Location: Wanaka
Top Things to do in Wanaka
Top 10 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. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Snow Farm NZ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 547 reviews
Snow Farm NZ is now open for winter from the 20th June 2020 until Sunday 20th September. We offer backcountry hut overnight stays, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a Snow Fun Zone with tubing which is great for young children. A visit to this resort is a great way to experience the beauty of New Zealand's alpine environment and take in views of the stunning Southern Alps. We have have a small cafe where you can soak up the view and enjoy hot soup, fries, hot drinks, slices and more.
Reviewed By jrbriscall - Wanaka, New Zealand
Sam Lee and his amazing team run a very professional. customer-centric operation; dedicated to giving you, be this your first time XC skiing or a regular expert, the best possible experience on their beautifully maintained trails and world class equipment!
7. Rippon Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
On the shores of Lake Wanaka, Rippon has been farmed by the Mills family for 4 generations. Our vineyard Cellar Door offers tastings of a selection of wines all grown and produced on our biodynamic lakeside vineyard. Our Cellar Door is open from midday until we close the property at 5pm from Wednesday to Sunday. There is currently no need to book if you are a group of 6 or fewer people. This is subject to change so we would recommend checking our website ahead of your visit. If you are a group of more than 6 people, please contact us before coming out to arrange a time We do not have a restaurant onsite, nor are picnics allowed so we recommend you enjoy one of Wanaka's many eateries before or after your tasting time.
Reviewed By JamesM780 - Auckland, New Zealand
My lovely wife and I booked a tasting. The cost is nothing but you must book if you want to do this. The lovely french girl explaining the winery and the wines did a brilliant job of explaining what differentiates Rippon Vineyard and their wines. They follow biodynamic practices which can only make their terroir better. We thoroughly enjoyed tasting all the wines, particularly the unusual osteria, sauvignion blanc, riesling and the pinot noir. We were very happy to purchase some of the wines and look forward to drinking them in the future. The view from the vineyard is spectacular and well worth the visit for that alone. If you're in Wanaka then this is a must do!
8. Wanaka Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 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 Tracyv369 - Auckland, New Zealand
Even though the main lavender flowering season is over you could still get the overall impression plus they had many other beautiful flowers still in bloom including dahlias and roses - grouped together by colour. The farm animals were cute. There were many odds and ends to look at, lots of lavender coloured items - even a lavender coloured tractor. There were lots of lovely things on display for safe in the gift shop and even though we didn't stop there as had other plans - the café looked nice also.
9. Blue Pools Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By PaulC44_Reviews - Singapore, Singapore
It's just a short walk downhill to the swing bridge and it's well worth it. Just make sure you follow the instructions on how many people are allowed on there! The bridge was wobbly and fun and it's a beautiful spot to take some pictures and chill out. Make sure you take some bug spray for the sand flies though!
10. Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain walks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Martyk74 - Corydon, United States
I know THE hike to do in Wanaka is Roy’s Peak and we could have done it but we just didn’t have it in us that day. It was a glorious day and we knew it would be packed and with a line for THE shot plus the elevation gain is no joke. We opted for the Lake Wanaka/Rocky Mountain Summit Hike which is also in Mt Aspiring National Park in the Diamond Lake Conservation area. Just the drive to the hike from Wanaka town is gorgeous and you will drive right by the car park for Roy’s Peak. It was packed, as we figured. I must admit, as we drove by, I did feel a pang of regret. You’ll drive around Glendu Bay and there is a car park for Diamond Lake Conservation area that will be on your right a mile or 2 later. There is a sign. It will hold a decent number of cars. We arrived about 10:30 and there were several cars there but still open spots. The hike isn’t easy but it’s not near as demanding as Roy’s. If you go all the way to Rocky Mountain Summit it’s just over 4 miles return with roughly 2516 feet of elevation gain. It takes about 3 hours r/t without stops but I’m sure very fit people could do it faster. I think we did it in under 3 hours (without counting the stops) and we are only in very average physical shape. Several great things about this hike. There are views almost the whole time. You don’t have to do the whole hike to get a rewarding experience with tremendous views but at least go as far as Lake Wanaka Lookout which is a wonderful viewpoint. The track after Lake Wanaka viewpoint to Rocky Mountain Summit is a circuit so you can have different views going up than coming down. We went up the Western Track which I thought was a bit steeper but it’s hard to judge. There are some short portions where we used our hands and feet on the ground to keep steady (before the circuit part starts). If it has been raining or in the rain, these parts would be very tricky. The reward at the summit are astounding 360 views (including a view of Roy’s Peak). It was stunningly gorgeous and left me with no regrets of not doing the Instagram famous hike. We stayed at the top for at least 30 minutes, having a snack, shooting pictures and just drinking it all in. We went down the Eastern Track and I was glad we did because the views continue to break in front of you and I thought it was slightly less steep. There are several points on the trail to stop off for a great selfie and to just step off and admire the views. The hike was not deserted but also not crowded. We weren’t constantly coming up on people are having people behind us. Once we got back to the car park, it was full with people parking on the side of the road as well. This was a gem of a hike and now one of my favorites. Maybe one day I’ll get back to do RP.
