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

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

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

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

Recommended Itineraries

Wanaka Day Trips

Day Trip to Mt Aspiring National Park

Luggate - Hawea Loop Arrowtown - Cromwell Loop Makarora - Haast Pass

The road to Mt Aspiring National Park leaves Wanaka and follows the lakeside past rolling farmland and open vistas of Lake Wanaka. Heading past Glendhu Bay – a favourite Kiwi camping spot – the high mountains and glaciers of Mt Aspiring National Park come into view.

Continue past rocky outcrops left by ancient glaciers and on the graveled road past farmland to follow the Matukituki river upstream into spectacular views of glacier cirques, soaring mountain peaks, tussock grasslands and beech forest to where the Raspberry Creek road end.

Map Wanaka to Raspberry Creek

22, September 2011

A. Wanaka to Glendhu Bay - 10 minutes, 12 km:

Grab a coffe at one of the many cafes in Wanaka before setting off for the day Lake Wanaka is the 4th largest lake in NZ
Lake Wanaka is the 4th largest lake in NZ
The bottom of both Lake Wanaka is below sea level
Ruby Island – was home of cabaret and parties during the prohibition in the 1930’s
Lake Wanaka has over 750 km of tracks and trails to enjoy the region on foot or bike
Walk through the peaceful Wanaka station park – the site of original farm homestead
Visit Rippon Winery to sample wines from the cellar door and try golf cross, or just enjoy the views across the lake to Ruby Island.
For more energetic walk up Roys Peak - there is no water available on the track, please ensure you have sufficient supplies

B. Glendhu Bay to Diamond Lake - 10 minutes, 6km:

Be sure to stop at the Mt Aspiring lookout just before Glendhu Bay. Take time to walk or bike along the lakeside track to Damper Bay.
Sit on beach at Glendhu Bay and take in the spectacular scenery.

Diamond Lake to Raspberry Creek - 40 minutes, 8 km (end of road to Mt Aspiring National Park):

For an easiy walk head up to the lookout above Diamond Lake.
Or for something more energetic head up to the top of Rocky Mountain.
Treble Cone Ski Area is the largest is South Island
Glacier cirques coming into view / Expanding views of big mountains and glacial cirques around every corner on the way up to Raspberry Creek, Mt Aspiring National Park – can the view get any better?
Crossing Rob Roy Glacier swingbridge over crystal clear waters and continuing up the track to experience the “slow reveal” of the Rob Roy Glacier coming into view. Be sure to watch your lunch (and camera) as the cheeky alpine parrot (Kea) will try to grab them.
Mt Aspiring is the only peak over 3000m outside the Mt Cook National Park. The Mt Aspiring National Park is New Zealand’s 3rd largest.