Things to do !
There is so much to do in Wanaka, enough to fill a few weeks stay! Outdoors:
Walking, hiking, biking, e-biking, mountaineering, rock-climbing, kayaking, swimming, paddle-boarding, boat-tours, paragliding, canyoning, fishing, hunting, exploring the Lavender Park, visiting the Wanaka Tree, the Wanaka Artisan Market (Thursdays 3-6pm), skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing in winter, etc. Indoors:
art galleries, many cafes, bar, and restaurant options,
indoor rock-climbing (Basecamp),
indoor swimming pool, sports recreation centre (tennis, badminton, etc.),
wine tasting,
Puzzling World,
Two wonderful little cinemas (Cinema Paradiso and Ruby's Cinema),
some of the best sports shops in the country, etc.
I-site: Our local Info Centre (Lake Wanaka Tourism) can help you out find the perfect activity, or book any tours. They are located at 103 Ardmore street, on the road that runs along town and the lakefront (open daily 8.30-5pm).
DOC: For information about our National Parks and any DOC walks or huts, please visit our local DOC office (Department of Conservation - Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre at the very top of Ardmore street before you head into town.
OUR FAVOURITES INCLUDE:
Walking the trails around the lake: there is a continuous walking/biking trail between Glendhu Bay and Albert Town, all along the lake shore and the Clutha River outlet, just park anywhere and head in any direction!
- Hiring Bike Lounge Electric Bikes to explore the many easy-ride tracks alongside the rivers and lakes
- Paddle-boarding or kayaking on the lake with Paddle Wanaka. - Canyoning in one of our local rivers/cascades with Deep Canyon. - Heading out to Mount Aspiring National Park for a scenic drive and a rewarding walk up to Rob Roy Glacier (full day trip from Wanaka).
- Wine tasting at Maude or Rippon wineries.
- Heading out to Wanaka Wastebusters for their welcoming vibe, quirkiness and second hand shop.
- Driving out to Lake Hawea (10 minute drive) and walking the Gladstone track.
- Grabbing a coffee from the Good Spot café caravan (34 Anderson Road, 2 minute drive from Hillhaven) and having a chat with the locals.
-Deliscious Patissaries at Alberttown
- Going for a strenuous hike up to Mt Roy or Mt Isthmus.
-Checking out the craft and food stands at the Wanaka Artisan Market, every Thursday 3-6pm in front of the Speights Ale House. - Buying snacks and drinks in town and chilling at your accommodation at Hill Haven, taking the views in: The Mediterranean Market (opposite Caltex petrol station) is great for cheese, breads, cold-cuts, fruit & veg, and lots of other treats, including the Wanaka Chocolate Workshop salted caramels and peanut butter cups! Pembroke Wines is the place to go for advice on local wines and craft beers. Soul Food is a great organic food shop with lots of beautiful treats, including the best&healthiest bread in town from the Peoples' Bread. - Waiting for the dark and indulging in an outdoor hot bath at your accommodation at Hillhaven (only available at our 3 chalets), trying to count the shooting stars. Our private baths easily fit two people, so grab a cup of tea or pop a bottle of champagne and enjoy this special time with your favourite human!
Go and explore the effects of visual tricks on your sense of balance - and have fun !
127 habitants recommandent
Monde des casse-têtes
188 Wanaka-Luggate HwyGo and explore the effects of visual tricks on your sense of balance - and have fun !
Especially wonderful in the summer months. Great ice cream all year round. Fantastic local gifts. Wonderful farm animal experience.
44 habitants recommandent
Ferme de lavande Wanaka
36 Morris RdEspecially wonderful in the summer months. Great ice cream all year round. Fantastic local gifts. Wonderful farm animal experience.
A fabulous museum of cool transport history. Wonderful toys !
30 habitants recommandent
National Transport and Toy Museum
891 Wanaka-Luggate HwyA fabulous museum of cool transport history. Wonderful toys !
Rippon Winery
Great local winery and tasting room . Bookings necessary.
Local Funny French Cars are a good transport option if you don't want to drive yourself .
40 habitants recommandent
Rippon
246 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdRippon Winery
Great local winery and tasting room . Bookings necessary.
Local Funny French Cars are a good transport option if you don't want to drive yourself .
It's a lovely 1 hour drive to Queenstown if you want to go there for the day.
95 habitants recommandent
Queenstown
It's a lovely 1 hour drive to Queenstown if you want to go there for the day.
Natural History highlights
A trip on the Lake to the beautiful island of Mou Ahou and a nature walk with knowledgable guide . There is the opportunity to plant a tree that will add to the health and diversity of the regenerating forest.
8 habitants recommandent
Eco Wanaka Adventures
A trip on the Lake to the beautiful island of Mou Ahou and a nature walk with knowledgable guide . There is the opportunity to plant a tree that will add to the health and diversity of the regenerating forest.
Favourite walks
Fantastic walks 1 - 3 hours in duration. Astounding views of the local area
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walks
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walksFantastic walks 1 - 3 hours in duration. Astounding views of the local area
4 to 5 hour return walk - best done early in the day in summer due to heat. Recommend a certain level of fitness.
Roys Peak Track
Roys Peak Track4 to 5 hour return walk - best done early in the day in summer due to heat. Recommend a certain level of fitness.
Lake Wanaka Hike/Bike Track
59 Wanaka Mount Aspiring RdIsthmus Peak Track
Isthmus Peak TrackFantastic hill walk with amazing views
Kidds Bush Nature Walk
Kidds Bush Nature WalkA bush walk at the head of Lake Hawea
Mount Iron Track
Mount Iron TrackA 1 hr 30 - 2 hr walk close to home
Favourite bike/walking tracks
Great easy walking or biking, departing from Albert town
8 habitants recommandent
Upper Clutha River Track
Great easy walking or biking, departing from Albert town
Newcastle Track Start
Great easy walk or Bike track
Hikuwai Loop Start
Great Bike single track close to home
Upper Clutha River Track
Easy walking /Biking close to home
Food scene
Local Winery with great platters ! You can use local business Funny French Cars to transport you to wineries if you'd rather not drive.
Archangel Wines
68 Queensberry TerraceLocal Winery with great platters ! You can use local business Funny French Cars to transport you to wineries if you'd rather not drive.
Kika
2 Dunmore StDelightful Tapas
Francesca's Italian Kitchen
93 Ardmore StExcellent Italian
Bistro Gentil
76A Golf Course RdFine dining at its' best
Big Fig Wanaka
105 Ardmore StSlow food served fast - on the Lake front - my favourite !
Fudog
47 Helwick StExcellent fusion food cooked very well.
Muttonbird
33 Ardmore StreetGreat food with good Vegan and GF options. New restaurant July 2022
Nearby towns
Other towns to visit
Go to Old Cromwell to see historic buildings and interesting shopping
15 habitants recommandent
Cromwell
Go to Old Cromwell to see historic buildings and interesting shopping
Queenstown
Just an easy 1 hour drive away - Queenstowns razamataz !
Sightseeing
Dual Image Charters Wanaka
100 Ardmore StLake trips on a lovely comfortable craft