Wanaka - Laid-back alpine town in the midst of it all
The cool younger sister to nearby Queenstown, Wanaka has a smaller, more local feel with much of the same appeal. This alpine village has a welcoming vibe and an easily walkable centre - great for a lakefront stroll to find your next meal.
Not quite as busy as Queenstown, you'll still find a buzz in the air whether it's mid-summer or ski season. Ski New Zealand’s top ski fields of Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snow Farm or try some heavenly heli-skiing around Wanaka.
Explore nearby Mount Aspiring National Park, famous for its glaciers, tramping and climbing. The lake provides both scenic splendour and an opportunity for paddle boarding, kayaking, or a dip.
at a glance
Best known for
relaxed vibes and pristine location
Did you know:
#thatwanakatree is NZ's most photographed tree!
Don't leave without
eating fish & chips on the lakefront
stories
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activities
events
Tuki Festival 2020
When: Feb 8, 01:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: 1050 Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Glendhu Station, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Contact Epic - NZ's Ultimate MTB Challenge
When: Apr 18, 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: 1 Capel Ave, Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Concerti Grossi - Southern Baroque Ensemble
When: Feb 12, 07:30 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 246 Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Ruby Swim
When: Jan 25, 07:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Ruby Island, Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Ruby Island, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Tattletale Saints Album Release Tour
When: Feb 5, 08:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Bar Number 8, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Beethoven Violin and Piano Sonatas - Wanaka
When: Feb 15, 07:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Andy Irvine - Cardrona
When: Feb 8, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 2282 Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cardrona Hall Board, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Tutus on Tour
When: Mar 8, 06:30 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Alex Ventling Trio - Live at Bar Number 8
When: Feb 9, 08:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Bar Number 8, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Women's Adventure Film Tour 19/20 - Wanaka
When: Mar 8, 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where: 72 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cinema Paradiso, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Nearby Hostels
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YHA Wanaka
YHA Wanaka's central location boasts views of the lake and mountains. Cosy and sociable, this is the ideal backpacker hostel for discovering all of Wanaka's activities and adventures.
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YHA Queenstown Central
In the fast-beating heart of Queenstown, this modern backpacker hostel is a secure, comfortable base near everything this alpine town has to offer.
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YHA Aoraki Mt Cook
Situated in a refreshingly remote part of the South Island, YHA Aoraki Mt Cook is a log cabin-style backpacker hostel that's surrounded by the monumental views of the Southern Alps.