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

Queenstown to Milford Sound

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

Queenstown to Milford Sound

An amazing road trip from the heart of downtown Queenstown down to the small town of Kingston at the end of Lake Wakatipu. From there you follow easy, rolling countryside to the shores of Lake Te Anau - the biggest of the South Island’s many lakes.

The Milford Sound road starts here and enters Fiordland National Park where the views will take your breath away. Drive slowly and stop often to make sure you really do make the most of this stunning drive.

Queenstown to Kingston - 42 minutes, 47km:

Enjoy the scenic lake and mountain views from Queenstown to Kingston as you skirt Lake Wakatipu beneath the towering Remarkables

Kingston to Te Anau - 1 hour 36 minutes, 126km:

Drive through lush green farmland and rolling hills, dotted with farm animals
Watch the lambs frolicking in the paddocks in some of New Zealand’s most fertile farmland
Five Rivers Café, Intersection of SH6 and SH97 – A café and bar with an art gallery and a
farmyard with hand reared animals
Explore pristine native forest from the shores of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri
Cruise across Lake Te Anau – New Zealand’s second largest lake to visit the glow worm caves
Te Anau is the last place with a full sized petrol station so fill up for the return trip
Olive Tree Café, Te Anau - This café serves up fare with a home cooked feel and great coffee
Miles Better Pies, Te Anau - A small but famous bakery with over 17 gourmet pies including the
mouthwatering venison pie

Te Anau to Milford Sound - 1 hour 23 minutes, 117km

Take your time on the Milford Road and be sure to allow extra time for scenic stops and shortwalks in the Fiordland National Park - a designated World Heritage Area
Experience a nature cruise on stunning Milford Sound - New Zealand’s only fiord accessible by
road
Spot dolphins, penguins and fur seals as you cruise in Milford Sound
Go on a day walk through native forest on the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s great walks,
located within walking distance of Te Anau
Take a couple of hours to walk to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track (from the Milford end
called the Divide). The views over Fiordland are well worth the effort!
Guided kayaking is also available on Milford Sound
There is only one accommodation option in Milford so book in advance if you plan to stay the
night
The Blue Duck Café, Milford Sound – Milford Sound’s only eatery on land with great views of
Mitre Peak