Wānaka makes a great holiday destination at any time of year. Still, there’s something about springtime that takes the gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park to the next level. Especially if you’re looking for a quieter getaway with plenty of activity, great weather and cheeky accommodation deals. Read on to discover 10 (utterly) compelling reasons to visit Wānaka in spring.
Pay less to get here
Off-peak times mean off-peak rates for flights, so flying to the Southern Alps in the spring tends to be cheaper. And lower airfares mean you have more to spend on activities once you arrive in Wānaka via the picture-perfect Crown Range Road from Queenstown International Airport.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Treat your wallet to a cheaper flight.
Have more of this lakefront town to yourself
After the bustling winter ski season, Wānaka takes a breather in spring and brings the busy button down a notch. Think bagging a prime spot on the lakefront each and every day, feeling as if the Wānaka walking tracks and biking trails have opened just for you and heaving a big sigh of relief when you discover no queues at the supermarket.
Visiting Wānaka in the spring allows you to explore this part of the Southern Alps at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the glorious scenery as if it were yours alone. That said, there’s still plenty open (including the ski slopes) and of course, a great choice of accommodation.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Feel like you’re the only one here when visit Wānaka in spring.
Make the most of a quieter Lake Wānaka
If you’ve visited us in summer, you’ll know that Lake Wānaka becomes a hive of activity as an endless flotilla of boats crisscrosses the azure waters. At the height of the season, it can be a challenge to find your own waterski lane.
Not into messing about on the lake? You can still enjoy the views of the waterfront when you take one of the short walks in Wānaka.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Be one of the select few who get to enjoy Lake Wānaka at this time of year.
Soak up the spring weather in the Southern Lakes
This season is one of our personal favourites because Wānaka pulls off the hattrick of warm sunshine, blue skies and spring blossom. The weather in this part of New Zealand in the spring is quite simply beautiful, and we love those mid-20s temperatures – a perfect spot on the mercury for outdoor activities. And of course, it’s grapevine blossom time at wineries in Wānaka.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Join nature and put some spring into your step, too.
Enjoy longer days and the beginning of New Zealand summertime
After the dark winter, it’s always a relief to watch the clocks in New Zealand spring forward in September, adding that all-important extra hour of daylight. Perfect for those slightly longer bike rides or hikes in Wānaka, or enjoying more time to see the stunning scenery by day. And there’s a bonus because the evenings still draw in, allowing you to enjoy the sparkling lights of Wānaka town when you’re out for drinks and dinner.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Max out on that extra hour of daylight, whether it’s a dawn walk to the Wānaka tree before the tourists descend or a sunset beer looking across to Mount Aspiring.
Spring skiing near Wānaka
Guess what? It might be spring, but the ski fields are still open, for a little while. They’re also easily accessible from Wānaka because two ski fields are within a 30-minute drive. Take your pick from:
Cardrona Alpine Resort is a family-friendly mountain with 25% of the terrain dedicated to learners, 25% for the intermediates, 30% for those advanced and the rest for pro-skiers.
Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski resort with a ski area of 1,359 acres, a 2,088m elevation, and a 4km-long slope!
Then there’s Snow Farm NZ, the only cross-country ski field in New Zealand. From snowball fights and family fun, to showshoe hikes and overnight trails it offers something for everyone, from absolute beginners to Olympic Biathlon athletes.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Zip up the mountain in the morning for some of the best spring skiing in New Zealand. Then shimmy back to your luxury Wānaka vacation home, change into your shorts and t-shirt and enjoy a beer in the sun by the lake.
Train in the best conditions
Imagine training for your next outdoor event without piling those winter layers on or sweating your heart out in the summer heat. Welcome to training in Wānaka in spring, where the cooler, lighter mornings and warmer, sunnier afternoons come together to provide the perfect environment. Wānaka is also home to New Zealand’s premium merino activewear producer, Devold, so you can expand your natural sportwear clothing or simply save on some laundry!
Whether you’ve signed up for the next Challenge Wānaka triathlon, enrolled for the Motutapu mountain bike event, or you simply just want to get your body in shape for summer, you’ll find that Wānaka makes the perfect training destination.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Come to train in Wānaka and your fitness and PBs will thank you for it.
Wānaka photo opportunities
Of course, the Southern Alps are one of New Zealand’s most photogenic spots at any time of year, but we think snapshot opportunities come into their own in spring. The scenery blooms vibrantly against the blue skies and snow-capped mountains – the vivid splash of yellow daffodils or pink cherry blossom adds so much more to your pics. There’ll probably be a lamb or two frolicking in the background, too.
And then there are the sunsets, dramatic at any time of year, but easier to capture on camera in spring. In this season, that extra hour of daylight means you’ll be back in plenty of time from your activities before dusk, allowing you to snap the sunset over the mountains at your leisure.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Watch your pictures light up with nature’s spring frolics and colour, making lasting memories of this season in the resort.
Grab a great accommodation deal
Just like flights, accommodation is cheaper when you visit Wānaka during off-peak times, and you’ll have a broader and better choice. Vacation homes and holiday rentals often offer stays at special rates, particularly if you stay that little bit longer. And with all that the area has to offer, why wouldn’t you?
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
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Treat yourself to a luxury extra (or two)
Along with better value flights and holiday rental prices in spring, you can also enjoy shoulder season rates on treats during your stay. Imagine having a private chef to create a fine wining and dining experience for just you in your Wānaka accommodation. Or the luxury of an in-house massage service to relax those muscles.
Wānaka in spring key takeaway
Discover a wealth of tailor-made experiences all at your fingertips in spring.
Get ready to enjoy spring in Wānaka
There you have them, 10 compelling reasons to come and visit Wānaka, New Zealand, this spring. Now all you need to do is book your accommodation. And if you need more information about our holiday homes and vacation rentals, and activities in and around Wānaka, contact our team today.