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

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

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

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

Nelson to Queenstown and Wanaka via the West Coast

Christchurch to Invercargill via West Coast	Christchurch to Wanaka/Queenstown	Wanaka to Queenstown
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

The Wild West Coast of the South Island

From the sun kissed beaches of Nelson, down the wild west coast and onto the sun dried terrain of Central Otago and the towns of Wanaka and Queenstown - this is a drive not to be missed!

A perfect taste of all that the South Island has to offer.

Nelson to Westport - 3 hours 9 minutes, 245km:

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

Westport to Franz Josef - 3 hours 23 minutes, 270km:

Don't miss - Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki - spectacular coastal scenery - Hokitika township - Bushman's Centre at Pukekura - Lake Ianthe
Overnight at Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka - 3 hours 18 minutes, 288km:

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

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

Lake Wanaka to Queenstown - 55 minutes, 68km:

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