Location: Wanaka
Top Things to do in Wanaka
Top 10 Things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand
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. Lake Wanaka
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Paul E
Simply spectacular. A Town to take your time to explore, amongst some of the freshest air and most wonderful, lake to mountain scenery in the world. A breathtaking experience. Enjoy!
2. Roys Peak Track
Overall Ratings
5 based on 279 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 Hannah T
We attempted this track when we were rather tired and ill which was a mistake as it is just steep hills zig-zagging up to the peak. A very boring walk. The views are great but they’re probably quite similar after a certain point. We completed the tongariro crossing and found that easier!
3. Rob Roy Track
Overall Ratings
5 based on 218 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Rick P - Stanwell Park, New South Wales, Australia
Did this walk today, and it was great. The view at the end of it is worth the trek. Yeah the drive in is a little rough on the dirt road. Recommend you take your lunch and have it at the top. Take at least 2 water bottles. I had one and ran out at the top lookout.
4. Wanaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Wanaka is a gorgeous place on wanaka lake.
Reviewed By IN_Travelers47906 - West Lafayette, Indiana
We were in Wanaka only one night, but I would love to return for much longer. This is a beautiful resort/holiday town that seemed to be attracting young and old alike when we were there in mid-January. The main part of the town runs along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Wanaka, with a city park that appears to run for at least a couple of miles along the shore, along with plenty of sites for RVs, caravans and tent campers. In town hiking trails, eateries and shopping for all needs and interests, and tons of outdoor activities make Wanaka such a lovely place. Our accommodation was the West Meadows Motel and we would stay there again.
5. Mount Aspiring National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By JstLv2Crz - Simi Valley, California
Our group of four headed out to the Rob Roy Glacier Hike which is in Mount Aspiring National Park. The drive is about 1 hr long from Wanaka...goes from a paved road...to a gravel road...thru pastures & quite a few stream crossings with your car. If your car is on the lower side height wise the stream crossing might be kind of deep. The views are amazing driving to the trail head to park. You can see the Glacier from the car as you are driving & it is spectacular!
6. Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain walks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By havertydaniel - Rome, Italy
This is the best half day track as it offers very rewarding and awe inspiring views, despite a 1-2 hr steep tramp. The tracks are 2 loops, equal in distance, thus offering varied routes up/down. I'd recommend this in most weather types except for extremes. Take plenty of water
7. Mount Iron Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 652 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GKTravellers - North Yorkshire
The 90 minute circular walk from the car park opposite Puzzling World took us to the top of Mount Iron. The path is quite steep in places but accessible to most able bodied people. We recommend wearing good walking shoes on the often loose gravel path.The views from the accent and peak were outstanding.
8. Blue Pools Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By dskid - Overland Park, Kansas
I didn't know that the pools were brown after rains, so it makes me wonder, after spending two weeks in New Zealand, when the pools are ever blue since it seems to rain at least every other day. It was a pleasant walk to the pools and a nice excuse to get out of the car, but the pools were an absolute bust. We have brown water in Kansas, so seeing brown water in NZ wasn't something that I had on my bucket list. The photos of the pools when they're blue look amazing so, if you stop, ask people coming out how the pools looked unless you're just looking for an excuse to take a hike.
Thanks for Reading. If you’ve found this helpful I’ll appreciate a thumbs up below.
9. Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Lake Wanaka i-SITE is your one-stop travel shop for enquiries and bookings for your entire trip. We are a team of friendly and knowledgeable travel experts. Our aim is to provide impartial, comprehensive information on activities, transport, and accommodation both locally and throughout NZ. We also want you to have an amazing experience in our beautiful area!
Reviewed By IanGBradford - Bradford
A queue put us off at first, but a return visit later on in the day was very informative. Kevin, our advisor, was really helpful and provided a wealth of experience and useful advice.
Many Thanks - every one we have been to has been well worth it, but this one especially.
10. Wanaka Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Enjoy a breathtaking walk through our beautiful flower fields at the Wanaka Lavender Farm, play a garden game, relax over a cup of herbal tea and interact with the friendly resident farm animals. Sample some of the many fragrant products produced on site.
Reviewed By deepalidas2015 - Pune, India
Well thought out with lovely rows and rows of lavender as well as a lot more other varieties of flowers.
Beautiful cafe and shop..with lots of lavender related products.Some very nice lavender tea and cake too.
Even the tractors are painted lavender!
Must visit when in Wanaka
