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
Experience some of New Zealand's highlights in easy-to-manage, bite-sized pieces.
12 Crazy Adrenaline Activities To Try In New Zealand
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Te Araroa Trail Hostels
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12 YHA Hostels Perfectly Placed For the Snow
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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...
How To Visit Queenstown on a Budget
Waking up to a view of the spectacular lakefront, eating fancy cheeses, drinking local wine and experiencing the thrill of the adventure capital...
events
NZ Proud Dance Showcase - Dance Out Loud & Pointe Central
When: Dec 17 to Dec 18, 07:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
All Aboard Tour 2020 - Wanaka
When: Dec 5, 07:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Intuitive Meditation
When: Oct 24 to Dec 5, 07:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 37 Reece Crescent, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Yoga Ground, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Rodeo 2021
When: Jan 2, 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: Albert Town, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: FarmBuild South Arena, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Remarkably Funny presents: Wānaka open mic comedy
When: Jun 18 to Jan 7, 08:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 73 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Mint Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Joseph Michael: Amazon - Raised Up Sky | Artist Talk
When: Dec 7, 06:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Plant Swap
When: Dec 5, 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Where: 28 Helwick Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Plant Collective, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Our Kids Online - but are they secure?
When: Dec 4, 07:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Ripe - The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival
When: Mar 21, 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Where: 707 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Corbridge Woolshed, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Sunday Craft Market
When: Oct 25 to Apr 18, 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Where: Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Pembroke Park, 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.