The 10 Best Things to do Adventurous in Wanaka, South Island

April 16, 2022 Trinity Boughner

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. U-Fly Wanaka

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5.0 based on 176 reviews

U-Fly Wanaka

2 in 1 incredible scenic flight plus your fun chance to fly a plane. Show up, get in and fly! Sit back and enjoy a truly superb personalised scenic flight over the lakes, mountains and glaciers. We use highly reliable training aircraft that have dual controls for the person flying and experienced instructor. Some of our aircraft also have two extra seats in the back for you to bring along friends and family for the ride.

2. Wanaka Helicopters

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97%
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5.0 based on 368 reviews

Wanaka Helicopters

Wanaka Helicopters has operated since the mid 1990s in the Southern Lakes region and into the World Heritage Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Experience stunning scenery with our flights including Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, Glaciers, and Milford Sound. Trips range from 25 minutes - to all-day adventures that encompass more dramatic land, sea and alpine vistas than anywhere else in New Zealand. Wanaka Helicopters is a Safety Award Winning company. Our pilots are highly experienced scenic pilots and helicopter flight instructors. We fly 7 days a week (weather permitting) from Wanaka Airport. We are genuinely passionate about what we do and love to share our special part of the world with those who fly with us. On every flight you can expect a safe, highly professional and reliable service that will be memorable, educational and totally personal.

3. Ridgeline Adventures

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5.0 based on 369 reviews

Ridgeline Adventures

New Zealand's ultimate alpine mountain-farm adventure. The perfect mix of Wanaka's breath-taking scenery, history, heritage and farming life. This will be a genuine highlight of your New Zealand holiday.

4. Wanaka Parasailing

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96%
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5.0 based on 113 reviews

Wanaka Parasailing

Come and parasail on beautiful Lakes Wanaka or Hawea with the safe and fun crew of Wanaka Parasailing.

5. The Cardrona

Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,180 reviews

The Cardrona

First class scenic horse trekking and quad bike tours of the stunning Cardrona Valley, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

6. Wanaka River Journeys

Excellent
93%
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5.0 based on 474 reviews

Wanaka River Journeys

Come with us on the most exciting half day adventure activity in New Zealand, jet boating beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of The Rings locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience jet boating on the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, And there is MORE… Deep in the mountains & off the beaten track enjoy a 50-minute walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams. Walk in awe beneath Avalanche Glacier when conditions permit or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Hear the stories of this unique ice carved landscape and see photo opportunities not to miss. For those who want to explore more add a glacier helicopter flight from the jet boat or a 4WD farm safari

7. Classic Flights

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5.0 based on 126 reviews

Classic Flights

Vintage Tiger Moth Scenic Flights with Classic Flights Wanaka, New Zealand. Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a piece of aviation history? To step back in time where Pilots were larger than life, and heroes to all those who lifted their eyes skyward to the sound of an old Tigermoth flying overhead? Then take a flightseeing trip around Wanaka and see breathtaking New Zealand scenery in a Vintage Aircraft. Experience the excitement of the early flyers and their flying machines; the smell of oil and aviation fuel, combined with the aroma of fresh leather. As you don the old-style leather flying helmet, complete with flying goggles and silk scarf, experience the anticipation of being taken back in time to the nostalgia of this by-gone era.The exhilaration of the open cockpit and the wind in your face - discover the freedom and romance of a vintage scenic flight from Wanaka, one of the most spectacular scenic locations in New Zealand.

8. Deep Canyon

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5.0 based on 313 reviews

Deep Canyon

Deep Canyon canyoning adventures are a journey unlike any other! Open from 1 Oct until 30 April each New Zealand summer. Get in touch with our beautiful natural world and see beauty you’ve only dreamed of. Experience the raw power inside the waterfalls contrasted with the tranquility of deep, forested pools; from sculptural rock-scapes to glowing green moss droplets, you will be immersed in a world you never knew existed. And talk about fun! Challenge yourself in ways you’ve never imagined. Plunge down water polished chutes and abseil down waterfalls. Jump off cliffs! Climb, swim and float through an amazing world of water- sculpted rock, deep clear pools and spectacular waterfalls. We specialise in hands-on trips with a high level of personal satisfaction and our focus is strongly on good humour! Amazing places, interesting challenges, friendly people and Great Big Fun!

9. Aspiring Helicopters

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5.0 based on 144 reviews

Aspiring Helicopters

Renowned for their breathtaking scenic flights which take passengers up to the majestic peak of Mt Aspiring and offer stunning views of ice blue glacial fields and snow covered peaks, Aspiring Helicopters is housed in a state-of-the-art hangar to house with a fleet of helicopters.The facility incorporates a comfortable passenger departure lounge and reception area with the company office. Operating a variety of helicopters flights cater for 2-6 passengers per helicopter. Be it a scenic flight to Mt Aspiring and the glaciers, the once in a lifetime trip to Milford Sound or the beginning of an epic day heli-skiing! Being located in the Matukituki Valley is the ideal take off zone for quick access to the very heart of the Mt Aspiring National Park and the Fiordland World Heritage Area.

10. South Canyons

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5.0 based on 60 reviews

South Canyons

Half and full day guided canyoning, located between Wanaka and Haast, in Mount Aspiring National Park. Trek through native forest to access the canyon then descend these truly magnificent waterways by down climbing, abseiling, sliding, jumping and swimming in crystal clear water. Discover a real sense of journey and adventure. Come and join us for your next fun-filled wilderness experience.

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