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

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

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.

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.

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.