Discover Lake Wanaka: The Hidden Gem of New Zealand

Get to know Wanaka, New Zealand before you visit, from when to go, what to do, where to stay, and more.

Ready to head out of Queenstown to discover Lake Wanaka, New Zealand? You’re in luck. Wanaka is only a short drive away from Queenstown, but it offers some gorgeous scenery, tasty wine, and amazing hiking!

Let’s dive into the details about Lake Wanaka and what makes it a hidden gem and a can’t miss on your South Island itinerary.

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How to Get to Lake Wanaka from Queenstown

Situated on the South Island of New Zealand just one hour outside of Queenstown. The best options for reaching Lake Wanaka involve flying into Queenstown and then either renting a car or using public transit. Your 5 options for how to get to Lake Wanaka from Queenstown are:

Drive to Wanaka: Rent a car in Queenstown and drive the one hour to Wanaka. As a bonus, you can make Wanaka a stop on a bigger road trip from Queenstown to New Zealand’s Glacier County up north where Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are. Check cars on DiscoverCars.com.

Take the Bus to Wanaka: Book a bus ticket for a two hour ride to Wanaka. Check InterCity Coachlines which runs from Queenstown to Wanaka once per day or Ritchies Auckland which has buses 4 times per day.

Book a Private Shuttle to Wanaka: For a convenient door-to-door experience, book a private shuttle to Wanaka. Check the cost of a private shuttle now.

Do a Day Tour to Wanaka: Want to see the best of Wanaka in just one day? Take a day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka. It enables you to see a lot in a short time. Check out this amazing tour of Arrowtown and Wanaka.

Call a Taxi to Wanaka: As a last resort, you can take a taxi to Wanaka from Queenstown. It will cost you a pretty penny, but you will be able to make the hour drive. Try Green Cabs Queenstown or Blue Bubble Taxi in Queenstown.

Learn more in: 5 Ways to Get from Queenstown to Wanaka in New Zealand

Best Time to Visit Wanaka

If you’re wondering about the best time of year to visit Wanaka, you’ll be happy to know you really can’t go wrong. Wanaka is an awesome year-round destination. To decide when to visit Wanaka, take the average temperatures and seasonal activities into account.

Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you make the most of your trip to Wanaka, New Zealand.

Summer (December to February)

Wanaka experiences warm weather during the summer with average high temperatures around 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). The best part of Wanaka in summer is that the days are long. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on Lake Wanaka.

Autumn (March to May)

Many consider fall to be the best time to visit Wanaka. During this time you’ll find mild average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), and the landscape transforms with trees displaying vibrant reds and golds. This is the best time for hiking and enjoying the expansive landscapes in the area.

Winter (June to August)

Winter in Wanaka is chilly, with average highs around 46°F to 54°F (8°C to 12°C). This is the prime season for winter sports, as the region boasts excellent ski fields, like Cardrona and Treble Cone. It’s a haven for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Spring (September to November)

Spring is a transitional period and a bit less predictable. The average temperatures begin to rise, with highs ranging from 54°F to 64°F (12°C to 18°C) and as the snow starts to melt, everything starts to green up and bloom. It’s an excellent time for outdoor adventures and some ski resorts may still be open in early spring.

Wanaka Tree, New Zealand — Lake Wanaka Tree

Top Things to Do in Wanaka

While Wanaka is a small, picturesque town located on the beautiful shores of Lake Wanaka, there are a few key things you should not miss in the area. Here are the top things to do in Wanaka to truly discover Lake Wanaka and the surrounding area.

1. Hike the Surrounding Mountains for Stunning Scenery

As Lake Wanaka is surrounded by plains on one side and mountains on the other side, it is a perfectly picturesque place. Whether you’re a huge hiker or just a beginner, you will want to explore the surrounding areas.

Try Out the Mount Iron Track (Easy)

The total Mount Iron Track is only about 2.9 miles, and it should only take around 1.5 hours. This beautiful hike goes almost straight uphill for the first 30 minutes, but I promise you, the views make it worthwhile! Besides, that also means the second half of the hike is downhill (rejoice!). It is a great hike for all levels to tackle.

Hike Up Isthumus Peak Track (Challenging)

If you’re looking for a beautiful track that’s challenging but won’t take all day, try Isthmus Peak Track. This hike will take you 4.8 miles mostly uphill with 3,500 ft of elevation gain to beautiful views at the top overlooking Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

Tackle Roys Peak Track (Challenging)

The Roys Peak Track is a challenging hike that takes you 10.1 miles with over 4,000 ft of elevation gain. Along the route you’ll find amazing views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring and Tititea and other surrounding peaks. Keep in mind the temperature will drop as you climb – so dress in layers!

Wanaka Roy's Peak — View from Roy’s Peak

2. Try the Wine and Take in the Views at Ribbon Winery

Reward yourself with a job well done on that hike with a glass of wine (and maybe some cheese)! There is a great little winery offering free tastings and an excellent view. It’s called Rippon Winery, and it is a must visit if you’re a wine drinker!

Rippon Winery is family owned and operated with organically grown grapes based on what grows best in the area. The people who work there are delightful, the wine is good, and they offer an unbeatable cheese plate which really compliments the stunning view.

The Rippon Winery vineyards — The Vineyard of Rippon Winery

Sipping wine overlooking Lake Wanaka in New Zealand — Drinking wine in Lake Wanaka – A memorable experience

3. Explore the Quaint Town Center of Wanaka

After you get cleaned up from your day of hiking and wine tasting, head into town. Since Wanaka’s town center is only a few blocks of shops, restaurants, and bars, you can easily cover the whole town in one evening.

Do note that if you’re planning to walk into town from your accommodations, it can get quite windy along the lake. In fact, I was shocked that I didn’t get blown away on my way into town!

Try One of the Many Rooftop or Lake Front Bars in Wanaka

Enjoy some stunning views and watch the sunset from one of the many bars (and restaurants) overlooking Lake Wanaka. Here are three to try out: Lalaland Lounge Bar Wanaka, Water Bar Wanaka, and Lake Bar.

Find Dinner at a Cute Restaurant

There are a number of really adorable little restaurants in the center of Wanaka. Take a stroll and read the menus to find something that excites your taste buds and meets your budget.

My friends and I ended up opting for dinner at an adorable casual restaurant, Kai Whakapai Cafe & Bar, and really enjoyed their pizza and beer. Dinner of champions… am I right??

Check Out the Nightlife with After Dinner Drinks

The nightlife in Wanaka varies year round, but you can always find something, whether it’s a popping club or a laid back sports bar.

In November, when we were there, everything was really quiet in town so we were the only people at the bar we chose. Fortunately, for us, this was fine as they had a lovely fireplace for us to sit around while sipping our drinks and enjoying life. By the time we were ready to leave, you practically had to pry us from the fireplace and its warmth!

Looking for More Things to Do in Wanaka?

If you want more time to discover Lake Wanaka and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of other things to do nearby. Take a scenic cruise on the lake, go skydiving, do a bike tour! The options are really endless in this stunning part of New Zealand. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Wanaka Lavender Field — Wanaka Lavender Farm

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Wanaka is the perfect place to stop overnight or spend a couple of days. It offers enough things to do to keep you busy, including a number of cute restaurants, bars, and its very own winery! And, if you’re into hiking, you could stay much longer to hike the surrounding areas!

Fortunately, this also means there are plenty of accommodations to choose, no matter what your budget. Here are some recommendations for each price range.

Budget Accommodations in Wanaka

Visiting Lake Wanaka doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a few hostel choices scattered throughout the city or you can find affordable private rooms. Check out YHA Wanaka or Wanaka Top 10 Holiday Park.

Mid-Range Hotels in Wanaka

There are seemingly endless mid-range accommodation options you can use as a base while visiting Wanaka. I recommend deciding what you value and starting from there – is it location or amenities that sits higher on your priority list? Check out the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Wanaka or the Edgewater Hotel.

Luxury Hotels in Wanaka

Many of the luxury options in Wanaka are privately owned, from apartments to houses. Two of the best options to check out are the Alpine Lodge and Lakeside Apartments.

Search All Hotels in Wanaka

The Cost of Traveling to Wanaka

The cost of visiting Wanaka, New Zealand can vary widely based on how you travel and what your interests are. Let’s go through some of the key factors that influence the cost of your trip to Wanaka so that you can plan your travel budget for Wanaka correctly.

Hotels in Wanaka

The cost of accommodation in Wanaka range from budget-friendly hostels and campsites to luxury resorts. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from NZ$30 to NZ$500 or more per night. This. of course depends on your choice of lodging.

Food in Wanaka

Dining costs in Wanaka vary as well. Eating out at restaurants in Wanaka and really anywhere in New Zealand can be relatively expensive. An average meal at a mid-range restaurant costs NZ$20 to NZ$50 per person.

One of the best ways to save money on food is by cooking your own meals. This is of course dependent on you having access to a kitchen in your accommodation.

Activities in Wanaka

The cost of activities and excursions from Wanaka depend entirely on your interests and how much you’re willing to spend. For example, skiing or snowboarding in the winter can be pricey due to lift tickets and equipment rental. Meanwhile hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area can be low-cost or even free.

Transportation in Wanaka

The cost of getting to Wanaka depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re flying, the nearest major airport is Queenstown Airport, and you’ll need to factor in the cost of flights and airport transfers. At its cheapest its about $40 for one person, but if you’re traveling with others you can share the cost.

Once in Wanaka, you can choose to rent a car, use public transportation, or rely on local taxis. Alternatively, you can just hang out in downtown Wanaka without transportation, but you’d have to skip some of the best things to do in Wanaka.

Other Things Impacting Costs

To help you accurately budget for your trip to Wanaka, you’ll also want to factor in:

Season: The time of year you visit can greatly affect your costs. High season, which includes summer and the winter ski season, tends to be more expensive for hotels and activities. Shoulder seasons, like spring and autumn, can offer more budget-friendly options.

Duration of Stay: Naturally, the longer you stay, the more you’ll spend. Consider the number of days you plan to spend in Wanaka when budgeting your trip.

Special Events: If you plan to attend any special events or festivals in Wanaka, be aware that ticket prices and availability can impact your budget.

As a rough estimate, a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around NZ$150 to NZ$250 per day, including hotels, meals, and activities. If you’re on a budget, you can get by on about half of this per day, maybe even less.

It’s always a good idea to create a detailed travel budget and plan your expenses accordingly to ensure a stress-free visit to Wanaka.

Wanaka Tree on Lake Wanaka, New Zealand — Wanaka Tree

How Long to Spend in Wanaka

The ideal duration of your stay in Wanaka, New Zealand, depends on what you want to do while you’re there. This of course depends on your interests, how long your trip to New Zealand is, and what else you want to fit in.

Here are some general guidelines for how long you might want to spend in Wanaka.

Short Visit (1 – 2 Days)

If you have limited time but still want to experience Wanaka’s beauty, a short visit of 1 – 2 days can provide a taste of the region. With just a day or two you can enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka, take a short hike, and visit some of the town’s attractions.

This timeframe is ideal for a quick stopover or if you’re combining Wanaka with other destinations in your New Zealand itinerary. It’s also perfect if you want to do a day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka.

Standard Visit (3 – 5 Days)

A 3 to 5 day stay in Wanaka allows you to explore the town, its surroundings, and take part in various outdoor activities. With this amount of time you can go hiking, biking, or explore the water activities on Lake Wanaka as well as dine at local restaurants and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of Wanaka.

Extended Visit (1 Week or More)

If you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply want a more relaxed pace, consider spending a week or more in Wanaka. This gives you plenty of time to explore the many hiking trails – including the longer ones, engage in water sports, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

With a week or more, you also have time to take day trips from Wanaka to nearby attractions, like the Blue Pools, Mount Aspiring National Park, or Queenstown.

Continue Planning Your Time in New Zealand

Now that you have had time to discover Lake Wanaka, it’s time to check out the rest of the beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer. Here are some useful posts to continue your planning.

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