We use cookies so that you get the best experience on our site.
Featured Activities
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Wānaka
Wānaka is in the lower South Island region of New Zealand, an hour drive from Queenstown. It is on the main driving route down the West Coast across the Haast Pass – the southernmost road crossing of the Southern Alps.
If flying, the closest airport to Wānaka is Queenstown Airport. There are rental cars and regular shuttle services from the airport to Wānaka. Christchurch and Dunedin Airports are further away however, bus services are also available to Wānaka from both those destinations.
If driving, then Wānaka can be reached via the West Coast route on SH6, via the Inland Route past Aoraki / Mt Cook, via Central Otago from Dunedin and up from Fiordland through Queenstown.
Winter for skiing, summer for water activities, hiking and mountain biking, autumn for the hiking and biking and spring is everything, skiing, biking and hike.
Yes – check out our Events page.
Check our Seasons page to see what to expect and the weather page to see what’s happening now. For a detailed weather report check out the Met Service forecasts
Wānaka is a very casual town so unless it’s a special occasion you won’t need formal clothes. Activewear is a good idea as you’ll be walking, biking and generally doing outdoor-based things. In the winter, you’ll want warm clothes – a good winter jacket, hats and mittens.
We can help with that! How many people are you with? How many nights do you want to stay? What’s your budget and what style of accommodation are you after?
While we’re at it, are you needing ski passes, lessons, rentals or transport? What about extra activities or dining? Our team can help organize everything for you! Go on, click that little message bubble in the bottom right corner of your screen, we’ll take the hassle out of it for you.
There is a great variety of campgrounds and areas where you are permitted to camp. Only fully self-contained vehicles may freedom camp where indicated. For more information, check out this page.
Wānaka airport is 10 minutes from town and has scenic and charter flights, the nearest domestic and international airport is Queenstown Airport which is 60 minutes away. See our flights to Wānaka and buses to Wānaka page.
There are good maps and brochures available online or once you arrive in Wānaka. We also have a Wānaka Tracks App which will help you choose which is the best track for your walk or ride.
Maps are available from the Wānaka i-SITE Visitor Centre and the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. Always check weather and road conditions before heading out on a long walk.
Yes – if you are fishing for trout or salmon in the lakes and rivers around Wānaka, then a license is necessary. Some rivers are closed at certain times of the year for spawning and others are permanently closed. Check the sports shops for licenses and information.
Wānaka Artisan Market is on every Thursday 3 – 6pm opposite the lakefront at the east end of town, next to Bullock Creek and the Speights Ale House.
In short, no. But there are shuttle services to Puzzling World and Raspberry Creek Carpark, as well as to some of our more popular tracks.
Yes, there is are two New Worlds and two Four Squares plus a number of specialty food stores.
You bet! There are lots of walks, bike rides and other free activities that you can do. Check out free things to do in Wānaka
Even on a rainy day there’s plenty of things to keep everyone happy and busy all day. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothing – so be prepared for any weather! Check out the top things to do on a rainy day.
Check out this page for information on the population of the area, the lakes and rivers and tourism statistics.