Location: Wanaka
Top Things to do in Wanaka
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Wanaka, South Island
The South Island town of Wanaka appeals to both adventure lovers and relaxation-minded travelers. Situated on the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's fourth-largest lake, just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is an ideal spot to go fishing, hiking, skiing, wine-tasting or golfing. The city also hosts Warbirds Over Wanaka, the largest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Wanaka
1. Mount Aspiring National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By StanDallas - Dallas, United States
Peaceful, quietness, silence and roaring Thunder Creek Falls. Not to far away from Queenstown NZ is paradise. Summer camping in the national park looking into black skies for that Southern Cross among the ever changing constellations. Addiction can be to a place also.
2. Lake Wanaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,293 reviews
Reviewed By ivangH5657RG
This natural wonder is so pleasant, families with children can enjoy many water activities by boating, water skiing or just having tasty picnic and feeding local ducks. Also nearby there is children playground as well. To walk to town takes about 10 minutes where you can get ice cream or cosy lunch or diner. And prices are very moderate.
3. Aitken's Folly Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 981kylied
Called in after a day boarding at Cadrona. Fiona was absolutely lovely, informative and welcoming of our family (18 & 20 yr old kids who are very novice wine drinkers!). We had a wonderful wine tasting with lots of laughs and were pleasantly surprised with wine quality and left with a 1/2 dozen case. A lovely warm cosy tasting room and hospitable owners with a wonderful story of ending up in NZ and living the dream. Well worth the stop in. Great Chardonnay, so glad you followed your instinct and Central Otago Pinot Noir - say no more. We wish you the best with your successful endeavour and raise our glasses to your adventurous spirit.
4. Roys Peak Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 916 reviews
The track is closed for lambing from 1 October - 10 November each year. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By winterystorm - Cairns, Australia
I was lucky enough to be with a group on the Runaways Southern Highlights tour. These guys know what they are doing. We started on the mountain at 4am and with the awesome moonlight didn't need to use our headlamps. I would totally recommend starting as early as you can. When the sun comes out there is no hiding from it, no shade at all. The tour director rightly called many sections of it punchy. It took some in the group 1:45 to get to the peak, but it was -1 (degrees celcius) and pretty darn chilly. I took 2:30 and made it just in the nick of time to see one of the most spectacularly majestic sunrises I've ever seen. If you haven't been training for hills/mountains, then start early, take a good amount of water, dress sensibly to protect yourself from the sun on the way up and the cold at the top and wear shoes with decent grip. It's pretty steep in some parts. Expect it to be difficult but know that when you get to the top, every second will have been worth it. Just sooooo incredible. I found that doing a zig zag type move in the really steep bits helped a lot and of course having Isaac, tour director of Runaways encouraging me helped more than I probably realise. I'm 45 and my fitness is average. Still even in my less fit days, the breathlessness and sore muscles are totally worth it. Just be well prepared.
5. West Matukituki Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By AwayDayswithHubby
Just drove to Raspberry Creek with my daughter. What amazing scenery. We were just out for a little drive but once we'd started we just didn't want to stop. Such a shame we hadn't gone dressed for the walk at the end. We will definitely go back. The real fruit ice-cream caravan was an unexpected treat.
6. Isthmus Peak Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By RennieMD
We do a lot of hikes but wasn’t too keen on Roy’s Peak given the popularity etc. Had a brief look on the trail maps and we decided on Mt Isthmus. It was a steady up hill the entire way and not much easier on the downhill. Wide path so group walking is easy. The views were unreal and basically the entire duration of the walk. We passed 6 or 8 groups and all we’re genuine hikers/trail walkers (aka were appreciating the experience without having to shout about it). The vista at the top was breathtaking and very well worth it. We walked the duration at a steady pace and completed in 3.45hrs. Go and enjoy, minus the crowds! PS don’t rely on Lake Hawea for pre-walk snacks and coffee.
7. Rob Roy Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By JW_Dam - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
The track offers a lot of stunning views, half way we took our pached lunch on a bench with view to the glacier. Once at the end the view is even more splendid, many small waterfalls and the snow covered mountain tops in front of the end of the trail. More than worth while but a reasonable good condition is necessary.
8. Nanny Goat Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Nanny Goat Vineyard is an iconic producer specialising in Pinot Noir. A visit to Central Otago is not complete without a stop at our picturesque Cellar Door, where you can sample our wine and food whilst enjoying the stunning backdrop. Nanny Goat Vineyard is available by booking for group wine tastings and special events such as pre-wedding celebrations, birthdays.
Reviewed By ACF63
We had a fabulous afternoon and evening at Nanny Goat Vineyard soaking up the beautiful setting, enjoying delicious platters and stunning wines. Alan and Amy were wonderful hosts and made our end of year celebrations one to remember.
9. Wanaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,318 reviews
Wanaka is a gorgeous place on wanaka lake.
Reviewed By Rme48 - Oamaru, New Zealand
Unfortunately the tremendous housing development has spoilt it a bit for those who have holidayed from way back. However who can blame the crowds wanting to share in the atmosphere. It is a lovely town and definitely recommend it for a stay or at least a visit, although to experience it fully a few days stay is a must!
10. Mount Iron Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By funq1
Walked up this track to the top as sunset approached. It took about 35 min with a steady climb. We took the route from the housing estate - Rob Roy lane - slightly tricky to find as you think you are going up someone's drive - but just continue. Great views from the top and really nice T sun set as can see the sun highlighting the different mountain ranges.
