Wanaka

Wanaka sits on the shores of its eponymous lake, framed by the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. This laid-back lakeside town is the quieter, more refined cousin of Queenstown, offering world-class hiking, skiing, and wineries without the crowds. The lakefront is dotted with cafes and galleries, and the iconic lone willow tree at the lake's edge is one of New Zealand's most photographed spots.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Wanaka & the Wanaka Tree – Stroll the lakefront and photograph the famous solitary willow, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – Hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track for close-up glacier views, or take a scenic flight over the park's jagged peaks.
• Roys Peak Track – A challenging but rewarding hike up to a ridgeline with panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
• Puzzling World – A quirky attraction with illusion rooms, a maze, and mind-bending puzzles – fun for all ages.
• Wanaka Wine Trail – Visit nearby wineries like Rippon and Maude for pinot noir tastings with lake views.
• Cardrona Alpine Resort – Ski or snowboard in winter, or enjoy mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to soak up Wanaka's highlights. Spend one day hiking Roys Peak or exploring Mount Aspiring National Park, and another day relaxing by the lake, visiting wineries, and trying Puzzling World. If you're a skier, add a day for Cardrona or Treble Cone. Three days allow for a more relaxed pace and a scenic flight over the glaciers.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – Just over an hour's drive south, Queenstown offers adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and jet boating, plus vibrant nightlife.
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Head west to these famous glaciers for heli-hikes and ice climbing, about 2.5 hours' drive.
• Haast Pass – Drive this scenic route south to the West Coast, passing waterfalls, rainforests, and the Blue Pools.
• Arrowtown – A charming gold-rush town with historic buildings and autumn colours, on the way to Queenstown.

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