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
Top 8 Mountain Biking Towns in New Zealand
Whether you're an avid downhill mountain biker or trail rider, our 35+ hostels have you covered when it comes to hanging up your helmet at the end...
DOC Short Walks
Experience some of New Zealand's highlights in easy-to-manage, bite-sized pieces.
12 Crazy Adrenaline Activities To Try In New Zealand
While Queenstown gets all the glory for being New Zealand’s adrenaline capital, we know a few more hotspots to suit your mood and adrenaline...
Te Araroa Trail Hostels
The Te Araroa trail is New Zealand's newest long distance tramping route, from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. We've got hostels to...
Top 5 Romantic Hostel Getaways
We know what you’re thinking – hostels don’t exactly scream romance, right? Boy do we have some news for you!
12 YHA Hostels Perfectly Placed For the Snow
Love skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing or any and all fun on and off the piste? Check out our great snow hostels located near New Zealand's best...
Weekend Road-Tripping in New Zealand
We've put together a helpful guide for making the most of your weekends in 2020! All of our tip-top advice, a few things to keep in mind and even...
activities
events
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
Air Chathams DC3 Scenic Flights
When: Apr 10 to Apr 12, 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: Luggate, State Highway 6, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Warbirds Over Wanaka, Wanaka Airport, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Women's Adventure Film Tour 2020 - Wanaka
When: Mar 8 to Mar 9, 06:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: 72 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cinema Paradiso, 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
Pecha Kucha Night
When: Feb 29, 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: McDougall St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Upper Clutha Rugby Club, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka A&P Show
When: Mar 13 to Mar 14, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Showgrounds, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Brendan Dooley
When: Mar 5, 04:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 28 Myra St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Community Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Ice Skate Tour
When: Mar 10 to Mar 15, 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Where: 7 Ironside Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Primary School, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Cellists of Otago featuring Rebecca Ryan
When: Mar 29, 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Autumn Masterclass Workshop - 4 Days
When: Apr 23 to Apr 26, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: 144/154 Anderson Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Nearby Hostels
view more
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.
view more
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.
view more
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.