azure waters along an easy forest walk, perfect for families. Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain tracks offer various route options with exceptional viewpoints. The Millennium Walkway presents a flat, accessible path along Wanaka's stunning lakefront, ideal for all ages and abilities.
History of Wanaka
Wanaka has a long history shaped by Māori travel routes, European settlement and the growth of alpine tourism. Māori used the region for hunting and gathering while travelling along pounamu pathways, and the area was known as Oanaka. European settlers arrived in the 1850s and established large sheep stations throughout the region.
The Central Otago gold rush of the 1860s brought miners to nearby settlements such as Arrowtown and Cardrona, helping the region grow. The township, originally called Pembroke, adopted the name Wanaka in 1940. The development of skiing in the 1970s and rising appreciation for the natural landscape transformed Wanaka into a year-round resort town while maintaining its relaxed lakeside character.
What Wanaka Is Known For
Although Wanaka is not a major wine growing area, it is known for its outdoor attractions, scenic landmarks and alpine environment. Highlights include:
- The Lake Wanaka Tree and surrounding photography spots
- Walking tracks and alpine trails across Mount Aspiring National Park
- Day trips from Wanaka to Queenstown, Arrowtown, Cromwell and Te Anau
- Family-friendly activities and short walks near the lake
- Wanaka activities for all seasons, including skiing, hiking and boating
- Scenic routes for travellers arriving from Christchurch, Invercargill or Queenstown
- Longer journeys for visitors travelling between Wanaka and Milford Sound
These experiences make the region ideal for travellers who want a mix of adventure and calm lakeside scenery.
The Wanaka Region
The wider Wanaka region includes lakefront areas, forest paths, river valleys and alpine terrain leading toward Mount Aspiring National Park. Popular walking tracks such as Roys Peak, Mount Iron, the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain routes and the Millennium Walkway show the variety of landscapes within minutes of the town.
In winter, Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields offer reliable snow and impressive views, ideal for those planning what to do in Wanaka in winter. Nearby destinations add depth to longer stays. Queenstown provides adventure activities and shopping, Arrowtown preserves gold mining history and Te Anau acts as the link to Fiordland for those travelling from Wanaka to Milford Sound.
The calm atmosphere, lakeside scenery and mountain backdrop make Wanaka a rewarding base for extended stays or multi-day exploration with Southern Discoveries. Contact us to discover more.
Milford Sound
