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
Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ
When: Aug 24 to Sep 8, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: 78 Anderson Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Snow Sports NZ, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Conservation Week - Habitat Restoration Planting
When: Sep 15, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: 1215 Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Diamond Lake Conservation Area, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Albi & The Wolves
When: Aug 24, 08:30 PM to 11:55 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Gin and Raspberry Boutique Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Corona Sunsets Presents Summer Thieves
When: Sep 8 to Sep 9, 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 33 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Barluga, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Taste Night
When: Aug 30, 05:45 PM to 06:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Chills - Snow Bound Tour with Finn Andrews (The Veils)
When: Sep 22 to Sep 23, 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 145 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Water Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Chinese Politics and The Birth of Skiing
When: Aug 24, 07:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: Sargood Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Edgewater Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Traditional Superfoods Workshop
When: Sep 10, 07:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: Plantation Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Mount Aspiring College, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Classical Jazz Quartet at Rippon
When: Oct 20, 07:30 PM to 09:15 PM
Where: 246 Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: The Rippon Hall, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Red Bull Defiance
When: Jan 19 to Jan 20, 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: Sargood Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Edgewater Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Nearby Hostels
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YHA Wanaka
Lively, cosy, and comfortable with stunning views out to Lake Wanaka and the mountains, YHA Wanaka is an incredibly popular hostel year-round. Our relaxed, welcoming vibe and open plan living/dining area get rave reviews in the likes of Lonely Planet.
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YHA Queenstown Central
This hostel couldn’t be more aptly named – nestled between the Wakatipu lakefront and Shotover St it’s right in the rapidly beating heart of this famous little resort town of Queenstown. Everything is on your doorstep – cafes, bars, restaurants and the waterfront with all its activities.
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YHA Aoraki Mt Cook
This cosy, solar-powered alpine backpacker lodge is nestled among majestic mountains and natural beauty. Guests love our inviting log cabin feel and coming home to a warm fire in our comfortable lounge at the end of a day exploring.