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
Top 7 Mountain Biking Towns in New Zealand
Whether you're an avid downhill mountain biker or trail rider, our 35+ hostels have got you covered when it comes to hanging up your helmet at the...
DOC Short Walks
Experience some of New Zealand's highlights in easy-to-manage, bite-sized pieces.
12 Crazy Adrenaline Activities To Try In New Zealand
While Queenstown gets all the glory for being New Zealand’s adrenaline capital, we know a few more hotspots to suit your mood and adrenaline...
Te Araroa Trail Hostels
The Te Araroa trail is New Zealand's newest long distance tramping route, from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. We've got hostels to...
Top 5 Romantic Hostel Getaways
We know what you’re thinking – hostels don’t exactly scream romance, right? Boy do we have some news for you!
12 YHA Hostels Perfectly Placed For the Snow
Love skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing or any and all fun on and off the piste? Check out our great snow hostels located near New Zealand's best...
activities
events
Wanaka Arts - Art Exhibition and Sale - Opening Night
When: Oct 24, 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Future of Farming
When: Nov 1, 06:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
ONE VOICE - Stories of Impact from Local Change Makers
When: Oct 29, 06:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Entrepreneur Coffee Jam - The Startup Journey
When: Oct 24, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: 72 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Urban Grind Cafe & Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
TIA Tourism Workshop - Wanaka
When: Oct 29, 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Dance Out Loud Showcase 2019- Wanna B
When: Nov 9 to Nov 10, 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Freedom From Anxiety
When: Oct 23 to Nov 27, 06:30 PM to 08:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Reducing our Household Rubbish - The Zero Waste Approach
When: Oct 31, 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Unwrapping Zero Waste for Business
When: Oct 31, 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Building Better - Wanaka
When: Oct 30, 05:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Where: 246 Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: The Rippon Hall, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Nearby Hostels
view more
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.
view more
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.
view more
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.