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 and chips on the lakefront
stories
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DOC Short Walks
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Te Araroa Trail Hostels
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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
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
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
James Nokise: God Damn Fancy Man: CANCELLED
When: Apr 16, 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where: Level 1, 99 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lalaland Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Autumn Masterclass Workshop - 4 Days
When: Apr 18 to Apr 21, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where: 144/154 Anderson Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Ronél Hunter - Move At Will Tour
When: May 16 to May 17, 07:00 PM to 01:00 AM
Where: 59 Helwick St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Fitzpatricks Irish Pub, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Penrite Mainland Classic Tour 2020 Reted
When: Apr 11 to Apr 17, 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: Cnr Cardrona Valley & Studholme Rds, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Air Chathams DC3 Scenic Flights : CANCELLED
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
Spread the Jam
When: Apr 25, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Bar Number 8, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Big Bike Film Night
When: May 8, 05:45 PM to 10:45 PM
Where: Sargood Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Edgewater Hotel, 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.