Wānaka sits inside one of the most varied outdoor landscapes in the southern hemisphere. The terrain runs from lake-level tussock to high-alpine snowfields within half an hour’s drive, and the experiences available across that range are well-established and largely impossible outside the South Island. This guide maps Wānaka’s outdoor activity options across three registers: active, naturalistic and high-alpine, for those who want to arrive knowing what’s possible.
How to spend time outside in the Southern Lakes
Wānaka’s lakefront township is surrounded by the Southern Alps taking your eyes from lake level to high-alpine terrain above 2,000 metres. The outdoor life here follows that gradient. Long mornings on the water at one end; technical descents on high country stations and ski fields at the other, with just about any outdoor activity in between. The region is large enough and varied enough that you won’t get round to doing them all, giving you the perfect excuse to return.
This three-part guide covers the full range of Wānaka’s outdoor offerings, organised by temperament rather than season:
The first section covers active pursuits: hiking, mountain biking, snow sports and time on the water. The second moves at a slower pace, through farm country, fishing rivers, dark skies and the high-country golf that most visitors overlook.The third goes further, into heli-skiing, canyoning, via ferrata and the kind of terrain that requires a guide and provides an adrenaline rush.
Most of our suggestions are available year-round in some form, although many have optimum seasons – ask us when’s best for what
On foot, on two wheels, on water, in snow
The most direct way into this landscape is through it. Wānaka’s immediate surroundings offer hiking, mountain biking, snow sports and time on the water. Out there, you’ll discover terrain that shifts considerably depending on the season and how far you’re willing to go.
Hiking
Whether you want a gentle stroll or a major tramp, hiking around Wānaka comes with one constant: sublime views. Up in the mountains or down by the water, vistas stretch before you in every direction.
And as well as stunning views, hiking in this part of New Zealand also rewards any level of hiker. Difficulty ranges from easy to seriously challenging, with distances starting at just a couple of kms and times taken from less to an hour to a full day out in the mountains.
Our guide to hiking in Wānaka has more information and plenty of inspiration.
Where to stay: Te Moana, a schist-and-timber home set back from the lake on the Wānaka waterfront, is positioned well for those using the town as a base between days in the valley.
Mountain biking
Like hiking, biking comes varied, scenic, and is fit for any level. Families will enjoy the kid-friendly bike trails, while serious cyclists will relish the challenges of technical high-alpine lines.
And if you want a bike park, Wānaka is close to three: Bike Glendhu, Cardrona Park and Sticky Forest, again, offering something for bikers of every age and level. For all the details, read the ultimate guide to biking in Wānaka. If you don’t have room in your luggage for your bike, several local companies offer cycle hire, with equipment included.
Where to stay: Riverslea, a timber-and-glass home set against the mountain face, is positioned perfectly for evening returns from the trails at Bike Glendhu.
Self-powered water sports
Here, the lakes set the terms. And the scenery. A half morning spent kayaking or paddleboarding allows you to experience some of the quieter pleasures of a Wānaka summer. Think a trip from Glendhu Bay in February or a stand-up tour towards Mou Waho, the island-on-a-lake-on-an-island.
Or if you’d like to up the tempo and give your legs (and balance) a workout, head for the Hawea Wave. The two artificial waves challenge surfers and kayakers alike, with the bottom one for the elite only.
Several companies, such as Paddle Wānaka, offer full equipment hire, with the option of guided tours. Note that kayak and paddleboard rentals are usually available only between September and April.
Snow sports
The Southern Alps provide perhaps the best snowy playgrounds in New Zealand, with three resorts close to Wānaka. Between them, the trio offer different types of skiing and snowboarding, plus activities for those who aren’t donning their skis.
Choose from manicured slopes for all levels to more rugged pistes for skiers who want something less managed. Full equipment hire and classes are also available. Find out how to plan the perfect snowy getaway.
At one with nature
Next, the essence of Wānaka: its scenery, probably the reason you’re thinking about a holiday here (and why we live here!). These Wānaka outdoor activities aren’t always about elevation or exertion. Some of the most natural experiences in the Southern Lakes move at a different pace: However, the tempo might have slowed, but the views still deliver at every turn.
Horse trekking
Sitting in the saddle as your horse steps across the tussock terraces above the valley floor, through working high-country stations toward Tarras or up into the Cardrona basin, is a particular way of reading the land. The ambling pace allows you to see it properly and soak in every detail.
Several operators in Wānaka run private guided rides across merino country that the average visitor never reaches.
Stargazing
The quality of the night sky in the Southern Lakes is less well-known internationally than it deserves to be. The Mackenzie Basin to the east carries the formal dark-sky designation, but the skies above Wānaka are dark enough, particularly in late April and May when the Milky Way sits clear above the Crown Range on a windless night.
Where to stay: Ridgecrest, a spacious designer home, elevated just above Wānaka on the eastern ridge, is positioned well for spotting the Milky Way.
Golf
Whether it’s the real MacCoy or the Kiwi favourite disc golf, getting out there on the course is one of the lesser-known outdoor activities in Wānaka, but just as rewarding.
For 18 holes, head to Wānaka Golf Club, running along the base of the Buchanan Range and where the lake and mountain views may take your eye of the ball. If you’re a disc golf fan, there are two local clubs, both within easy reach of the township.
Farms and animals
Whether your kids want to pet an alpaca or donkey or you adults fancy discovering a high-country station farming fine-wool merino at altitude, Wānaka gives you the opportunity to discover farming in this part of the world. Visit Lavender Farm for the former and contact Ridgeline for the latter.
Where to stay: Cardrona Terraces, a fully serviced villa set into the valley above the Crown Range road, sits at the intersection of almost everything in this section – farm country to the north, dark skies overhead, and the Cardrona Golf Course a short drive below.
High-alpine and on the edge
If your idea of being outdoors comes with a rush of adrenaline, then the Southern Alps and their rivers provide more than you’ll need. Buckle up and let’s ride.
Powered water sports
If a kayak or paddle board seems too tame or you’re ready for the next level, jet boating on the Clutha River could be for you. Go Jets run short and long trips, but it’s all fast and furious. Or, back at Lake Wānaka, you can jet ski, waterski or fly board as you zip across the blue waters and gaze at those views.
Where to stay: Beacon Retreat, an architecturally designed concrete-and-glass villa close to the lake’s eastern shore, is a great base for days spent on the Clutha or out on the water.
Skydiving and paragliding
Get a true birds-eye view of Wānaka and the Southern Alps when you take to the skies. Harness some wind power with a paragliding trip from Treble Cone or get up close to a stranger and skydive. Adrenalin rush guaranteed – all you have to do is choose the dose.
Canyoning
Chutes? Yes. Sculptured rock ravines? Yes. World’s highest waterfall cable climb? Yes, that too. All part and parcel of Wānaka’s narrow-gorge country carved by glacial melt through schist and greywacke.
Experiences cater for anyone over 10 and all abilities. The water is least cold in high summer, but activity organisers provide full equipment, including rubber hoods and gloves when the going gets really chilly.
Anything heli
If your adrenaline rush involves a helicopter ride to ski, hike or bike, there’s a trip here for you. Our helicopters take you up to remote snowfields and glaciers, where you don your skis, tramping boots or bike helmet for the adventure of a lifetime.
And if you picture heli hike and think lunch rather than exercise, how about a trip to Mountain Kitchen? Definitely Wānaka’s ultimate dining experience.
Where to stay: Elysium Lodge or Lodge Lorien, both set in Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, are placed well for heli-access into the Forbes Mountains and the Dart Glacier corridor.
Climbing
Take one look at those mountains and you know the climbing’s going to be good. Whether you’re looking for a via ferrata challenge, a technical climb or a guided trek over high snow drifts, there’s an outdoor adventure of a lifetime waiting for you. Plus, if you fancy a double adrenaline whammy, join this guided climbing and canyon trip.
And if the weather outdoors isn’t playing ball, Wānaka has a dedicated climbing centre, with a range of 30 climbs, from grades 12 to 25. A perfect family indoor activity.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Wānaka and the Southern Lakes offer more than most people reach in a week. If you’d like help putting a stay together around any of those we’ve mentioned, get in touch with our team.