Things to do in  Wanaka

There are various ways to spend a day in Wanaka, depending on your interests and activity levels. Stroll along the lakefront, cruise to Mou Waho Island, sample local wine, go hiking in the Mount Aspiring National Park, or ski at one of several ski fields.

Yes, Wanaka is worth visiting if you like beautiful natural landscapes, small towns, and sampling local wine. It’s set on Lake Wanaka and is surrounded by the Southern Alps mountains, so it offers many outdoor activities year-round.

Wanaka is famous because it’s a beautiful town on a lake, surrounded by the Southern Alps mountains. It’s similar to nearby Queenstown but smaller, which appeals to some travelers. It’s close to Mount Aspiring National Park and several ski fields, so you can enjoy many outdoor activities year-round.

Both Queenstown and Wanaka are good places to stay, depending on your preferences. Queenstown is bigger so there are more activities, tour options, and dining and nightlife options. Wanaka is growing but it’s not as busy as Queenstown, so some travelers prefer its more chilled-out vibe.

How long you spend in Wanaka will depend on your interests, but many travelers find that two days is ideal. This lets you spend one day hiking or skiing depending on the season, and the other day touring nearby wineries or nature reserves.

Yes, Wanaka is quite an expensive place. Accommodation, food, transport, and tour activities are all quite expensive. However, there are plenty of free things to enjoy in and around Wanaka, and New Zealand national parks are free to enter (Wanaka is near Mount Aspiring National Park).