10.23am Heli-skiing, Wānaka
KIA ORA AND WELCOME TO WĀNAKA
It begins with the landscape... it breathes, there’s an energy, a feeling, that sets Wānaka apart
Amid the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand, you’ll discover what draws visitors from all over the world. The gorgeous natural beauty of mountains, lakes and forest. Exceptional food and wine. And, of course, the outdoor activities: walks, hikes, skiing, biking—all against the backdrop of Mt Aspiring National Park, part of Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage area.
Things to Do
Discover all the things to do in Wānaka including the Top 10 Must Do's!
It’s not just outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish shops, cinemas and be spoilt for choice with a great selection of cool cafes, restaurants and food trucks.
What's On
Wānaka stages more than its fair share of world class events throughout the year. Arts and music festivals, international sporting and aviation events, each as unique as the season it is staged
Discover what’s happening in Wānaka – through photos, videos and stories from locals and travellers #lovewanaka
Explore our events calendar and find out what’s on and when including our Annual Events
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Getting to Wānaka is easy
By air, bus or self-drive, getting here is stress free. The maps below will help you plan your travel to Wanaka, and make the most of your time exploring this region.
Drag the map to show more of the surrounding areas.
Driving to Wānaka
Driving on the South Island roads of New Zealand is a great way to experience the region, with relatively quiet roads and some of the most amazing scenery right outside the window.
Major car and campervan hire companies are all located at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. There are also a number of rental car companies based in Wānaka.
Explore the Region
Wānaka is unique and captivating; it inspires you to discover, and gives you the freedom to explore.
Located in the stunning alps of the South Island, New Zealand, visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wānaka region by its outstanding beauty.
- Mount Aspiring
National Park 54 min - Christchurch 5 h 14 min
- Ashburton 3 h 56 min
- Geraldine 3 h 19 min
- Tekapo 2 h 17 min
- Mt Cook 2 h 6 min
- Twizel 1 h 39 min
- Omarama 1 h 21 min
- Franz Josef 3 h 32 min
- Fox Glacier 3 h 6 min
- Haast 1 h 43 min
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- Cromwell 39 min
- Queenstown 1 h 4 min
- Milford Sound 4 h 34 min
- Te Anau 2 h 52 min
- Dunedin 2 h 52 min
- Mount Aspiring
National Park 54 min - Coronet Peak
- The Remarkables
- Cardrona
- Treble Cone
- Snow Farm
- Heli Skiing
- Heli Skiing
- Makarora 50 min
- Lake Hawea 1 h 7 min
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- Wanaka Airport 11 min
- Luggate 13 min
- Tarras 27 min
- Cromwell 39 min
- Arrowtown 53 min
- Queenstown 1 h 4 min
- Queenstown Airport 59 min
- Matukituki Valley 51 min
- Raspberry Creek 1 h 6 min
Flights to Wānaka
Getting to Wānaka is easy - click on your city to see how close you are to Wānaka. It’s a short, scenic 60-minute drive to Wānaka from the closest international airport, where you will find all major rental car companies and scheduled bus services that provide transport to Wānaka throughout the day.