Featured Activities
As we head towards a carbon zero future this is a good way to do your bit for the climate and support businesses who are on the journey to make this a reality.
We’ve curated a 3-day itinerary featuring some of our eco-friendly operators to help you plan your holiday in Wānaka.
Wake up, walk to the Wānaka lakefront and head out on the lake with Eco Wanaka for a trip to the stunning Mou Wahu Island. Want to find out the difference between a weka and a weta? Well both of them call this predator free place home and you get to help the cause by planting a native tree to support the conservation efforts on the island. If you need a few more reasons to visit then check this article: Here’s why you need to go to Mou Wahu Island!
Spend the afternoon with Ridgeline Wanaka at West Wanaka Station – here you will learn about predator control and native planting projects. Spectacular scenery and a mountain-top picnic tops off experience!
Finish your day of adventure with a stay at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp. Pitch a tent on a lake front site or choose to rent a cabin or self-contained lodge. This camp has a magnificent setting right on the shores of Lake Wānaka and will set you up perfectly for your next day of activities!
Another day of getting up close and personal with nature awaits. This time on one of the world’s highest waterfall climbs with Wildwire Wanaka. Thinking it sounds too hard? Well think again! The knowledgeable and adventurous team will guide you every step of the way on this via ferrata cable climb. Read more here!
When you arrive at xBike Glendhu mountain bike park, you’ll probably be in need of some energy filled snacks or refreshments, so head to the on-site café, Velo Cafe and Beer Garden. Once recharged, the next step is to hire an ebike (or for the pedalling loyalists, they also have full suspension bikes for hire) to experience the epic mountain bike tracks that Bike Glendhu has to offer. One of the best things about Bike Glendhu is that their entire base area (cafe included) is fully off-grid, powered by solar panels. Oh, and the views at the top are pretty noteworthy, too!
Time to rest your body at the Oasis Lodge for the night. Set in an idyllic, natural environment the lodge provides an exclusive yet affordable venue. All Yurts include high end linen, New Zealand wool bedding – it’s really a glamping experience.
Jump on one of the bikes provided by Oasis and head 5 minutes into town to explore the lake on a Kayak or Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) from Paddle Wanaka. You can either hire and explore at your own pace or choose a guided trip out to Ruby Island or down the Clutha River to take on some rapids. Nothing beats local knowledge and the team at Paddle Wānaka are the best in the business.
If you are looking for an activitiy that is both interactive with the elements of nature yet relaxing and rejuvenating, then a Beautiful Gardens of Wānaka tour is a must-do. The tours are led by Florence, a local leader in the regenerative space, who emanates with passion and excitement for all things gardens and nature! Florence will lead you through a diverse spectrum of private gardens, some of which you would never imagine existed all in the suburbs of Wānaka. The tours run every day from October through to April, and can be tailored to your desires. This activity is low-impact on the environment as Florence picks you up from isite in her hybrid car and all of the tour is done on foot. What’s not to love?!
Spend your last night at Cross Hill Lodge at Lake Hāwea in one of the unique Geo Domes. Watch the stars from your bed and enjoy the mountain scenery or better yet, soak your bones in a wood-fired hot tub with lake views.
Looking for other sustainable solutions whilst on your visit in Wānaka?
