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

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

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

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Plan your Visit

Recommended Itineraries

Wanaka Day Trips

Wanaka Hawea Loop

Mt Aspiring Day Trip

Arrowtown - Cromwell Loop

Makarora - Haast Pass

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), Puzzling World (NZ’s first maze) and through rural farmland to the Wanaka airport – a collection of businesses celebrating the aviation history of the area.

Take time to explore then head along the river terrace to the small village of Luggate to enjoy the hospitality of the Luggate Pub, and local wood working craftsman and wine makers just a few kilometers down the road. Leave Luggate by crossing the Clutha River (the Red Bridge) and along the foot of the Grandview Range to reach the alpine glacial vistas of Lake Hawea.

E. Wanaka to Wanaka airport - 10 minutes, 10 km:

Lake Wanaka is the 4th largest lake in NZ
The bottom of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea are up to 50m below sea level
The Lake Wanaka outflow protected from modification under government legislation passed in 1973
Lake Wanaka has over 750 km of tracks and trails to enjoy the region on foot or bike
Grab a coffe at one of the many cafes in Wanaka before setting off for the day
Getting lost in maze at Puzzling World
The 360 degree views from the top of Mt Iron walk

B. Wanaka Airport to Luggate - 3 minutes, 4 km:

Experience the nostalgia - tiger moth flights, Toy and Transport museum, and Warbirds and Wheels Museum.
Warbirds over Wanaka is the 4th largest airshow in the world
Try the locally produced beer at Wanaka Beerworks

C. Luggate to Lake Hawea - 22 minutes, 22 km:

Try locally produced food & beverage - Beerworks, Archangel wines, Luggate Pub, and craftsmanship at Woody’s Wood Gallery.
The Luggate Hotel has an old world charm and great food
Archangel Winery and Wellwood Gallery are lovely and well worth stopping at.
Take the short walk to “the Nook” on Clutha River – an interesting geological feature.
Cross the historic Red Bridge and view the Clutha River - the largest river in NZ by volume

D. Lake Hawea to Wanaka - 15 minutes, 16km:

Checkout local arts and crafts at Lake Hawea.
Sailz Cafe in Lake Hawea is a good place to stop and grab some refreshments before exploring along the lakefront.
If you'd like something stronger then check out the Lake Hawea Hotel

Wanaka Day Trips