Best Time to Visit
December to February (summer hiking) or June to September (skiing at Treble Cone and Cardrona)
Language
English, Te Reo Māori
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
NZST (UTC+12), NZDT (UTC+13) Oct-Apr
Airport
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) — 1 hr drive; Wanaka Airport has small charter flights only
Population
~9,500 (Wanaka township)
Climate
Continental alpine, hot summers (22-30°C), cold winters (-2 to 8°C), low rainfall
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1)
Lake Depth
Lake Wanaka is NZ's 4th largest lake, 311m deep
A lone crack willow growing in the shallows of Lake Wanaka — arguably New Zealand's most photographed tree. Free access, 5-minute walk from the town centre along the lakefront. Best at sunrise or golden hour. The tree partially collapsed in a 2020 storm but still stands.
A 16km return, 1,200m elevation gain hike with the iconic zigzag ridge photo at the top. Allow 5-7 hours return. Free, no booking required. Start early (6AM) to beat crowds and heat. Closed during lambing season (Oct 1 - Nov 10). Bring at least 2 litres of water — no shade on the track.
An eccentric attraction with a massive wooden maze (Great Maze, 1.5km of passages), tilted rooms that defy gravity, and illusion galleries. NZD 25 for maze only, NZD 25 for illusion rooms, NZD 35 for both. Open daily 8:30AM-5:30PM. Fun for all ages, allow 1.5-2 hours.
New Zealand's largest ski area by skiable terrain (550 hectares) with stunning lake views from every run. 25 min drive from Wanaka. Season June-September. Day passes from NZD 159 adults. Less crowded than Queenstown's fields. The Home Basin has excellent intermediate terrain.
A glacial lake stretching 45km with crystal-clear water backed by snow-capped mountains. The town waterfront has free swimming spots, paddleboard hire (from NZD 30/hr), and lakefront picnic areas. Ruby Island, a 750m swim or short kayak offshore, is a popular summer destination.
A photogenic lavender farm in bloom from November to February, with lavender ice cream, scones, and beauty products. NZD 10 entry (free under 15). 10 min drive from town. The backdrop of mountains and purple rows is spectacular. Also has a small apiary and herb garden.
A 10km return walk (3-4 hours) through Mount Aspiring National Park to a viewpoint beneath the hanging Rob Roy Glacier. Swing bridges, beech forest, and cascading waterfalls along the way. Free, but the access road to Raspberry Creek car park is gravel (4WD recommended in winter). 45 min drive from Wanaka.
Fly into Queenstown Airport (ZQN) and drive 1 hour over the Crown Range — NZ's highest sealed road with stunning views — to Wanaka.
Drive from Queenstown to Wanaka via Crown Range(1 hour)
Spectacular alpine pass. Stop at the summit lookout for panoramic views. Icy in winter — carry chains. Or take the longer Cardrona Valley route (1.5 hrs, less dramatic)
Check-in(30 minutes)
Stay near the waterfront for walking access to That Wanaka Tree, cafes, and the lake
Wanaka waterfront walk and That Wanaka Tree(1 hour)
Walk the lakefront to the famous lone willow growing in the shallows. 5 min from town centre. Free. Best at golden hour. Don't climb or hang from it — locals are fiercely protective
Dinner at Francesca's Italian Kitchen(1.5 hours)
Wood-fired pizza (NZD 26) and house-made pasta. On Ardmore Street, the main dining strip. Book for 7PM
The iconic hike — 16km return, 1,200m elevation gain to the famous zigzag ridge viewpoint above Lake Wanaka.
Roy's Peak Track(6 hours)
Start by 6AM to beat crowds and heat. No shade on the track. Carry 2+ litres of water. The famous photo spot is at the ridge before the actual summit. Closed Oct 1 - Nov 10 (lambing). Free, no booking needed
Late lunch at Kika(1 hour)
Middle Eastern-inspired tapas on Ardmore Street. Lamb shoulder NZD 34. Good wine list. You've earned it
Sunset at the waterfront(1 hour)
Watch the light change on the mountains across the lake. Free. Pack a picnic from the New World supermarket
A 10km walk through Mount Aspiring National Park to a hanging glacier viewpoint — one of NZ's most rewarding day walks.
Drive to Raspberry Creek car park(45 minutes)
Gravel access road. 4WD recommended in winter. The Matukituki Valley drive is beautiful in itself
Rob Roy Glacier Track(4 hours)
10km return. Swing bridges, beech forest, waterfalls, and the hanging glacier at the end. Moderate difficulty. Free. Carry water and warm layers — weather changes fast
Dinner at Bistro Gentil(1.5 hours)
French bistro. Duck confit NZD 38. The best fine dining in Wanaka. Book ahead
Recover from two big hikes. Lake time and Wanaka's quirky attractions.
Sleep in and brunch at Federal Diner(1.5 hours)
The best brunch in Wanaka. Eggs benedict NZD 24. Counter baked goods. On Helwick Street
Puzzling World(2 hours)
Great Maze (1.5km of passages), tilted rooms, and illusion galleries. NZD 35 for combo. Fun for all ages
Lake Wanaka swim and paddleboard(2 hours)
SUP hire NZD 30/hr from the waterfront. Or swim from the public beach area. Crystal clear, cold glacial water
Dinner at Amigos Mexican Grill(1 hour)
Burritos NZD 20. Margaritas. Casual and fun. On Helwick Street
A gentler day exploring lavender fields (seasonal) and Central Otago wines.
Wanaka Lavender Farm(1.5 hours)
NZD 10. In bloom Nov-Feb. Lavender ice cream, scones, and beauty products. Mountain backdrop with purple rows. Also has apiary and herb garden. 10 min from town
Rippon Vineyard(1 hour)
Biodynamic vineyard with the most photographed cellar door view in NZ — overlooking Lake Wanaka and the mountains. Tastings NZD 10 (waived with purchase). Their Pinot Noir is Central Otago benchmark
Lunch at The Stoaker Room(1 hour)
Everything cooked over fire. Steak NZD 42. Atmospheric and delicious. On Ardmore Street
Dinner at Botswana Butchery(1.5 hours)
Premium steakhouse with lake views. Eye fillet NZD 48. Smart casual. On Ardmore
In winter (Jun-Sep), ski at Treble Cone. In summer, mountain bike or take a jet boat ride.
Winter: Treble Cone ski day(6 hours)
NZD 159 day pass. NZ's largest ski area. 25 min from Wanaka. Stunning lake views from every run. Home Basin for intermediates
Summer: Bike Wanaka mountain biking(3 hours)
Guided tours from NZD 100. Or rent a bike (NZD 60/half day) and ride Sticky Forest — beginner to intermediate trails minutes from town
Or: Jet boat on the Clutha River(1 hour)
Wanaka River Journeys, NZD 129. Jet boat into the Mount Aspiring wilderness. Remote and exhilarating
Lunch at Big Fig(1 hour)
Asian-inspired street food. Bao buns NZD 16. On Ardmore
Final morning in Wanaka before driving to Queenstown Airport.
Sunrise at That Wanaka Tree(30 minutes)
The most popular photo time. Arrive before dawn for reflections
Drive to Queenstown Airport(1 hour)
Via Crown Range or Cardrona. Allow 2 hours before your flight
US, UK, EU, and many other passport holders need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) — NZD 17 via app or NZD 23 online, plus an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Wanaka is 1 hour from Queenstown over the Crown Range (NZ's highest sealed road — stunning but steep and icy in winter). Wanaka is quieter, cheaper, and less touristy. Many visitors base themselves here and day-trip to Queenstown activities rather than the reverse.
InterCity buses connect Wanaka to Queenstown and Christchurch but run infrequently. To reach trailheads, ski fields, and the lavender farm, you need a car. Rental from Queenstown airport is best. In winter, carry chains — they're legally required on Crown Range when conditions warrant.
Roy's Peak, Rob Roy Glacier, lakefront swimming, and That Wanaka Tree cost nothing. Pack a picnic from the New World supermarket. The biggest expense is accommodation — book early for Dec-Feb when Wanaka fills up.
Don't underestimate Roy's Peak — it's a relentless 1,200m climb with no flat sections and zero shade. People regularly require rescue. Start early, carry 2+ litres of water, and turn back if conditions deteriorate. The famous photo spot is at the ridge before the actual summit.
The tree is on public land but locals are fiercely protective of it after vandalism incidents. Don't climb it, hang from branches, or trample the surrounding area. Stay on established paths. Drone flights over the lake require CAA approval.
Travel GuidesRoy's Peak is just the start. From glacier heli-hikes to canyoning in Matukituki Valley, Wanaka quietly packs more adventure per square kilometer than anywhere in NZ.
StoriesTom has guided in the Southern Alps for 11 years. He thinks Queenstown is a theme park and Wanaka is the real New Zealand. He's mostly right.
Travel GuidesThe same Southern Alps, half the crowds, and a lake town that feels like New Zealand before the tour buses arrived. Here's the case for giving Wanaka its due.
