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
Wheels At Wanaka
When: Apr 20 to Apr 21, 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: Ballantyne Road
Venue: Three Parks, Wanaka, Otago
Entrepreneur Coffee Jam
When: Apr 23, 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: 72 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Urban Grind Cafe & Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Aro - Manu Album Release Tour
When: Apr 20, 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 14 Helwick St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cork Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Winter Fest Suitcase Race
When: Jun 21, 02:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Macpac Mountain Bikes on Snow
When: Jun 23, 11:30 AM to 11:59 PM
Where: Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Monteith's Dog Derby
When: Jun 21, 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Tour de Cardies
When: Jun 23, 08:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Where: Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
My Name Is Moana
When: May 17, 07:30 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 28 Myra St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Community Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Graeme James 'The Long Way Home' NZ Tour
When: May 24 to May 25, 09:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Gin and Raspberry Boutique Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Autumn Colours Masterclass Photography Workshop
When: Apr 27 to Apr 30, 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: 144/154 Anderson Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort, 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.