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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Weekend Road-Tripping in New Zealand
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events
Guy Williams "Some Places" Tour 2020 Wanaka
When: Oct 1, 08:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 145 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Water Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
4th Annual-ish Rippon Ceilidh Dance Fundraiser
When: Oct 3, 05:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: 246 Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: The Rippon Hall, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Remarkably Funny presents: Wānaka open mic comedy
When: Jun 18 to Oct 29, 08:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: 73 Brownston St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Mint Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Bohemian Ball vol. 2
When: Aug 29 to Sep 27, 07:00 PM to 03:00 AM
Where: 71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Bullock Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wanaka Arts - Art Exhibition and Sale - Opening Night
When: Oct 22, 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, 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
Spread the Jam
When: Sep 26, 06:30 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Level 1, 99 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lalaland Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Classical Jazz Quartet: Seasons of Summer
When: Oct 31, 07:30 PM to 09:15 PM
Where: 246 Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: The Rippon Hall, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Wheels at Wanaka
When: Apr 2 to Apr 4, 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Where: Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wheels at Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
The Penrite Mainland Classic Tour 2021
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
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.
