Lake Wanaka Tourism

ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS

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Looking for ideas of things to do and see while in Lake Wanaka - check out our itinerary suggestions.

Image: Wanaka township under a winter blanket.

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Image: Taking time out at Lake Castellia, Mt Aspiring National Park. Anna Cook

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Our friendly team of knowledgeable consultants can take the hassle out of planning your stay in Lake Wanaka.

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NEED SOME GUIDANCE

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Use our maps and my trip planner to help organise your trip to Lake Wanaka.

Image: Letterboxes at Dublin Bay

ALL SORTED?

Now you've booked your stay in Lake Wanaka you can sit back and look forward to stunning sunsets like this one...

Image: Sunset over the mountains, from Maple Lodge

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South Island Itineraries

14 Day South Island Itinerary

If you would like help booking all or part of this itinerary then contact our helpful team at the Lake Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Centre. They can help you customise an itinerary to suit your needs.

Day 1: Arrive in New Zealand at Christchurch Don't miss - Cathedral Square - Punting on the Avon - Christchurch Arts Centre & Art Gallery - Gondola up to the Port Hills - The Antartic Centre Overnight in Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch to Kaikoura (2.5 hours) Follow State Highway 1 up the east coast Don't miss - wineries at Waipara - seals on the coastal rocks - whale watching at Kaikoura - swimming with the dolphins at Kaikoura Overnight in Kaikoura
Day 3: Kaikoura to Nelson (4 hours) Don't miss - salt flats at Lake Grassmere - wineries around Blenheim - Queen Charlotte scenic drive from Picton to Havelock Overnight in Nelson
Day 4: Abel Tasman Explore the golden beaches and lush green rainforest of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park by kayak, foot or water taxi. Overnight in Abel Tasman
Day 5: Nelson to Westport (3.75 hours) Drive to the West Coast via the Nelson Lakes Don't miss - St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti - Kayaking or rafting in Murchison - Inangahua earthquake slip - seal colony at Cape Foulwind Overnight in Westport
Day 6 Westport to Franz Josef (5 hours) Don't miss - Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki - spectacular coastal scenery - Hokitika township - Bushman's Centre at Pukekura - Lake Ianthe Overnight at Franz Josef Glacier
Day 7: Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka (5 hours) Before leaving Franz Josef, take a walk to the terminal face of the glacier or head up to the Lookout. State Highway 6 runs the length of the West Coast. Don't miss - Lake Matheson at Fox Glacier - Salmon farm at Lake Paringa - Knights Point Viewpoint - the beach at Ships Creek - Thunder Creek Falls - The Gates of Haast - Blue Pools at Makarora - Lake Hawea viewpoint. Overnight in Wanaka
Day 8: Lake Wanaka Enjoy the many activities in and around Lake Wanaka away from the crowds, with breathtaking lakes and mountains as your playground. Don't miss - Rippon vineyard - Matukituki Valley and Mt Aspiring National Park - Glendhu Bay - Puzzling World - skiing and snowboarding - a walk or bike ride around the lake - a trip on the lake and a flight to see it all from above. Overnight in Wanaka
Day 9: Lake Wanaka to Queenstown (1.5 hours) Drive over New Zealand's highest public highway, the Crown Range Road Don't miss - a beer or coffee at Cardrona Hotel - wine tasting at Amisfield - a trip up the Skyline Gondola - a ride in a jet boat Overnight in Queenstown
Day 10: Queenstown to Te Anau (2.75 hours) Don't miss - the Kingston Flyer - Lake Manapouri - Glow Worm Caves Overnight in Te Anau
Day 11: Te Anau to Milford Sound and return (2.5 hours each way) Cruise on Milford Sound Don't miss - Five Mile Lookout - Homer Tunnel - The Chasm - Mitre Peak Overnight in Te Anau
Day 12: Te Anau to Dunedin (4.25 hours) Travel to Dunedin via Balclutha Don't miss - Otago Peninsula - Otago Settlers Museum - The Octagon - Larnach Castle - the Chinese Gardens Overnight in Dunedin
Day 13: Dunedin to Tekapo (4.5 hours) Travel to Tekapo via Omarama Don't miss - the Moeraki boulders - Oamaru Historic Precinct - fresh salmon at Twizel - Mt Cook lookout at Lake Pukaki - the Church of the Good Shepherd Overnight in Tekapo
Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (3.5 hours) Don't miss - market town of Geraldine - mountain views from the Canterbury Plains Overnight in Christchurch Fly out of Christchurch International Airport