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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Plan your Visit

South Island Itineraries

Christchurch to Invercargill

Wanaka to Queenstown	Nelson to Queenstown via West Coast	Christchurch to Wanaka & Queenstown via Mt Cook
Queenstown to Milford Sound	Dunedin to Queenstown via the Catlins	Dunedin return via Oamaru, Queenstown and Catlins
Blenheim to Nelson		Back to South Island Itineraries

West Coast and Southern New Zealand

For those with more limited time but want to see the best the South Island has to offer then this 6 day itinerary covers all the places that you must see.

A drive to remember and some of the most beautiful places in the south to explore, including Arthurs Pass, the Franz and Fox Glaciers, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Invercargill.

Depart Christchurch for Greymouth - 4.5 hours, 258 km

Travel to the West Coast via New Zealand's most scenic railway line, the Tranz Alpine travelling over five viaducts, through 16 tunnels and taking in the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps.
Don't miss - Castle Hill rock formations - Arthurs Pass - Otira Gorge - Bushman's Centre at Pukekura - Lake Ianthe
Overnight in Greymouth

Depart Greymouth for Franz Josef or Fox Glacier - 2.15 hours, 177km

Don’t miss – jade factories at Hokitika - gold mining at Ross - Okarito Lagoon and White Heron Sanctuary – a walk or heli option to the glaciers - Lake Matheson at Fox Glacier
Overnight in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Depart Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka - 5 hours, 287 km

Before leaving the glacier, take a walk to the terminal face of the glacier or head up to the Lookout.
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

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 - 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
An alternative is to fly - cruise - fly into Milford Sound from Wanaka and return and then allow yourself more time in Wanaka and Queenstown.
Overnight in Wanaka

Depart Lake Wanaka to Queenstown - 1 hour, 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

Depart Queenstown to Milford Sound - 5 hours, 394 km

Don't miss - the Kingston Flyer - a coffee at Five Rivers Café – tussock country coming into Te Anau - Homer Tunnel - the Chasm - Mitre Peak.
Overnight in Milford Sound on a boat – an experience not to be missed!

Depart Milford Sound to Invercargill - 3.45 hours, 278 km

Don't miss – Manapouri – Tuatapere’s famous sausages – stunning beaches – Colac Bay – Riverton for a coffee and something to eat.
Watch the big match!
Overnight at Invercargill