Top Wanaka Outdoor Activities

Inject some thrills into your standard sightseeing adventure and whip through the Southland forests at high speed on this thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding Clutha River, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans. Travel the river at rocketing speeds of around 50mph and enjoy remarkable stunts like the 180-degree Hamilton Spin!

Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wanaka. On this half-day trip, catch a luxury ferry from Wanaka and sail out to the island past local mountains and lush countryside. Upon disembarking, hike to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake and the Southern Alps

Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.

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.

Saddle up and explore New Zealand’s rugged wilderness on this 3.5-hour Cardrona High Country pub trail horse-riding trek. Head on horseback into the New Zealand countryside with your guide. Discover points of historical interest along the winding mountain trails, and gain insight into the 19th-century gold rush that brought wealth to the area. Pass through a working cattle farm, traverse choppy rivers and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged scenery. Stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink, then return to base along the mighty Cardrona River.

Enjoy high-octane thrills in the New Zealand wilderness on this 2-hour Cardrona Valley quad bike experience from Wanaka. Following a comprehensive safety briefing, pull on your helmet and hop onto your 350cc quad bike. Master the controls in safety, then spin off into the mountains of the mighty Cardrona Valley with your guide. Navigate winding dirt tracks through rolling alpine farmland where Merino sheep and cattle graze. Bounce and roll over the rugged terrain, and enjoy panoramic views over the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island.

Saddle up for a horseback ride through the wild landscapes of the Cardrona Valley. Trace the path of the 19th-century gold rush, climb the mountains for a thrilling view over Wanaka Lake, and trot or gallop through the valley plains. Rides can be tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s most popular wine regions, producing well-respected reds and whites in alpine vineyards. On this afternoon tour, visit four boutique wineries in the region and taste some of their award-winning offerings. Learn the secrets behind these wines from the winemakers themselves, and stop at one winery for a gourmet food and wine matching – tasting dishes of local produce matched with wines from the vineyard.

A lot of the South Island’s natural hideaways are tough to get to, and that’s definitely the case with Mou Waho Island. This half-day cruise makes it easy; sail from Wanaka Marina to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Walk to the island’s very own lake, the Arethusa Pool, and take panoramic photos of the lake and the nearby Southern Alps, or take a dip at the beach near the island’s only jetty.

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.

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.

A brilliant way to explore the area and see the beauty all around. You will ride across plateaus, surrounded by mountains on relatively easy grade 1-2 family friendly trails. The recommended route follows trails all the way from Hawea, alongside the Hawea river, through Albert Town and then follows the Clutha river to Wanaka. On your way there are lots of interesting places to visit including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree and the Edgewater Hotel garden bar.

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.

For travelers short on time in Wanaka, this one-hour cruise and walk to Ruby Island is an ideal way to experience the lake and mountains. Glide across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island in comfort on a luxury catamaran. There, enjoy an easy walk to lookout points that are great places to take pictures from. Families and senior travelers will enjoy this tour, as it’s suitable for all levels of mobility.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

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.

Ride on possibly the best 1-day bike ride in New Zealand with our exclusive Hawea River Track adventure. We've crafted a unique experience by combining three different tracks, inventing a great ride that others now emulate. This leisurely exploration of Wanaka's scenic wonders offers stunning views along the gentle riverside track, showcasing the Upper Clutha's natural beauty. Join us for a pickup at 9 am, 11 am, or 2 pm from your accommodation. A 15-minute drive takes you to the wild and beautiful Lake Hawea, where you'll cruise along the Hawea River Track on an easy 30 km ride back to Wanaka town. A year-round delight, this classic Wanaka ride includes a strategic stop at Wanaka's best bakery for coffee and pastries. Once back in Wanaka town, just let us know, and we'll ensure you get a safe ride home. Experience the pinnacle of New Zealand's biking adventures, combining innovation and breathtaking landscapes for a day to remember

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.

The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of the Mount Aspiring National Park lie along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This action-packed tour lets you explore the park by plane, boat, and on foot. Soar overhead on a scenic flight, hike along the banks of the Siberia River, then hop aboard for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Wilkin River.

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.

Take a cruise across Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve and make a memorable, eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a 1-hour-return guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret - another lake, nestled atop the island with panoramic views of Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy “high tea” surrounded by this spectacular alpine scenery.

Take control of your own movie with a virtual adventure of epic proportions. You will be able to choose from dozens of options including space walks, 3D art, foriegn museums, and zombies during your hour-long session. This is the perfect opportunity to see the future of entertainment at both the largest Virtual Reality experience in the Southern Hemisphere and Infinity Platform in the world. This experience not just for gamers. No experience is needed.