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
Ziggy Alberts
When: Jan 2, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 1 Capel Ave, Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
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
Top Paddock Music Festival
When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 04:00 PM to 02:00 AM
Where: 1 Capel Ave, Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Bohemian Ball
When: Jan 18 to Jan 19, 07:00 PM to 02:00 AM
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
Decorate your own Christmas cake
When: Dec 16 to Dec 17, 05:30 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 12/12 Frederick street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cakes of Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
New Year's Eve Party
When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 09:00 PM to 02:30 AM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Bar Number 8, 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
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
Jody Direen, Arun O'Connor and Kaylee Bell
When: Jan 1, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Bar Number 8, 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.