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
Unlocking the taboos: Pelvic Floor and Exercise
When: Jun 26, 07:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 5 Gordon Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: The Fit Collective, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka To Broadway
When: Jul 28, 07:00 PM to 08:45 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Hellfire Anthology - Book Launch
When: Jun 28, 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM
Where: 53 Helwick Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wilson & Dorset, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Myele Manzanza Trio - 'A Love Requited' Tour - Wanaka
When: Jul 16, 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Gin and Raspberry Boutique Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Ruby Swim
When: Jan 25, 07:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: Ruby Island, Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Ruby Island, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
A Doris Day Special
When: Aug 17, 07:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Introspective Hypnosis Workshop
When: Sep 23 to Sep 27, 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Where: Sargood Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Edgewater Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Top Paddock Music Festival
When: Dec 31 to Jan 1, 04:00 PM to 02:00 AM
Where: 1 Capel Ave, Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Hawea Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Entrepreneur Coffee Jam featuring TSL Outdoor
When: Jun 28, 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: 72 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Urban Grind Cafe & Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Experience HU: The Sound of Soul
When: Sep 1 to Jan 6, 06:00 PM to 06:30 PM
Where: 51 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Plunket Rooms, 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.