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

INDEPENDENT PASSION

We're keen to keep the character, Kiwi flavour and passion in our community. We'll do our utmost to champion owner operators.

Image: Hiker on top of Mt Roy. Garrick Cameron

OPEN SPACES

The freedom to explore is a rare thing in today's world. Lake Wanaka is a spectacular natural playground, one which we're committed to.

Image: Boating on Lake Wanaka. Camilla Stoddart

PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT

We feel a strong responsibility to protect the incredible environment in Lake Wanaka. We'll never take it for granted.

Image: Swimming in Lake Wanaka. Camilla Stoddart

GENUINE HOSPITALITY

We're genuinely excited about sharing our local knowledge so you can make the most of your time and come to love Lake Wanaka as much as we do.

Image: Spa bath, Lake Wanaka. Fredrik Larsson

VIBRANT COMMUNITY

Our locals come from around the corner or the other side of the world. In Lake Wanaka, when you visit, you can live and feel like a local for a few days, a season or forever. It's in the community spirit.

Image: Preschool children at daycare, Cardrona Alpine Resort

A STUNNING PLACE TO LIVE

If you're into the outdoors then there is no better place to visit or live than Wanaka...

Image: Wanaka nestled on the shores of the lake.Credit: Gilbert van Reenen

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About Wanaka

About Lake Wanaka

LWT Lifestyle Reserve Brochure 2011
Adobe Acrobat Document: 6.18 MB, 15.4 minutes @ 56kbps

The freedom to do your own thing, away from the crowds, with breathtaking lakes and mountains as your playground. We love our lifestyle. We know you’ll love it too.

A year-round destination set against the pristine alpine backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park, you can still discover that totally relaxed Kiwi way of life at Lake Wanaka.

The crystal clear waters of our lakes and rivers, the fresh mountain air, the stunning alpine views at each turn – as a community we’re passionate about the spectacular place we live in. We are committed to preserving its unspoiled and vibrant beauty for generations to come so they have the freedom to explore, just as you do.

Lake Wanaka is the perfect setting for an unhurried weekend getaway, an action packed outdoor adventure, a leisurely family holiday and a photographer’s dream. There’s no shortage of activities for all ages on land, on water or in the air. and plenty of reasons to visit Lake Wanaka

Many attractions and adventure sports are within reach of Lake Wanaka. Take a scenic cruise on the Lake, sample locally made exquisite wines, or fish at one of the many easily accessible spots. Alternatively, venture into the hills and mountains surrounding Wanaka. Skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and climbing are all available in this area.

Roys Bay, Lake Wanaka

There are many national and international events that take part throughout the year, attracting thousands of people to this beautiful region. Challenge Wanaka, Warbirds Over Wanaka, Festival of Colour, Winter Games, Contact Epic, Rippon and the Wanaka A & P Show have been an integral part of Lake Wanaka for many years now.

Everyone from budget travellers to the luxury lovers can enjoy Lake Wanaka with a wide range of accommodation from holiday parks, backpackers, motels, hotels, hosted bed and breakfasts , holiday homes to secluded boutique lodges.

Direct flights from Christchurch International Airport provide easy accessibility with cars available at Wanaka Airport. Neighbouring Queenstown is just one hour’s drive away and there are regular bus services from Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Te Anau and the West Coast.

Lake Wanaka is a hub for travelers on a number of touring routes around the South Island including the West Coast to and from Nelson and Christchurch through the MacKenzie country and Mt Cook, down to Queenstown, Fiordland and Milford Sound and further afield to the Catlins, Dunedin and Stewart Island.

Need help planning your trip or organising your itinerary - let the friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff from Lake Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Centre help you.

We look forward to sharing the world’s first lifestyle reserve with you – welcome to Lake Wanaka.