10 things to do with kids in Wanaka

1. Visit Wanaka Lavender Farm

Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet the friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea, then indulge in lavender ice-creams.  

2. Fish at Hook

Hook is a great family activity. Catch your very own Chinook salmon from the spring-fed fishing lakes then relax while they prepare it for you. Meanwhile the kids can feed the fish, explore the beautiful grounds, play a lawn game or hang out in the sand pit. 

3. Discover one of our attractions

Entertaining the kids is easy in Wanaka. A visit to Puzzling World, the National Transport & Toy Museum, Crossfire, Base Camp Wanaka, Warbirds & Wheels and Realm Virtual Reality Centre will keep them busy and entertained for days. Sit back, relax and let them explore or better yet join in the fun .

4. Take them to the park

Whether it's to skate, bike or play a visit to a park in a must. The Wanaka Dinosaur Park has been entertaining kids of all ages for years and the nearby skate park is also a great place to visit. Lismore Jump Park and Sticky Forest are also great places to take the mountain bikers in the family to ride the tracks and improve their skills.

5. Meet Wally the Weka

In the middle of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island - a predator free island that's home to the native Buff Weka. Wally and Sally have been on the island for over 10 years and love meeting new people. Take a guided tour or catch a boat and explore yourself to introduce the kids to a real character or two. To keep Wally and Sally healthy please do not feed them!

6. Go for a paddle

Hire a kayak, paddle board or pedal boat and head out on the lake for some fun. Paddle Wanaka and Lakeland Wanaka can hire you gear for an hour or a day - head down to the lakefront to visit them.

7. Visit Cardrona in summer

Cardrona Alpine Resort is a great place to take the kids in summer. There's mountain biking, walking, carting, star gazing and you can even stay the night. 

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8. Explore Mt Aspiring National Park

Discover this very special World Heritage Area. Choose one of the walks in the park, take a jet boat trip, overnight in a backcountry hut or try the Siberia Experience or Siberia Wilderness Adventure. But be prepared! 

9. Take them for a swim

In summer there's plenty of great spots to take them for swim. Roy's Bay in the middle of town has the diving pontoon and the wharf - both of which are favourites with the local kids. Bremner Bay is shallow, safe and warm for the littlies, while for a challenge try the Blue Pools. The Wanaka Pool is open all year and a great option as well.

10. Treat them!

What kid doesn't love a treat. Take them to the movies then try an ice cream from Black Peak Gelato or Patagonia Chocolates, doughnuts and custard squares from Pembroke Patisserie, a crepe from Charlie Brown Crepes or a bliss ball from Soulfood!


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