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

Recommended Itineraries

Wanaka Day Trips

Whether you are staying in Wanaka or based in Queenstown and looking for a day trip, one of these trips will give you a great day out and a taste of what Lake Wanaka has to offer. If you are based in Queenstown then click on the link below to see how you can get here without having to drive yourself.

To help you with your day trips around Lake Wanaka - download this map with the various options.

Self Drive Day Trips from Wanaka Map
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These itineraries are designed to get you out and about exploring our region and highlight some off the beaten track gems.

1. Mt Aspiring National Park (return) - 1 hr 40m / 100 km

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. View Mt Aspiring National Park itinerary

2. Luggate, Wanaka airport & Hawea Loop - 50 min / 52km

The Upper Clutha basin is a natural mountainous amphitheatre and the road from Wanaka to the airport, Luggate and onto Lake Hawea follows the base of these mountains. The road leaves Wanaka on the path of the old Cardrona river bed past the Mt Iron carpark (a fine example of roche moutonnée rising 250m). View Luggate, Wanaka, Hawea loop itinerary

3. Cardrona, Arrowtown, Bannockburn/Cromwell, Tarras Loop - 2 hours 24 mins / 172 km

From the Wanaka township take the turn-off to head up the Cardrona Valley through farmland and surrounded by Valley through farmland and surrounded by outstanding natural mountain landscapes. You’ll soon arrive in Cardrona, an old gold mining location, now home to the historic Cardrona Hotel View Cardrona, Arrowtown Bannockburn loop itinerary

4. Makarora & Haast Pass (return) - 2 hrs 8 mins /166 km

The drive from Wanaka to Haast Pass is one of contrast, from arid dry terrain through to rain forest. Head out of Wanaka past Mt Iron and across the mighty Clutha River at Albert Town, the original site of Wanaka (previously named Pembroke) and site of the of the old punt. View Makarora, Haast itinerary

Check out themed itineraries - adventure, romance, family or ski something for everyone.

Day trips from Queenstown to Wanaka are also available and give you the chance to explore Wanaka in a day.

Day trip packages to Wanaka
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