Wanaka Regional Information

Wanaka | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Lake Wanaka is the picture and the mountains are the frame. Move easily from one to the other while you pursue outdoor adventures of every kind in Wanaka.

Wanaka Overview

Wanaka, New Zealand

Wanaka is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in west Otago. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka is Otago's second resort town after Queenstown.

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth largest lake, reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness, and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. You don't have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the delights of the park (although any one of a dozen world-class local guides can accompany you to the top).

The township of Wanaka is a magnet for visitors who want to find the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury. There are comfortable places to stay, great shops and eateries—and all the time there's the call of the wild. The lake, mountains and around-the-year events calendar will keep you looking forward to tomorrow.

The seasons are particularly noticeable in Wanaka. Spring (October - December) brings an abundance of blossom. Summer brings cloudless, hot, sunny days (January - March). Autumn brings splendid colours of gold and red (April - June), Winter brings crisp days, and snow lovers can enjoy huge freedom the mountain slopes (July - September).

In the heart of the Southern Lakes you'll find the time and space to revitalise your soul.

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Wanaka Highlights

Every year Wanaka hosts a number of world-class festivals and events, including the biggest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere, Warbirds Over Wanaka. At the International World Heli-Challenge, the world's best snowboarders and skiers tackle the demanding back country alpine slopes for the supreme title.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Lake Wanaka
Photographer: Bob McCree
(www.bobmccreephotos.co.nz)

The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles comfortably in one of the country's largest national parks. Delve inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare world.

Wine is always on the menu—there's a selection of award-winning vineyards within easy travelling distance of Wanaka township. If your taste buds run to beer, then Wanaka can satisfy even the most discerning with something to sip from the Wanaka Beerworks, an international award winning brewery. An elevated golf course overlooks Lake Wanaka, with its clear blue water and surrounding alpine vista providing plenty of excuses for a poor round.