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
Wana Laugh Comedy Night
When: Aug 23, 07:00 PM to 10:30 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
Teens, Alcohol and Devices. Get the heads Up.
When: Sep 10, 07:00 PM to 09:15 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Mr Red Light
When: Oct 19, 07:30 PM to 09:55 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Sailing Through Menopause
When: Sep 11 to Oct 9, 06:30 PM to 08:00 PM
Where: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Corona Presents Mako Road
When: Sep 1, 08:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: 33 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Barluga, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
MITRE10 Festival of Sport and Recreation 2019
When: Sep 15, 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Where: 3 Parks Ballantyne Road, Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Recreation Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Cori Gonzalez-Macuer - Wanaka
When: Oct 5, 08:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Gin and Raspberry Boutique Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Spring Challenge Adventure Training Weekend
When: Aug 23 to Aug 25, 07:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Where: Lakeside Rd, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Wanaka Yacht Club, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Comedy Night! with Michele A'Court & Jeremy Elwood
When: Sep 15, 08:00 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: Level 1, 155 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Venue: Gin and Raspberry Boutique Bar, 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.