Top Wanaka Extreme Sports

Marvel at the sprawling South Island from the sky on this unique and thrilling sightseeing adventure. Perfect for beginners as well as experts, this skydiving experience will pair you with a certified Tandem Master, your partner for your dive above Wanaka. Take a scenic flight to the jump spot, then take the plunge and take in the landscape, including the rolling Southern Alps, the Twin Lakes and the mighty Clutha and Waiau Rivers.

Discover the idyllic landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, where filming for the Lord of the Rings took place, on this action-packed half-day tour from Wanaka. Zip along the pristine waters of the Matukituki River on a jet boat, admire spectacular landscapes, then hike past forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams before ending your tour.

Adventurous travelers will love this waterfall climb, with hidden pools, towering waterfalls, swimming spots, and mountain views. Climb steel ladders and cross high, narrow bridges. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside beautiful falls. While no experience is required and full safety briefings are given, this trip is best suited to active travelers who are sure-footed and unafraid of heights.

The Twin Falls are two winding waterfalls located in the picturesque Mt Aspiring National Park, a short drive from Wanaka. Most visitors just see them from the road, but you can get up close to them on this half-day climb that’s suitable for beginners and experts alike. See the National Park from a new perspective and take a dip in hidden pools you find during the climb.

Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mount Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views. 

Running from Lake Dunstan in North Otago through to the East Coast, the wide and blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this half-day jetboat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners.

Wanaka is surrounded by rolling alpine farmland, but most of it is privately owned and inaccessible. This half-day tour opens the gate to one of those farms, the massive West Wanaka Station. Explore the Otago back-country in a private four wheel drive vehicle, stopping for astonishing photo opportunities against the backdrop of Lake Wanaka, the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park.

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 an incredible road blasted by hand into the shear cliff face high above Lake Hawea. Arriving at a remote Silver Island Bay to enjoy refreshments, before heading off for a leisurely walk to a jaw-dropping viewpoint over the lake.

Explore scenic Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake, aboard a state-of-the-art Sea-Doo jet ski. Led by an experienced guide, admire the surrounding islands, bays, and alpine scenery. Each watercraft holds two people and no prior jet skiing experience is necessary. Learn more about this picturesque ecosystem while also enjoying an adrenaline rush.

Fly high above the beautiful Lake Wanaka with Wanaka Parasailing on either a single, or a tandem flight. This is one of the best things to do in Wanaka, book your flight today!

Learn how to climb or improve your skills on a rock-climbing tour in the Matukituki Valley from Wanaka. You'll have the chance to experience this popular outdoor activity under the guidance of an instructor, who helps you maximize your climbing time and provides safety and technical tips. This is designed for first-time climbers or those who've only climbed on an indoor wall.

During you flight you will have 360 degree view of the whole area. The township of Wanaka is surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps and by Mt. Aspiring National Park. You will be stunned by the beauty of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, New Zealand's ninth largest lake. The unspoiled natural beauty of the Wanaka region is an unforgettable experience.

Experience the best of Wanaka’s beautiful nature in a single day trip via four-wheel drive, lake cruise, and island walk. Gain exclusive access to private roads on the 4WD safari, and spot rare bird life on Mou Wahou Island, in the middle of Lake Wanaka, with the help of your expert guide. This is two action-packed tours in one, for maximum fun.

This once in a lifetime hike takes visitors into the dramatic mountain range through the high road, allowing them spectacular views of the surrounding vistas and of Lake Wanaka. Succumb to the comforts of the four-wheel drive and learn expert knowledge of the local flora and fauna from a professional guide.

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for those who appreciate exercise and scenery.  Participants need to be able to ride a bike on loose sand and gravel, and up and down (moderate) hills. A medium level of fitness is required. The length of the ride is 12kms.

Here's your chance to experience one of New Zealand's most spectacular and exclusive views.  A pre-dawn heliflight lifts you high into the mountains landing on  Roy's Peak, actually it's Coromandel Peak a lower ridge on Roy's Peak overlooking Lake Wanaka for sunrise- no hiking required.  Enjoy up to an hour capturing the stunning morning light before your helicopter flight to your awaiting 4WD. Continue your morning on the private back roads of West Wanaka Station to stunning landscapes of mountains, Lake Wanaka and valleys.

Adventurous travelers will love the chance to try lead climbing in Wanaka. If you have some climbing experience already, this is a great next step. The instructor to client ratio is a maximum of 1:4, so you will get help when you need it. You’ll get a great workout while enjoying mountain views and fresh air and learning new skills.

Push your limits mentally and physically by learning to rock climb in New Zealand’s premier sport climbing location. Receive hands-on lessons from your attentive expert climbing instructors if you’re a first-timer, or take a refresher-course if you're an experienced climber. Afterwards, depart Wanaka in small groups (roughly one guide to every four climbers) to ascend a nearby rock face suited to your group’s skill level.

Climb your way up to some otherwise-inaccessible views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park on this full day rock climbing trip in Matukituki Valley. If you’re a new climber, you’ll be able to learn from your qualified instructor without fighting for their attention on this small group tour. If you’re a more experienced climber, this tour will take you to a climbing site that will challenge your skills.