Surrounding Regions

With Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers as neighbours, Wānaka is the perfect base for a South Island holiday

Wānaka is a natural base for scenic day trips through some of the most spectacular scenery NZ has to offer. From the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland in the South, to the international resort town of Queenstown, to the rugged splendour of the West Coast, and North through the Mt Cook region to Christchurch and Canterbury; the lower South Island is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in New Zealand.

Queenstown:

A 60-minute drive from Wānaka, Queenstown is the gateway to the Southern Lakes region. It's renowned for spectacular scenery, its four distinct seasons and world class activities and attractions.

Fiordland and Milford Sound:

The townships of Te Anau and Manapouri are a good base to explore Fiordland - New Zealand's largest National Park and World Heritage Area. They also provide the gateway to Doubtful and Milford Sounds and three of NZ's Great Walks. 

The West Coast:

With towering mountains, pristine rivers and lakes, vast podocarp forests, glaciers and wild beaches, the West Coast is a wonderland of natural features. 

Aoraki Mt Cook and MacKenzie:

Snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and a network of blue canals form the tapestry of this remarkable region. At the heart of it all towers New Zealand's highest mountain peak, the majestic Aoraki / Mt Cook.

Central Otago:

Discover vivid seasons and rocky, mountainous landscapes; friendly townships; a well-preserved gold heritage; award-winning wineries, recreational opportunities from fishing, mountain biking and the Rail Trail to winter sports like curling and ice skating.

Christchurch and Canterbury:

Christchurch is a key gateway to the South Island of New Zealand and a great destination to visit on your South Island itinerary. See how the city is being rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake and then explore the region from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs, Mt Cook to Arthurs Pass and beyond.