What to do and see in Wanaka, South Island: The Best Day Trips from

March 21, 2022 Joeann Galban

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. Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Walk

Private Discovery Day Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 6 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Afternoon tea & cookies, Fresh fruit, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch is not included, a stop is made at a local bakery for you to select a bread roll, wrap or salad.

Reviewed By sanpula

Charles is an excellent friendly guide with tons of interesting knowledge. We took the tour to Skippers Canyon and very glad we did! The views were absolutely breathtaking. My partner suffers from quite severe motion sickness but Charles' smooth handling of the treacherous terrain meant that my partner was comfortable the entire time. We learnt so much of the local gold mining history and bit of LotR and other film facts too. Thanks again!

2. Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

Aiste Vasileviciute Photography
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photography tour option between February & November. • You will receive approx 5 -10 complimentary professional digital photographs within the week or two after the tour. • This local business is approved by Department of Conservation (DOC) to operate in public conservation areas in the South Island. It complies with environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor. The DOC label shows visitors that the business pays fees to DOC to support conservation in New Zealand. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Inclusions: Coffee, tea & bottled water, Picnic lunch & snacks, Photographic guidance, Complimentary high resolution digital images of you during the tour, Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with WiFi on board, Flexible itinerary and starting time, Personalized tour for solo visitors or small group (2-4 people), The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved business to operate in public conservation areas

Exclusions: Personal insurance

Reviewed By P1963YQamandad

We contacted Aiste very last minute and she was so accommodating. She actually did a family session for us - my husband, me, and our kids ages 15, 12 and 10. Despite the unbelievable WIND, Aiste captured some gorgeous photos that literally took my breath away. She got some great posed and candid shots that really brought out the personalities of each of our children. She was excellent to work with, communicated quickly and was fun during the session. I highly recommend Aiste for your family Queenstown photo session!

3. Wine Tour from Wanaka & Cromwell: Full Day

1 Ballantyne Road, Mount Aspiring National Park 9305, New Zealand Wineberry Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

This is a relaxing wine tour for small groups of family and friends who want an exclusive experience. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with leather seats, generous legroom, extra headroom, sunroof and USB power. On board there is a free wi fi hotspot, coolbox for food and beverages, wine carrier for purchases and umbrellas. Complimentary bottled water and crackers are also provided. You will discover an amazing range of award winning wines including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. You will journey through four distinct winemaking sub regions and visit boutique wineries off the beaten track on this great value wine tasting experience. A platter lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you directly to the cellar door. I am a photographer and will take pictures of your memorable day free of charge a send them to you via download link.

Inclusions: Wine tasting fees, Bottled water, Crackers for palate cleansing between tastings, Coolbox for your drinks, food, over 24 wines available for tasting, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Wine tasting guide

Exclusions: A platter style lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you (from $20 per head) ; platter menus available on request.

Reviewed By divyanz

Greg was super generous with his knowledge of the region and its wines, and it was a real privilege enjoying the wine experience with him. He took us to cellar doors at boutique wineries we wouldn't have been able to access otherwise, definitely not 4 in half a day. Absolutely recommend a wine tour with Greg for a true Central Otago wine experience (and he does the driving!)

4. Bike Hawea to Wanaka

103 Ardmore Street, Otago 9305, New Zealand Wanaka Bike Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

The best value of any bike trip in Wanaka, this is our most popular ride! We shuttle you from downtown Wanaka to the neighbouring lakeside town of Hawea where you make your way back to Wanaka in your own time. You'll see Lake Hawea, Hawea River, Clutha River and Lake Wanaka. There a number of eateries along the way as well as famous sights, such as #thatwanakatree!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Use of bicycle, Helmet

Exclusions:

Reviewed By mkinder2021

Well organised. Excellent information and briefing. Track from Hawea to swing bridge best ever. Stopped in Albert Town did lunch and up the Clutha home. Great experience.

5. Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown

Remarkable Scenic Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 56 reviews

The Original and top rated Arrowtown & Wanaka Small Group Full Day Tour. This tour has been the top rated small group experience of this type for the last five years. 6 Regions : Arrowtown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Crown Range, Cardrona, Gibbston & Kawarau Gorge 13 Amazing Stops : LOTR & Bungy Bridge, Kawarau Gorge, Fruit Tasting, Cromwell, 45th sign, Wanaka township, high view over Lake Wanaka, the Wanaka tree, bra fence, Cardrona Hotel, Crown Range, Crown Terrace and Arrowtown/Chinese Village. Small group tour to Arrowtown, Wanaka plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being the top rated and original Arrowtown & Wanaka small group tour your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide.  Morning refreshments and an a afternoon beverage included. Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Inclusions: Fun Local Guide, Morning refreshments in a cafe including a hot drink and snack, Cardrona ale or a non alcoholic Ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, No children under five

Reviewed By Merrycoco

Our guide Wayne was excellent. It was our first time at Arrowtown and Wanaka. Although it was a small group tour, the tour was very thorough, making sure we had the best experience at every scenic spot. Great commentary and thank you for showing us the best angles/poses for photos at each stop! We also appreciate the tips for best local restaurants and cafes around town - we actually tried one of the cafes for our last day, and it was great! :) Thank you so much

6. Heli Jeep Wine Tour from Wanaka, Central Otago

Heliview Flights

The package includes: Wine tasting at six Cromwell Basin Vineyards Private helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin vineyards including an alpine landing en route Exclusive Vineyard experiences, Winery lunch and wine tastings Chauffeured Open-Top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day Transport from and to your Wanaka accommodation An all-day tour with a boutique family business. Personalised service guaranteed.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees at individual wineries as stated in the itinerary, Chauffeured open-top Jeep to travel between vineyards during the day, Cloudy Bay Winery: a private wine tasting experience with a Cloudy Bay Ambassador, A 2 coures a la carte lunch at Mt Difficulty Winery with a gls of Bannockburn Estate wine per person, Rippon Winery: private wine tasting overlooking Lake Wanaka., Misha's Vineyard and Tasting Room: taste 5 wines from the 12 wines on offer., Maude Wines: wine tasting experience in an intimate setting, Private luxury vehicle pickup and dropoff from your Wanaka accommodation., Scenic helicopter flight from the Cromwell Basin through the Kawarau Gorge to Gibbston, Scenic helicopter flight over the Cromwell Basin with Alpine Landing, Scott Base Winery: taste a “Flight of 5 Wines” from the whiteboard options, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Wineries may be substituted without notice due to availability or vineyard workflow restrictions., Individual bottle puchases at each winery, wineries will post purchases as requested (to be organised at time of purchase with each winery)

Reviewed By NikkiMurray72

My 3 kids and I had a fantastic helicopter experience with Richard and Yolanda. All dealings with Yolanda leading up to the day were friendly and professional and the flight itself was amazing. Great views and really interesting commentary from Richard along the way. It was awesome to be able to get out and have a snowball fight on the mountain. A real highlight for us and great to have it captured on camera. Overall a great experience.

7. Dingleburn Station Safari and Walk

103 Ardmore Street, Otago 9305, New Zealand Ridgeline Adventures

This epic 4WD safari and walk explores the remote landscapes of Lake Hawea's Dingleburn Station. This has to be one of the most thrilling and spectacular backroad journeys in New Zealand. Your expert guide skillfully negotiates this incredible road blasted into the shear cliff face high above Lake Hawea. Arriving at a remote bay to enjoy some refreshments, before heading off for a leisurely walk exploring this incredible seldom visited area.

Inclusions: Refreshments, Expert Local Guide, Private access to exciting backroads on Dingleburn Station, Lake Hawea, Leisurely walk (approx. 7 km) through grasslands with incredible wide open views, Water bottle top ups (please bring your own to fill), Hiking Poles

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By MBotting

This is an awesome afternoon out. As a boss of 23 people we try and get out for 2 - 3 company trips a year and this one was well received and enjoyed by all. Mark and the Ridgeline team were great hosts and provided lots of history and interesting facts about wanaka and the early farming along the way.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.