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
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activities
events
Bach Oboe d'amore
When: Feb 20, 07:30 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 246 Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Entrepreneur Coffee Jam
When: Feb 28, 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: 72 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cinema Paradiso, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka A&P Show
When: Mar 8 to Mar 9, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Showgrounds, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Xavier Crow's - Hypnotic - Hypnosis Show.
When: Mar 8, 07:30 PM to 09:45 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
River City Jazzmen
When: Mar 2, 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Festival of Colour: The Māori Sidesteps
When: Apr 3, 08:30 PM to 10:10 PM
Where: 71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wheels At Wanaka
When: Apr 20 to Apr 21, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Where: Ballantyne Road
Venue: Three Parks, Wanaka, Otago
Festival of Colour: Björk All Is Full of Love
When: Apr 2, 06:30 PM to 07:50 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Festival of Colour: Permission to Speak
When: Apr 2 to Apr 7, 06:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Lakeside Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Yacht Club, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Festival of Colour: Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra
When: Apr 4, 08:30 PM to 10:10 PM
Where: 71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Hotel, 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.