The lakes and rivers are there to be enjoyed. Boat out to Stevenson or Mou Waho Island to visit the endangered Buff Wekas or throw out a line and catch a trout. Jetboat up braided rivers into Mt Aspiring National Park or down New Zealand’s largest volume river – The Clutha. Kayak, swim, wakeboard, sail or just lie on the beach and relax.
Cycle to Lake Hawea, Glendhu Bay or Luggate along the lake and river edge or venture further a field and cycle through high country tussocks to a backcountry hut. Hire a bike or take your own, take a guided trip or try heli biking for an adrenaline rush.
Fly over Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and explore Mt Aspiring National Park World Heritage Area. Fly by helicopter to experience a glacier landing, take the controls and fly yourself or do aerobatics either in a plane or skidiving out of one.
Mt Aspiring National Park is the jewel in the crown of this area. Part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area it is the third largest national park in New Zealand. The park offers both easily accessible short walks, including the popular Rob Roy Glacier Walk, and a wonderful variety of valley walks, higher passes and into alpine areas with multi day options such as the Gillespie Pass Circuit.
Unique attractions are the norm around Lake Wanaka. Check out the illusions and holograms and visit the toilets at Stuart Landborough’s Puzzling World and also some of our other unique attractions. Go back in time with a visit to the National Transport and Toy Museum, have a blast at Have A Shot or test your mettle at BaseCamp. Don’t miss the freshly baked cookies and homemade ice cream at Cinema Paradiso.
With its Mediterranean climate, Lake Wanaka enjoys four distinct seasons, each offering a host of activities and pursuits from extreme to sublime. Autumn’s spectacular display, followed by snow on the hills in winter, before trees and flowers burst life in spring and the welcome arrival of cloudless, hot and sunny days in summer.
Take time out to sample some of Wanaka’s food and wine. Visit Rippon Vineyard and Wanaka Beerworks or get the most of your visit by going on a personalised wine tour with one of the local operators. Visit the Mediterranean Market to try the best sausage in New Zealand!
A number of world class events, inspired by the stunning scenery attract thousands of people to this beautiful region including Challenge Wanaka, Warbirds Over Wanaka, Festival of Colour, Winter Games, Contact Epic, and Rippon Many events have a real local flavour including the annual Wanaka A & P Show and Wanakafest.
Ski Australasia largest skiable area at one of our 4 international ski fields or heliski and heliboard in the renowned Southern Alps that surround Wanaka. Afterwards enjoy an après ski drink at one of NZ’s oldest hotels – Cardrona Hotel.
Walk around the lake edge or walk up Mt Iron to enjoy the breathtaking vistas from the top. Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National Park have tracks to suit all ages and abilities including wheel chair and pushchair friendly tracks.
A great package for those looking for some affordable fun on the slopes with a group of friends but ...
