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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activities
events
Wanaka Winter Comedy Gala
When: Jul 11 to Jul 12, 08:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where: 73 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Mint Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Comedy Double Header: The Cool Mum/100% Happy
When: Jul 13, 07:00 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Sargood Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Edgewater Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Remarkably Funny presents: Ben Hurley live in Wānaka
When: Aug 14, 08:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: 145 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Water Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Welcome to Winter Party featuring Figure8 and SnakeRat
When: Jul 17 to Jul 18, 08:00 PM to 02:30 AM
Where: Post Office Lane, 33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Rove Café & Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Remarkably Funny presents: Wānaka open mic comedy
When: Jun 18 to Aug 27, 08:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: 73 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Mint Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Waste Free Fair 2020
When: Jul 18, 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Daylight Atheist
When: Jul 26, 07:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 28 Myra St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Community Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Food Lovers Masterclass
When: Oct 18, 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Waste Free Wanda Singalong
When: Jul 18, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Mindfulness Day Retreat
When: Jul 31 to Aug 1, 06:30 PM to 08:00 PM
Where: 40 McDougall Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Community Hub, 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.
