Tucked away at the gateway to the Southern Alps lies one of South Island’s best-kept secrets: Wānaka. This picturesque holiday resort town sits on Lake Wānaka, taking in panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks in Mount Aspiring National Park. As well as ticking the box for scenery, Wānaka excels at outdoor activities and offers a long list of wineries and distilleries for the après-ski-bike-hike. Add to this, Wānaka restaurants and a long list of gorgeous accommodation, and you’ll soon appreciate why those who discover this spectacular place choose to return again and again.
If you like the idea of enjoying majestic mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests, hitting the ski slopes and/or bike and hiking trails, tasting that wine and craft beer, and staying in some of the finest holiday homes in New Zealand, Wānaka is your destination.
And this is your guide, whether you’re a newbie to the area or a returning fan, you’ll find all the information you need. Our ultimate guide to Wānaka includes what to see and do, where to eat and stay, and useful practicalities. Nau Mai Haere Mai!
Table of contents
- Getting to Wānaka
- Best time to visit
- Area guide
- Wānaka Attractions
- Skiing in Wānaka
- Family activities in Wānaka
- Wine, beer & gin in Wānaka
- Where to eat in Wānaka
- Where to stay in Wānaka
Getting to Wānaka
Before we move on to those glorious surroundings and things to do and see in Wānaka, let’s go back to basics.
Despite its wilderness vibe, Wānaka is surprisingly easy to get to, whether you’re flying or driving.
Wānaka by air
Getting to Wānaka by air gives you the chance to get a taste of the Southern Alps as you fly over their snowy peaks. There are three airports in the region, but Tāhuna Queenstown Airport has the best choice of domestic and international flights. In addition, it’s the closest airport to Wānaka – allow about 1 hour 15 minutes to drive from the airport.
You may well want to stop and capture some of the stunning views back towards Queenstown before you go over the top and begin the descent towards Wānaka. We highly recommend a stop in Cardrona Village – the Cardrona Hotel is an icon round these parts and worthy of a drink stop if not a bite to eat.
Which airlines fly to Wānaka/ Queenstown Airport?
Air New Zealand and Qantas have international flights to Queenstown from Australia, while Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer domestic flights from Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
How to get to Wānaka from Queenstown Airport
Regular InterCity bus services connect the airport with the township (allow around 90 minutes for the journey). Or you can pick up a hire car at the airport.
Wānaka by car
If you’re already based in the South Island or fancy an epic road trip, take a road trip to Wānaka. You’ll be rewarded with some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery, including iconic landscapes.
Wānaka by bus
If you’d rather someone else did the driving, getting the bus to Wānaka provides an easy option. Efficient services connect you from Queenstown, and buses from Dunedin, Christchurch and Te Anau will get you to Queenstown in the first instance.
Best time to visit Wānaka
The quickest answer is anytime – we think every season in Wānaka brings its own delights and makes the area well worth a visit. But if you’re not lucky enough to come at all four seasons, here’s a quick guide to what to expect in each one.
Want to see what the weather’s like right now in Wānaka? Check out the local webcams
Winter in Wānaka
The area is perhaps most famous for its winter season (June-August), when the mountains sit under deep snow and on occasion the lakeside meadows get sprinkling of the white stuff too. Wānaka’s three ski resorts open mid June and offer a wide range of activities from conventional skiing and snowboarding to the more unusual snowshoeing and dog-sledging.
Spring in Wānaka
September, October and November bring a mixture of weather. The ski slopes remain open through September and into early October – spring snowfall in recent years has been particularly significant. October brings warmer days and the meadows and alpine slopes get their spring carpets of flowers. As November arrives the mountain biking and hiking trails in Wānaka open for business, and temperatures can feel like summer.
Discover 10 (compelling) reasons to visit Wānaka in spring
Summer in Wānaka
Long, sunny days and watersports galore describe this season best. But it’s also a great time of year to explore hikes near Wānaka or get out on the MTB trails. And of course, outdoor spaces and holiday homes with pools come into their own in the summer.
Autumn in Wānaka
In contrast to the woodland pines of the mountainsides, the ever-reaching poplar tress turn shades of gold and ochre, becoming a feature of many people’s autumn photos of Wānaka. The crisper temperatures make for great hiking conditions and provide the perfect excuse to light that log fire in your holiday rental.
Read more about autumn in Wānaka
Wānaka area guide
The Wānaka region includes several unique areas, each offering different things to do and see, and all have scenery that’ll take your breath away.
Wānaka Township
The town, known as the gateway to the Southern Alps, has a privileged location on the shores of Lake Wānaka, with the mountains crowning all sides. It’s a buzzing resort town, vibrant and with a relaxed vibe at any time of year. The locals (that’s us!) love our town and you can tap us up for tips and recommendations as part of your stay in our Release NZ holiday homes.
You’ll find a wide range of shops, restaurants and places to stay in the township, while myriad activities await on the doorstep. In addition, Wānaka has several great events throughout the year, ranging from the jaw-dropping Warbirds over Wānaka air show (alternate Easter weekends) to the more sedate Rhythm & Alps music festival via the world’s most scenic triathlon, Challenge Wānaka.
Lake Wānaka
New Zealand’s fourth largest lake is also one of the country’s prettiest – its pristine waters framed by majestic mountains are justly famed for their beauty. They also make excellent watersports grounds, particularly in the warmer months.
That Wānaka Tree
Don’t miss the famous lone willow growing out of the waters on the edge of the lake. It’s an Instagram success story – check out #thatwanakatree or simply #wanakatree for a sense of the appeal of this ‘attraction. We recommend getting here early (think pre-sunrise) for a chance to see it without anyone else around. Or come marvel at the crowds and photographers and selfie-seekers it attracts during the rest of the day. Even better, hire a kayak and row out to see it yourself – more likely a feasible option outside of warmer seasons when the lake levels are higher.
Wānaka activities & attractions
Our ultimate guide to Wānaka now turns to the resort’s raison d’être – its activities – and the very draw card that makes this one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday resorts. This section is also long – there’s so much to do and see in this part of the Southern Alps. Read on to find out why…
As you’d expect – we are in New Zealand after all! – Wānaka is all about the great outdoors and what you can do on the slopes, the trails, the craggy rock faces, and the waters. And for a relatively small place, the township and surroundings have a surprisingly long list of activities.
Skiing in Wānaka
Ski culture lies deeply rooted in this part of the country, where mountain slopes beckon from late autumn to early spring. Wānaka has three ski resorts within easy reach:
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Think of this Kiwi ski resort as the one with something for everyone. Families and beginners start on these slopes, while those going freestyle will also find something to challenge them. It’s currently New Zealand’s biggest ski field, with the opening of Soho Basin and its 150ha of pistes in the 2025 season.
Cardrona Alpine Resort also has a classically Kiwi history – if something might be possible, we’ll give it our best shot. How the Lee family decided to start ‘farming snow’ in the 1970s is a fascinating story of ideation, determination and perseverance that New Zealanders are renowned for.
Cardrona need to know
Open mid-June to early October. Bus services connect the resort with Wānaka and Queenstown. You don’t have to drive up to the resort base; there is a car park and shuttle service from the bottom. Locals call it Cardies.
Treble Cone
If you’re intermediate or advanced on the slopes, head for Treble Cone. The pistes, and off-pistes, here have plenty of natural features (and ample adventure play) to test and challenge your carving powder skills. This is an expansive ski field with diverse terrain and much longer runs between summit and lifts.
Treble Cone need to know
Open late June to late September. Bus services connect the resort with Wānaka and Queenstown. There are only two chairlifts yet the skiing is arguably – ask any fervent local skier – more interesting and demanding. There’s a more relaxed, Kiwi-chill vibe back at base. Grab a beer after the lifts close and hang with the Kea – South Island’s native parrot – they’ll come hunting for your lunch crumbs once the majority have hit the road home. Locals call it TC.
Snow Farm
Think cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowball fights, big views and fewer crowds than the other two resorts in Wānaka. You can overnight at Bob or Daisy Lee huts and make an experience of it.
Snow Farm need to know
Open late June to mid-September. Private transport only, and you may need chains or a 4WD in bad weather (carrying snow chains is a requirement for all ski field access in New Zealand). Locals head here for the sunrise views.
Want to see what the flakes are doing in Wānaka? Check the latest snow report
Mountain biking in Wānaka
OK, the MBT trails in Wānaka are second to none, but this New Zealand lake-side town caters for other cyclists too. Whether you’re a gravel-grinder, a road-biker, or just enjoy a leisurely ride out on two wheels, there’s a Wānaka cycle track for you.
- Want something chilled and family-friendly? Take a ride along the 8km Lake Wānaka Outlet Track.
- Need a dash of adrenaline-filled jumps and loops? Head for the Sticky Forest MTB trail.
- Fancy riding down from up high? Take the ski lift up to the Cardrona Bike Park.
- Like to try the most epic route in Wānaka? Bike the Millennium Track.
For all the info and inspo, read the ultimate guide to biking in Wānaka
Wānaka hiking trails
While skis and bikes are great for exploring Wānaka’s stunning surroundings, some say that the best way to appreciate the area’s natural beauty is to get out there on your own two feet. Yet again, you’re spoilt for choice because there are 750km of hikes near Wānaka.
Like the ski resorts and MTB trails, the walking routes cater for everyone. Choose from easy, short strolls to challenging multi-day treks complete with a stay in one of the iconic Kiwi backcountry huts. And like skiing and cycling, hiking comes with panoramic views.
Discover all the trails, with maps, difficulty and length in the Wānaka Tracks App.
Heli-skiing and heli-biking
Simply the best way to combine views of the Southern Lakes region with your favourite downhill sport. Heli-skiing in winter and spring is the most sublime way to play in the powder and have the mountainside all to yourselves. Come late spring, right the way through to autumn and the helicopter drops carries you and bikes – and probably a few less layers of clothing.
There is truly no better way to see our favourite place from above and however you travel down, it’s the best feeling ever! As our team about packaging activities like this into your stay with us.
Wānaka watersports
With a large lake on its doorstep and rivers nearby, Wānaka is something of a mecca for messing about in the water. If you want to use your own power, choose from paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards – you can hire them from the shoreline – and if you’d rather the breeze or the fuel do the heavy work, hire a yacht or motor boat.
For those in search of a serious adrenaline rush, Hāwea Whitewater Park is the place to be. Here, the Hāwea Wave creates the perfect conditions to try out your whitewater and surfing skills.
Family activities in Wānaka
If you’re visiting Wānaka with the little ones, here’s some inspo for fun family things to do.
Sporty family fun
Kids are more than welcome at outdoor activities, whether it’s skiing, biking, swimming, or even climbing. Local businesses are well-equipped with children’s gear, and lessons are available for beginners.
Skiing – the resorts have ski programmes for kids, a great option for your Wānaka holiday. They’ll meet new friends and find their feet on the slopes while you can ski or relax to your heart’s content.
Biking – Bike Glendhu has plenty for little ones, from the Base 334 for the youngest cyclists to the more challenging Jairolla via the family-friendly Kākāriki Loop.
Swimming – there are plenty of nearby spots for a summer dip. Head to Bremner Bay for shallow waters for the tinies, take more confident swimmers to Roy’s Bay with its diving pontoon or drive from Wānaka to Luggate for the nearby swimming hole (go strawberry picking on the way back).
Family attractions in Wānaka
As well as sporty stuff, there’s plenty to do for children indoors and out. Here are our highlights.
National Transport & Toy Museum
Check out a world of vintage vehicles, including fire engines, buses and tractors, alongside toys from bygone years (there are around 100,000 of them). This is a hands-on museum, so kids can get onto the buses and planes, while older petrol heads marvel at the 600 cars. The museum shop is also a haven for Lego fans (Christmas wishlists are written here!).
Puzzling World
Enigmas and things that aren’t quite as they seem will keep all the family second-guessing as you explore the illusion rooms, the Leaning Tower of Wānaka and a 3D maze at the town’s World of Weirdness. This is also a great place to spend a morning or afternoon if it’s raining and you can’t get outside. The maze alone will keep you occupied some time!
Wānaka Lavender Park
It might surprise you to discover this Provence-style lavender farm in the heart of the Southern Alps region. At its most scented in summer, the 20 acres of blooms burst into purple. But it’s not just about the flowers because this attraction near Wānaka has farm animals, giant outdoor games, idyllic selfie spots and lots of lovely picnic spots. The shop is deeply occupying too: discover the scents of various lavender species grown here and taste your way through a variety of lavender honey.
If you’re visiting in winter, read our suggestions for a great family holiday in Wānaka.
Wānaka wine, beer & gin
It might come as a surprise to discover wineries, distilleries and craft beer in our guide to Wānaka, but this destination has all three. Add a visit to one (or several) to your list of après-ski/hike/bike activities or make your holiday in Wānaka about the local tipples.
Wānaka Wineries
First up, the grapes. Central Otago is home to several vineyards and excellent wines. One of our favourites is Maude, whose pinot noir and chardonnay vines have privileged views of the lake and make very fine wine. You can try their labels for yourself at The Tasting Room in Wānaka.
Rippon winery is renowned as much for the views from its patio as it is for its vintages, so make time to pop in here too. And for those with a penchant for motorsport, Paddons Paddock might be the winery you visit first – its owned by the parents of renowned rally driver Hayden Paddock.
Discover more great vineyards in Wānaka
Craft beers in Wānaka
Lovers of a homemade brew are in luck in Wānaka, where several local breweries craft their own beer. B.effect, just a short drive from the township, has been brewing their own beers, cider and kombuchas since 2019. Rhyme & Reason in town has 14 craft beers on tap, and Wānaka Brew Bar ups the offer to 16, as well as local wines.
Read more about Wānaka craft beers
Wānaka distilleries
If spirits are your thing, Cardrona Distillery is your go-to tour. In the heart of Cardrona Valley, this artisan distillery takes the pristine local water and creates single malt whisky, gin and vodka, plus a number of liqueurs. Join one of the tours to find out how they do it. And they provide a shuttle service to and from Wānaka, so you can try to your heart’s content!
Where to eat in Wānaka
If you’re looking to eat out while on your Wānaka holiday, there are so many great local eateries we can recommend. Reasonably priced food is available wherever you turn, fine dining is an option too. Whatever you’re hungry for, there is a great selection of eateries in town.
Our guide to the best Wānaka restaurants has lots more information.
Where to stay in Wānaka
And last but definitely not least, your Wānaka accommodation. Like all the best resorts in New Zealand, the perfect place to stay awaits you. At Release, we have a portfolio of luxury holiday properties, one of which has your name on it. Ridgecrest, shown above, is a stunning family holiday home with panoramic views of Lake Wānaka that sleeps up to 12 guests.
Think stunning lake and mountain views (some enjoy these from every room!), great outdoor spaces for everyone to relax (there could be a hot tub too!), plenty of indoor space for everyone to unwind and relax (games rooms, wine cellars, and cinema spaces are available), and fabulous locations in and around Wānaka are guaranteed.
For some inspiration, check out the best places to stay in Wānaka. And if you need more information or a little inside help to find exactly what’s right for you, get in touch with our friendly team. We can’t wait to help you enjoy Wānaka!
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