Wanaka
Wanaka is a lovely holiday resort town nestled amongst breathtaking scenery on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in the heart of the Southern Lakes District, in Central Otago, New Zealand. Both the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park and the ski fields of Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka is a beautiful place of lakes, mountains, rivers, diverse attractions, and endless activities. more
Wanaka is perhaps the South Island’s second greatest outdoor adventure capital after Queenstown – only about an hour’s drive away. Wanaka boasts some of New Zealand’s finest ski fields, 4WDing, hair-raising mountain biking, romantic wineries, wild river jetboating, heli-skiing, trout and salmon fishing, Lord of the Rings scenic tours, alpine horse trekking, clay pigeon shooting, sky-diving, paint balling, scenic flights – not to mention the Don't miss a visit to Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World - a fun world of baffling and amazing puzzles, 3D mazes and puzzling eccentricity. An ideal activity for families.
Cut off from the sea by a series of towering mountain ranges, Wanaka is shielded from the coast’s wet weather and enjoys a dry climate with high sunshine hours. In this sheltered region, Wanaka boasts warm dry summers and clear crisp winters – making it ideal for both the summer outdoor activities and winter sports it hosts.
Wanaka is nestled on the shores of the pristine Lake Wanaka in the South Island’s high country (the region that formed the Middle Earth of the Lord of the Rings). This unforgettable resort town is surrounded by a halo of jagged snow-capped mountain ranges rising dramatically round it. A short distance away is the glacial Mount Aspiring National Park – part of the World Heritage Site Te Wahipounamu. This historic alpine world is a must see and a true marvel of nature. Surrounding Wanaka are a string of other large crystal-clear alpine lakes – most only a short drive away (the closest the popular Lake Hawea is only a 15 minute drive).
Wanaka is the perfect place for every type of tourist wishing to discover the great outdoors, no matter if you are a family, backpacker, group or couple – there is plenty for you. Looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience of a lifetime – choose your pick from a range of exciting options like skydiving, jetboating, skiing and more. Looking for family friendly activities – choose the options including The Puzzling World, scenic tours, boat rides, cycling tours. Looking for a romantic experience – choose from the range of options ranging from wine-tasting to scenic flights.
Wanaka hosts an impressive range of accommodation options spanning everything from five-star luxury hotels, to friendly bread and breakfast accommodation, to homely lodges, to budget motels, to outdoor camping. Whatever your group size, budget or preference is – or whether you are looking for self-catering accommodation or alpine retreat – Wanaka has the accommodation option for you.
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Attractions and Activities
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Attractions and Activities
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ADVENTURE JUNKIES - Queenstown
ADVENTURE JUNKIES - Queenstown
Young energetic adventure tour company with a fervent passion for the outdoors. We truly believe that our trips include the best activities in the South Island, many of which are exclusively available through Adventure Junkies. Unique trips, personal and run by expert guides. We're here to show you the greatest adventures New Zealand has to offer. Family adventures a speciality.
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ALTITUDE TOURS - Queenstown
ALTITUDE TOURS - Queenstown
Mobile-friendly - Altitude Tours are all about turning average holidays into epic adventures, taking you on top-rated journeys to Milford Sound, Gibbston, Central Otago, Glenorchy & Paradise or Mt Cook on daily departure tours from Queenstown. Enjoy travelling in a small group in modern Mercedes Sprinters, with an experienced and entertaining local guide.
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AMAZING NEW ZEALAND - The Itinerary Specialist
AMAZING NEW ZEALAND - The Itinerary Specialist
Creating innovative and imaginative self-drive itineraries tailored to your own requirements. If you have a desire to indulge your senses with spectacular food and gold medal wines during your visit, then this is the itinerary for you - a self-drive tour of New Zealand created specially for lovers of great food and fine wine.
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ASPIRING HELICOPTERS - Wanaka
ASPIRING HELICOPTERS - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Glacier landings, scenic flights, personalised experiences: Let us take you exploring over Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks giving you the ultimate birds-eye view and unique alpine landings only possible by helicopter. Set foot on an ancient glacier, enjoy the diverse landscape on a Milford Sound flight or simply take in the majestic mountains surrounding Wanaka. Charter flights available.
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ASPIRING HELICOPTERS WHARE KEA CHALET - Wanaka
ASPIRING HELICOPTERS WHARE KEA CHALET - Wanaka
A 15-minute scenic flight with Aspiring Helicopters will take you to Whare Kea Chalet, a luxurious accommodation option and a spectacular base for those looking for the ultimate alpine adventure. This exclusive alpine venue and its surrounding adventures can be enjoyed year round by friends, families and small groups. In winter, it's the perfect base for heli skiing.
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AWARUA GUIDES - South West New Zealand
AWARUA GUIDES - South West New Zealand
A wilderness adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy an exceptional helicopter flight, then surf, hike, SUP, kayak, dive & fish for fantastic foods. Stay amongst incredible coastal wilderness, amazing chef & fun local guides to ensure the best possible stay. Our tailored adventures depart from Queenstown, with aditional options from Milford Sound and Haast in South Westland.
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BIKE IT NOW! - Central Otago
BIKE IT NOW! - Central Otago
Mobile-friendly - Bike It Now!'s Cycle company is based in Historic Clyde, Central Otago. Our expertise on all the Central Otago trails is well recognised. Our one stop Cycle Shop includes; retail, hire, workshop and tour planning. Our team prides itself on being cycle specialists, delivering premium customer service, and superior knowledge. Open 7 days, because - "We are all about you!"
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BUCHANAN LODGE - Wanaka
BUCHANAN LODGE - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Superb, boutique self-catering accommodation in delightful Wanaka. Live the ultimate dream and relax in this stunningly beautiful corner of the South Island. Situated on 60 acres of land designated as an area of 'outstanding natural beauty', Buchanan Lodge provides the perfect hideaway. A great place to shed stress.
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CAMPING IN NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand Wide
CAMPING IN NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand Wide
Freedom camping is permitted in many places in New Zealand but the rules vary in each community. To be certain about local camping regulations, we recommend you check out the freedomcamping.org website and get the Camping NZ or Camper Mate app. You can also ask at an i-SITE or Department of Conservation visitor centre or holiday park. #TiakiPromise
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CANYONING NEW ZEALAND - Queenstown and Wanaka
CANYONING NEW ZEALAND - Queenstown and Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Get involved in an awesome multisport adventure with 3 different locations to suit the beginner to the experienced adventure seeker! Abseil, slide, jump and swim whilst getting upclose with some off-the-beaten track raw NZ beauty. Equipment and an experienced qualified guide to lead you through is included. Step-out of your comfort-zone and into some amazing memories of New Zealand.
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DISCOVER WANAKA - Wanaka & South Island
DISCOVER WANAKA - Wanaka & South Island
Mobile-friendly - Discover Wanaka - The Ultimate Guided Local Experience. We offer a number of bike tours, boat tours, ski guiding and ski transport options. From beginners to experts, our tours are led by expert, friendly guides. You’ll always feel supported. Family friendly and suitable for all ages and fitness. We offer a range of tours to suit everyone.
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DISTINCTION WANAKA ALPINE RESORT - Wanaka
DISTINCTION WANAKA ALPINE RESORT - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Nestled in a quiet Lake Wanaka location, the self-contained 1, 2, 3 & 5 bedroom apartments provide a fully equipped kitchen, TV with SKY channels, FREE unlimited WiFi, under-floor heating in the bathrooms, private & secure car garages, perfect for storing equipment such as skis & bikes. Outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, games room, tennis court.
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DREAM WEDDINGS NEW ZEALAND - South Island
DREAM WEDDINGS NEW ZEALAND - South Island
Mobile-friendly - NZ Dream Weddings organises weddings and honeymoons in New Zealand for international couples and Kiwi elopements. Donna offers friendliness, honesty and years of experience in assisting couples on their special day. Let Donna know date, style, and options then you can relax, assured that all you paperwork and plans are put together with expertise.
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ECO WANAKA ADVENTURES - Wanaka
ECO WANAKA ADVENTURES - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Guided walks in Mt Aspiring National Park and the Lake Wanaka region. Walks for all levels of fitness from an hour to half-day to whole-day. Take our famous half-day Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk or the full-day Rob Roy Glacier Walk. Or try our spectacular Heli-Hikes: the "Misty Mountains" or Alpine Lakes. Queenstown departures available on full day tours.
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EMMA NEWMAN EVENTS - Christchurch
EMMA NEWMAN EVENTS - Christchurch
Mobile-friendly - Specialist wedding and event planner providing you a very personal service to ensure a wonderful wedding day. Minimise stress, save money and enjoy your wedding day knowing someone is supporting you. Whether you live here or overseas I'd love to help plan your perfect wedding day. Corporate, charitable and other private events large or small organised throughout the country.
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FARM TO FARM TOURS - New Zealand and Worldwide
FARM TO FARM TOURS - New Zealand and Worldwide
Mobile-friendly - Multi-day tours with focus on farming, food and wine: travel, learn, enjoy! Take in the best of New Zealand while enjoying great hospitality from farmers in spectacular, off-the-beaten-track places. Farm To Farm's enthusiastic team have been creating tours and agri-events for over 30 years. With agricultural and travel expertise, we offer customised technical tours plus holidays with rural flavour.
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GLACIER SOUTHERN LAKES HELICOPTERS - Queenstown
GLACIER SOUTHERN LAKES HELICOPTERS - Queenstown
Mobile-friendly - Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offer exciting daily scenic helicopter flights over the iconic landscapes of Queenstown, Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks (Middle-Earth). Alpine or snow landings are part of all our flights or you can discover the uniqueness of a glacier landing on our Milford Sound experiences. Experienced local pilots and pristine 6 seater helicopters.
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GLENDHU BAY MOTOR CAMP - Wanaka
GLENDHU BAY MOTOR CAMP - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Situated in a picturesque bay on the shore of Lake Wanaka, close to bush walks, rock climbing, bike park and river boating. Gateway to the world heritage Aspiring National Park. Traditional Kiwi camping with breath-taking scenery. Cabins, lodge & house also available to complete the holiday options. Perfect for retreats, celebrations, events of all kinds in an idyllic lakefront location.
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Glendhu Bay Track - Wanaka, Otago
Glendhu Bay Track - Wanaka, Otago
Starting at Waterfall Creek, The Millenium Track takes walkers and bikers alike out passed Waterfall Creek all the way to Glendu Bay. Otherwise known as the Glendu Bay track, this walking and biking trail connects Wanaka township to Glendu Bay, via the Waterfall Creek Track.
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GO JETS - Wanaka
GO JETS - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Let us take you on an exhilarating jetboating ride down the mighty Clutha River. Spectacular scenery, fast flowing waters, passing old gold mining sites until you reach the "Devils Nook". You will pass under the historic "Red Bridge", camera stops and numerous 360 degree spins will be carried out during your Go Jets Wanaka jetboating trip. Pick up i-site Wanaka.
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HELI GLENORCHY - Queenstown & Glenorchy
HELI GLENORCHY - Queenstown & Glenorchy
Mobile-friendly - Spectacular scenic helicopter flights to Milford Sound, Fiordland, and the Queenstown region. Based in Glenorchy, NZ - the real "Middle Earth", a 45 minute lakeside drive from Queenstown. For an even more exclusive skiing experience, why not try a day of heli-skiing in untouched alpine terrain. Heli Glenorchy offers boutique heli-skiing in the spectacular mountains surrounding Queenstown, Wanaka and Glenorchy.
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HOOK WANAKA - Wanaka
HOOK WANAKA - Wanaka
Hook is a brand new lake to plate salmon fishing and restaurant experience located in Wanaka, right at the heart of New Zealand's Southern Lakes. Hook is a place where everyone is welcomed to enjoy Wanaka's stunning alpine setting in comfort and with ease. Escape into the great outdoors. Catch a Chinook salmon from our spring-fed fishing lakes.
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KIDZ GO - Queenstown, Wanaka, Fiordland
KIDZ GO - Queenstown, Wanaka, Fiordland
Mobile-friendly - New Zealand holiday travel guide for families - the only dedicated family travel webguide to New Zealand. Kidz Go provides information for families visiting Queenstown, Wanaka or Te Anau. Family friendly accommodation, dining and activities, minimum ages for adventure stuff, child-minding, skiing with kids and more. Check our website for family information for all other New Zealand regions.
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LUXURY LODGE - Wanaka
LUXURY LODGE - Wanaka
Mobile-friendly - Live the dream; spacious luxury, privacy and stunning views of Lake Wanaka and Southern Alps from two luxury self-contained lodges, built around a courtyard with BBQ, pizza oven and water feature. Each lodge has underfloor heating, soaring ceilings, gourmet kitchen, lounge, bedroom and two bathrooms, just five minutes from shops.
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MT DIFFICULTY WINES - Cromwell
MT DIFFICULTY WINES - Cromwell
Mobile-friendly - Mt Difficulty's Cellar Door and Restaurant is known as much for its spectacular Central Otago panorama as it is for its world famous wines and stylish cuisine. Wine tastings are available from 11am to 4pm daily, and until 5pm from Christmas until Easter. Lunch is served between 12noon and 3.30pm daily, with platters till close.
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View 15 events near Wanaka
Italian Film Festival Wanaka
The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Film Festival NZ, warmly invite you to a fantastico season of Italian Cinema in Wanaka. Our fabulous Opening Night is Thursday 21 September at 6.30pm. Tickets are $25 and ...
Where: Ruby's Cinema and Bar , Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 50 Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 6:30pm on Thursday 21st September 2023
To: 8:40pm on Saturday 30th September 2023
Resurgence- Wanaka
The Resurgent DJ’s are travelling South to ‘Lalaland Lounge Bar’ for a special Spring Edition Resurgence event. Resurgence always delivers deep melodic dance music, with a chunky vibe, that will ...
Where: Lalaland Wanaka, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: Level 1, 99 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 9:00pm on Friday 29th September 2023
To: 2:30am on Saturday 30th September 2023
Rugby World Cup : All Blacks vs Italy!
Come down to watch The Rugby World Cup at Hawea Hotel and enjoy... - All Blacks vs Italy live on our TV screens at 8am! - Delicious beer, non alcoholic and breakfast options! Book now... email ...
Where: Lake Hawea Hotel, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 1 Capel Ave, Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 8:00am on Saturday 30th September 2023
To: 10:00am on Saturday 30th September 2023
Quiz Night - Water Bar, Wanaka
Come join us for the weekly ritual on a Tuesday night, where you and your crew will negotiate five rounds of amazing trivia with Gee Quiz. Your team's street cred, life smarts and common sense will go a long way to ...
Where: Water Bar, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 145 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 7:00pm on Tuesday 23rd May 2023
To: 9:00pm on Tuesday 31st October 2023
David Correos & Taylor Ruddle: The New Material Tour
What do David (Taskmaster NZ, Comedy Gala, Laughs Unleased) and Taylor like? They like springtime and comedy baby! We can’t think of a better way to make that happen that a massive wee stand-up comedy tour of the ...
Where: Rhyme and Reason Brewery, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 17 Gordon Road, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 7:00pm on Wednesday 4th October 2023
To: 9:00pm on Wednesday 4th October 2023
Develop A Powerful Spiritual Practice
You are invited to experience the transforming power of HU. HU is a sacred mantra – the Sound behind all sounds. An ancient name for God, HU is a carrier of love between God and Soul. Singing HU can bring healing ...
Where: Wanaka Community Hub, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 40 McDougall Street, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 5:30pm on Thursday 2nd February 2023
To: 6:30pm on Thursday 1st February 2024
Body Language Basics
In collaboration with Toastmasters Wanaka Learn the Elemental Components of Body Language in This Fun Interactive Class on a Saturday Morning at the St John Rooms Wanaka. The Class Will Cover: What a Baseline Is ...
Where: St John's Rooms, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 4 Link Way, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 9:00am on Saturday 7th October 2023
To: 11:00am on Saturday 7th October 2023
Wild Hearts Wedding Fair & Runway
Sunday 15th October 2023 1-6pm - The Venue, Wanaka The most talked about wedding event in New Zealand, Wild Hearts are breaking down the walls between weddings and fashion to bring New Zealand a wedding event like no ...
Where: The Venue, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: cnr Cardrona Valley & Orchard Rds, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 1:00pm on Sunday 15th October 2023
To: 6:00pm on Sunday 15th October 2023
Wanaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition - Opening Night: POSTPONED
The 44th annual Wanaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition & Sale opens Thursday, 19th October 2023 with another festive evening devoted to the arts. Enjoy live music from jazz singer Carla Blue, as well as drinks and ...
Where: Lake Wanaka Centre, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: 89 Ardmore St, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 5:00pm on Thursday 19th October 2023
To: 8:00pm on Thursday 19th October 2023
2023-24 Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder NZ Series
Two-day event of Powerboat racing featuring Grand Prix Hydroplanes reaching speeds of 270km with a spectacular 300 ft rooster tail they do 4 laps of a 2 km course in less than 2.5 mins. Also featured at the event are ...
Where: Glendhu Bay Lakeside Holiday Park, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
Address: Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd, Glendu Bay, Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes
From: 9:00am on Saturday 4th November 2023
To: 4:00pm on Sunday 5th November 2023
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Wanaka Scenic Highlights
Discover the major natural attractions and scenic wonders of the Wanaka region...
Wanaka Scenic Highlights
Wanaka Activity Highlights
Read about the major activities and attractions in the Wanaka region...