Wanaka Town

Wanaka sits on the southern shore of Lake Wānaka, framed by snow-dusted peaks and the braided Clutha River. This lakefront town has a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe that feels like a quieter, less commercial cousin of Queenstown. With its excellent cafés, boutique shops, and easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing, Wanaka is a must-stop on any South Island road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Wānaka & That Wanaka Tree – Stroll the lakefront trail to the famous willow tree, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. Best at sunrise or sunset.
• Roys Peak Track – A challenging 16 km return hike that rewards with a jaw-dropping view of the lake and Southern Alps. Start early to avoid crowds.
• Puzzling World – A quirky attraction with optical illusions, a giant maze, and plenty of fun for all ages. Great for a rainy afternoon.
• Wanaka Lakefront & Dinosaur Park – A family-friendly walk with sculptures, a playground, and lovely picnic spots overlooking the water.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – A gateway to glaciers, alpine lakes, and the Rob Roy Glacier Track, one of the best day hikes in the region.

Suggested Time to Spend

Wanaka deserves at least two full days. Day one: explore the lakefront, visit Puzzling World, and wander the town. Day two: tackle a half-day hike like the Rob Roy Glacier or the Diamond Lake circuit. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, add a day for Treble Cone or Cardrona during winter. Three days lets you do a longer hike like Roys Peak and still have time to relax by the lake.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – An hour’s drive over the Crown Range Road (scenic but winding), offering bungee jumping, lake cruises, and vibrant nightlife.
• Haast Pass & the West Coast – A stunning drive through rainforest, waterfalls, and blue pools, leading to the glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.
• Mount Cook Village – Two hours away via the Lindis Pass, with the Hooker Valley Track and stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
• Cardrona & Treble Cone Ski Fields – World-class skiing and snowboarding in winter, with mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer.

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