The freedom to do what you love
6.55am Roys Peak
KIA ORA AND WELCOME TO WANAKA
It begins with the landscape...it breathes, there’s an energy, a feeling, that sets Wanaka apart
Located in the stunning alps of the South Island in New Zealand, visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding natural beauty. Wanaka’s lakes and mountains and proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, makes it the ultimate base for outdoor activities.
But it’s not just the outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish shops and be spoilt for choice with a great selection of cool cafes, restaurants and food trucks.
Things to Do
Discover all the things to do in Wanaka including the Top 10 Must Do's!
Revealing Wanaka
Discover what’s happening in Wanaka – through photos, videos and stories from locals and travellers, as well as expert advice on hand to help
Events & Festivals
Wanaka 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
Explore our events calendar and find out what’s on and when including our Annual Events
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Getting to Wanaka 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 Wanaka
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 Wanaka.
Explore the Region
Wanaka 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 Wanaka 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 Wanaka
Getting to Wanaka is easy - click on your city to see how close you are to Wanaka. It’s a short, scenic 60-minute drive to Wanaka from the closest international airport, where you will find all major rental car companies and scheduled bus services that provide transport to Wanaka throughout the day.
Queenstown Airport is serviced daily from all major New Zealand airports as well as over 40 flights a week direct from Australia.