Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka is the soul of New Zealand's Southern Lakes district — a dazzling body of crystal-clear water backed by snow-capped peaks and dotted with ancient islands. The lakeside town of Wanaka offers a more laid-back alternative to Queenstown, with world-class hiking, biking, and skiing right on its doorstep. Whether you're strolling along the waterfront, paddling across the lake, or simply soaking up the mountain views from a café, Lake Wanaka delivers an effortlessly beautiful escape.

Highlights & What to See

• That Wanaka Tree — the iconic lone willow in the lake, best photographed at sunrise or sunset with Mount Aspiring in the background.
• Roys Peak Track — a challenging but rewarding hike to one of the most photographed viewpoints in New Zealand, offering a sweeping panorama of the lake and Southern Alps.
• Mount Aspiring National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage area with glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, and the Rob Roy Glacier walk.
• Puzzle World — a quirky attraction with mind-bending illusions, mazes, and a giant tumbling room, fun for all ages.
• Wanaka Lakefront — a scenic walking and cycling path that hugs the shore, with benches, gardens, and views of the lake and mountains.
• Lake Wanaka Cruise — a boat trip to Mou Waho Island, where you can spot native birds and see a lake-within-a-lake.
• Cardrona Alpine Resort — a top ski field in winter, with mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to do Wanaka justice. Use one day for a big hike like Roys Peak or a trip into Mount Aspiring National Park, and the second for exploring the lakefront, visiting Puzzle World, and relaxing at a lake-view café. If you're keen on skiing or mountain biking, add a third day. Wanaka works perfectly as a two-night stop on a South Island road trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown — just over an hour's drive, offering adrenaline activities, vibrant nightlife, and more lake scenery.
• Haast Pass & the West Coast — a scenic drive through rainforest, waterfalls, and glacial valleys, connecting to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
• Arrowtown — a historic gold-mining town with charming streets, autumn colours, and the Arrow River.
• Glenorchy — a gateway to the Routeburn Track and the head of Lake Wakatipu, with dramatic mountain vistas.
• Wanaka Wine Trail — boutique vineyards around Cromwell and Bannockburn, producing excellent Pinot Noir.

Please check official sources for current details.