Wanaka Wine Region

Nestled between the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka, this boutique wine region offers a cool-climate escape with a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Unlike its more famous neighbour Central Otago, Wanaka’s vineyards are smaller, family-run, and set against a backdrop of alpine peaks and pristine lakes. The region specialises in Pinot Noir, but also produces excellent Riesling, Chardonnay, and aromatic whites. With cellar doors often doubling as art galleries or cafés, a visit here is as much about the landscape and local hospitality as it is about the wine.

Highlights & What to See

• Rippon Vineyard – One of New Zealand’s most photographed wineries, with a stunning lakeside setting and a cellar door that feels like a modernist art space. Try their elegant Pinot Noir and Riesling.
• Maude Wines – A family-owned winery with a warm, knowledgeable team. Their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are standouts, and the tasting room offers views over the vines towards the mountains.
• Mt Difficulty Wines – Though based in Bannockburn, they have a Wanaka tasting room on Ardmore Street. Sample their acclaimed Pinot Noir and aromatic whites in a chic, relaxed setting.
• Wanaka Wine Trail – A self-drive route linking the region’s cellar doors. Pick up a map from the i-SITE and explore at your own pace, stopping for lunch at one of the vineyard cafés.
• Lake Wanaka views – Many wineries, including Rippon and Maude, offer panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Pair a tasting with a photo stop.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to visit three to four cellar doors and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a vineyard café. If you’re a keen wine enthusiast, allocate a full day to explore the trail more thoroughly, including a stop at a smaller producer like Wanaka Beerworks (for craft beer) or Pennyweight (for a tasting in the town centre). Combine with a morning walk along the lakefront or a scenic flight over the glaciers for a perfect Wanaka day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka Town – Just a short drive from the vineyards, offering excellent dining, boutique shopping, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Roys Peak Track – A challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Start early to avoid crowds.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – A gateway to glacier valleys, alpine lakes, and world-class tramping tracks like the Rob Roy Glacier Walk.
• Cardrona Valley – Home to the historic Cardrona Hotel, a charming pub, and the Cardrona Alpine Resort for skiing or mountain biking.
• Haast Pass – A scenic drive through rainforest and waterfalls, connecting Wanaka to the West Coast glaciers.

Please check official sources for current details.