Where to stay
Hotels in Wanaka
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English and Māori
Local currency
NZD
(NZD)
Local time
(GMT+13)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Wanaka Town Centre
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Not expected, appreciated for excellent service
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Lamb
Freshwater Salmon
Pavlova
Flat White
When to visit Wanaka
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, December
Busiest: Dec-Feb
-
Jan90
Warm, sunny, busy
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Feb85
Warm, pleasant, active
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Mar80
Mild, autumn colours
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Apr70
Cooler, vibrant foliage
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May60
Chilly, pre-winter
-
Jun65
Cold, early ski season
-
Jul80
Cold, peak ski season
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Aug85
Cold, good snow
-
Sept70
Cool, spring blooms
-
Oct75
Mild, longer days
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Nov80
Pleasant, pre-summer
-
Dec90
Warm, festive, busy
Things to do in Wanaka
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
That Wanaka Tree
Lakeside 0.5 hrs
Capture the iconic willow tree standing solitary in Lake Wanaka.
Roy's Peak Track
Mount Aspiring Road 6 hrs
Hike to a famous summit for panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Cardrona Valley 8 hrs
Hit the slopes at nearby Cardrona Alpine Resort or Treble Cone.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Lake Wanaka Cruise
Wanaka Town Centre 2 hrs
Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka.
Rippon Vineyard Tasting
Rippon 1.5 hrs
Sample award-winning wines with stunning lake and mountain backdrops.
Any time of day
2 places
Puzzling World
Luggate 2 hrs
Explore a world of illusions, mazes, and quirky architecture.
Mount Aspiring National Park
West Wanaka 4 hrs
Discover pristine wilderness, glaciers, and hiking trails in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Wanaka
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
'Express' Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Introduction to Wanaka Rock Climbing - Full Day
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Classic Wanaka Wine Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Māori Whakatau Welcome
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
4-Hour Wanaka Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Wanaka
Straight-line distance from the centre of Wanaka.
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