The YHA Wanaka backpacker hostel comprises a variety of homely backpacker accommodation from multi-share to double/twin rooms. It is a great spot to relax and take in views across Lake Wanaka of the Southern Alps. In winter, use the hostel as a great location to access the nearby ski fields of Treble Cone and Cardrona and after a day skiing the warm fire of the Wanaka hostel will welcome you back and Davey the hostel cat may even snuggle down on your lap if you’re lucky. 

Backpacker hostel facilities at YHA Wanaka include secure bike, luggage and ski storage and a drying room. There are plenty of open areas to chill out in at the Wanaka hostel and we also offer a large range of videos and DVDs for rainy days. Grab yourself a free tea and coffee anytime our well-equipped kitchen and speak to our knowledgeable staff about activities in the area.

YHA Wanaka has successfully taken part in the Sustainable Wanaka project and is proud of the sustainability initiatives the hostel has put in place. We encourage you to take part – reuse, recycle and reduce your waste while backpacking around New Zealand. 

YHA Wanaka offers first-rate backpacker hostel accommodation in this gorgeous lakeside town at the gateway to Mt Aspiring and only 50 minutes from Queenstown.

YHA Wanaka is a decent hostel 10 minutes' walk from the centre with small dorms and a peaceful garden. A small, homely cottage can be rented, or a double room inside it. - The Rough Guide to New Zealand

Special features at YHA Wanaka that backpackers love:

• Located so close to the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka and Wanaka town centre, yet still in a quiet residential street.
• Affordable and convenient Wanaka ski accommodation in the winter months, with a log fire, ski storage and drying room. 
• It’s easy to keep warm at the YHA Wanaka hostel with its log fire and friendly cat Davey!
• In summer relax in the large, sunny grounds.
• The sustainability initiatives put in place as part of the Sustainable Wanaka project. 

About Wanaka

Wanaka is located right at the heart of the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand and is the gateway to the Mt. Aspiring National Park. It is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s best ski fields and excellent heli-skiing. Wanaka is a short drive from Queenstown and shouldn’t be missed. Its charming village atmosphere on the banks of such a beautiful alpine lake makes it an excellent holiday destination. Lake Wanaka often has perfect mirrored reflections of the towering Southern Alps.

Wanaka’s many travel activities can be booked through the YHA Wanaka travel desk including skydiving, kayaking, jet boating, rock climbing, mountaineering, horse trekking, fishing and canyoning.  Arguably New Zealand’s best ski fields (Treble Cone and Cardrona) as well as Mt Aspiring National Park are only 40 minutes drive away. The picture-perfect historic Cardrona Hotel is another great place to take a drive to along the scenic Cardrona Valley. If the weather is not so great then visit Puzzling World a unique attraction in Wanaka, with its Great Maze, Hologram Hall and Tilted House - a lot of fun for all to try.

Wanaka is known as one of the flying capitals in New Zealand and the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum is located at Wanaka Airport, with an amazing collection of airworthy World War II fighters which can be seen in the air at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Air Show held every two years. This extravaganza of aerial action will next be held at Easter 2010, book your accommodation at YHA Wanaka early! While in Wanaka take the opportunity to have a go at flying your own light aircraft, it’s quite an experience.

Don’t underestimate the time you'll need to discover all of Wanaka’s charms so you won't be disappointed.   

Top activities to do while backpacking in Wanaka

• Skydive over Lake Wanaka with views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring as well as all the beautiful blue Southern Lakes.
• Mount Aspiring National Park is a World Heritage Park, the third largest in New Zealand and famous for its glaciers, tramping and climbing.
• See Wanaka from the air while flying a light aircraft or watch the aerial acrobats safely from the ground at the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show.
• Ski New Zealand’s top ski fields of Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snow Park NZ,  Snow Farm or try some heavenly heli-skiing around Wanaka.
• Get yourself lost at Puzzling World an extremely popular Wanaka attraction with holograms, visual illusions and the tricky Great Maze!
• Drive to Queenstown along the Cardrona Valley with a stop at the Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most rustically charming hotels.

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