Just 50 minutes’ drive from Queenstown over the magnificent Crown Range, Wānaka perfectly complements neighbouring Queenstown.
Lake Wānaka, New Zealand is a beautiful year-round destination, set against the alpine backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Downtown Wānaka is home to a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, shops and plenty of ambient areas to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery. The fishing is superb, there’s a multitude of adventure activities on offer and anywhere you walk you’ll find breathtaking scenery and wide open spaces.
Wine tasting, a mind-boggling puzzling attraction and viewing classic warplanes are among other popular adventures to be found in Wānaka all year round.
In winter, Wānaka is a snow lover’s paradise. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy two world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes’ drive of downtown Wānaka, with Treble Cone Ski Area and Cardrona Alpine Resort. Those seeking a more relaxed mountain pace head to New Zealand’s only cross-country ski area at Snow Farm, also in the Cardrona valley.
Summer in Wānaka
In summer, Wānaka is a favourite playground for New Zealand families and is home to sun-seekers and boating enthusiasts throughout the long, hot Central Otago summer. Lakeside camping grounds provide getaway holidays for all ages. Cruises, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water skiing are favourite lake activities, while closer to the township you can experience horse trekking, skydiving, 4WD motor-biking or eco rafting.
Wānaka also attracts adventurous hikers, mountaineers, kayakers, rock climbers, bikers and day walkers from around the world who revel in the area’s natural attributes and the relaxed friendly atmosphere of the town.
Planning a New Zealand ski holiday? The South Island provides world-class ski terrain and a variety of ski areas dotted throughout the Southern Alps. Queenstown is New Zealand’s most established ski destination with four ski resorts, terrain for all abilities, and a vibrant alpine town.
Explore the dawn to dusk ski scene with this seven-day ski itinerary introducing the slopes of Wānaka and Queenstown, their epic après ski, and alpine town…
Wānaka is a winter gem for more than just skiing. Discover snowshoeing, lake cruises, saunas, cosy eateries, and culture-rich adventures in this off-slope…
Unwind after a day on the slopes with this guide to Wānaka’s best bars, restaurants, and spots to socialise. Explore Wānaka’s mellow yet vibrant après ski…
