Lake Wanaka, New Zealand: Find Wanaka activities & Wanaka accommodation

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

TAKE TIME TO PLAN

Organise your trip from the comfort of your own home - let us make it as stress free as we can.

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

LET OUR VISITOR CENTRE HELP YOU

to the Visitor Centre

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

Image: Start with i-SITE

NEED SOME GUIDANCE

to maps

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

Image: Letterboxes at Dublin Bay

ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS

to suggested Itineraries

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.

Home

Plan your Visit

South Island Itineraries

5 Day 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 One:

Depart Christchurch for Wanaka (5.15 hours – 424 km)
Travel through the iconic MacKenzie country, past Mt Cook and taking in the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps.
Don’t miss – Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo – Mt Cook lookout at Lake Tekapo - clay cliffs at Omarama - fresh salmon at Twizel - the pleated hills of the Lindis Pass - a stop off at the Tarras tea rooms and store
Overnight in Wanaka

Day Two:

Wanaka
Don’t miss - A trip out to the islands on the lake - a scenic flight over the Southern Alps or a skydive - a walk to the Rob Roy Glacier - a day on the slopes skiing or snowboarding - one of our unique attractions - or just relax in town or by the lake enjoying our local hospitality
Alternatively Fly - cruise - fly into Milford Sound from Wanaka and return and allow more time in Queenstown.
Overnight at Wanaka

Day Three:

Depart Lake Wanaka to Queenstown (1 hours – 67 km)
Drive over New Zealand's highest public highway, the Crown Range Road
Don't miss - a beer or coffee at Cardrona Hotel – the view from the top of the Crown Range Road – a bungy jump – a wine tasting at Amisfield - a trip up the Skyline Gondola - a ride in a jet – a trip on the steamship TSS Earnslaw
Overnight in Queenstown

Day Four:

Depart Queenstown to Milford Sound (fly – cruise from Queenstown Airport)
Don't miss – Mitre Peak – seals and penguins – unforgettable scenery in Milford Sound – the majestic Southern Alps
Overnight in Queenstown

Day Five:

Depart Queenstown (fly home)
Don't miss - Dart River or Nomad Safari – a visit to historic Arrowtown – a bungy jumping – a day on the slopes skiing or snowboarding - a walk in the botanic gardens
Overnight in Auckland