Wanaka Town

Wanaka is a picture-perfect lakeside town on the shores of Lake Wānaka, framed by the dramatic peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. It offers a more relaxed, sophisticated alternative to Queenstown, with world-class hiking, skifields, and a thriving food scene centred on its lakeshore cafes and craft breweries. The town’s iconic ‘that Wanaka tree’ (a lone willow in the lake) is a must-see, but the real draw is the easy access to wilderness and the friendly, unhurried vibe.

Highlights & What to See

• That Wanaka Tree – The famous lone willow growing from the lake near the town centre; best photographed at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft.
• Roys Peak Track – A challenging day hike with an extraordinary ridge-line view over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps; start very early to avoid crowds and heat.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – Gateway to the Rob Roy Glacier Track, a moderate walk with close-up glacier views and waterfalls; also the start of the multi-day Rees-Dart Track.
• Wanaka Lakefront – A paved walking and cycling path that runs for kilometres along the lake, dotted with benches, public art, and swimming spots.
• Puzzling World – A quirky attraction with a giant maze, optical illusions, and a tilted house; fun for families and a good rainy-day option.
• Wanaka Beerworks & Rhyme & Reason Brewery – Two excellent craft breweries where you can sample local ales and lagers; both have tasting rooms and outdoor seating.
• National Transport & Toy Museum – A vast collection of vintage cars, planes, and toys from the 1950s onward; a nostalgic detour off the main strip.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to experience Wanaka’s highlights: one day for the lakefront, the tree, and a short hike like Rob Roy Glacier (half-day), and another for a longer walk such as Roys Peak (5–6 hours) plus an afternoon exploring the town’s breweries and shops. If you’re here in winter, allow extra time for skiing at Treble Cone or Cardrona. For a relaxed pace, three days lets you mix outdoor adventures with leisurely cafe-hopping.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – A 1-hour drive over the Crown Range or via the Kawarau Gorge; the adventure capital offers bungy jumping, jet boats, and a vibrant nightlife.
• Glenorchy – A scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown (and about 1.5 hours from Wanaka), this tiny settlement is the gateway to the Routeburn Track and offers stunning lake and mountain views.
• Haast Pass & the West Coast – A 2-hour drive south-west leads through the Haast Pass to the rugged West Coast, with its rainforest, glaciers (Fox and Franz Josef), and coastal scenery.
• Cardrona & Treble Cone Ski Fields – Two of New Zealand’s best ski areas, both within 30–40 minutes’ drive from Wanaka; excellent for winter sports or summer mountain biking.
• Lake Hāwea – A quieter lake just 15 minutes east of Wanaka, perfect for a peaceful swim, kayak, or a walk along the Hāwea River track.

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