Wanaka Information

Wanaka - Adventure Playground With Stunning Scenery

Lake Wanaka lies in the heart of the Otago Lakes region and, at 300m above sea level, is New Zealand's fourth largest lake and the gateway to the West Coast glacier region and Mount Aspiring National Park.

A short drive away, lies Lake Hawea. Both resorts provide ample fishing and swimming opportunities, enjoying a temperate climate ideal for exploring. Walkers, in particular, will marvel at the awesome sight of the Southern Alps that provide an amazing backdrop to this area. At the lower end of Lake Wanaka, some of the various islands dotted about the waters are now ecological sanctuaries – the flat land around this part making it easier to conserve.

The area is a popular all-year-round resort; winter sees the town of Wanaka swamped with ski enthusiasts, who flock here to enjoy the excellent commercial slopes. In the summer, tramping, water sports, mountaineering and sailing are all specialities of the region. The wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and seasonal festivals, have made Wanaka an exciting destination for those who like to combine a little action with some rather more laid-back pursuits.

Lake & River Activities

With dramatic mountains framing the still waters of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, there's no lazier way to spend a day here than doing a spot of fishing. Many of the more mobile activities, such as rafting and kayaking, take place on the Clutha River outflow, at Wanaka town itself. The glacier basin in which Wanaka sits, provides a naturally beautiful setting, conducive to just 'messing about on the water'.

Purpose-built mountain biking trails through the pine forests will get you out and about. Cyclists can follow the river's edge through some really stunning scenery, before deciding whether to change up a few gears and get down and dirty with an expedition across the higher, mountain tracks.

Skiing

Winter sports aficionados will be spoiled for choice in Wanaka. Its broad range of chilly activities mean the town itself gets very busy between July and September, as skiers arrive to make the most of Wanaka's exceptional facilities. Snow Farm, in particular, is a Mecca for advanced skiers, and the 'Coneheads' who frequent Treble Cone, Cardrona and Snow Park will tell you there is no better place in the country to enjoy the winter sun. In keeping with the quirkiness of this resort, Wanaka also boasts the largest heli-skiing area outside North America. This place is for serious snow-heads!

Mount Aspiring National Park

Just north of Fiordland, Mount Aspiring National Park was established in 1964 and provides countless tramping trails through some of New Zealand's most captivating landscape. Part of the Te Wahipounamu world heritage site, the park also houses a marine reserve, lakes and some weird and wonderful rock formations.

In summer, hikers can walk from one valley to another, over spectacular mountain passes – the popular Routeburn Track passes through here – and those who wish to spend some serious time exploring, can shelter in one of the (pre-booked) huts scattered throughout the park's various designated walking trails. Campers will find ample sites provided to pitch their tents.

This is primarily wilderness country – glaciers, snowfields and lush, wildlife habitats, all live together in this untouched New Zealand paradise, and Mount Aspiring itself will be inspiring to all who behold it. Civilisation comes in the form of settlements such as Makarora, Glenorchy and Haast, on the edges of the park, where comfortable B&Bs, motels and lodges are available for those who prefer their creature comforts.

Mount Roy & Mount Iron

An invigorating day trip for hikers and bikers alike, the zigzagging paths leading up to Mount Roy reward the traveller with incredible views across the Wanaka landscape. Take a bottle of water, as there is no shelter on this trail but, once at the top, you'll see just what makes it so special.

At Mount Iron (so-named for its flat summit), a circular walking track makes this a very pleasant day's hike. The path is so user-friendly, you can even pony-trek up to the top. Naturally carved from a glacier, you can see where the ice has forged distinctive rock paths, although be careful exploring these, as nature has made sure to plant some particularly steep drops and gorges so, the higher you get, the nervier it becomes - it's not for the faint-hearted!

Scenic Drives

For a leisurely drive around the Wanaka region, your best bet is to hit the Haast Pass, one of three roads that cross over the Southern Alps. Everything you see will be 100% nature, because there's not a single sign of civilisation between Haast and Makarora. Mainly beech forest, the Pass winds through parts of Mount Aspiring National Park and forms an unofficial boundary between Otago and the West Coast.

If you prefer something nearer to people and places, try the Cardrona Valley Road, which links several small settlements that sprang up during the Otaga gold rush of the mid-19th century. A beautiful way of reaching Queenstown, you can stop off at the famous Cardrona Hotel for a pie and a pint. The area is also a good place to go pony-trekking through the forest, or stretch your legs along the path beside the jade-green waters of the Kawarau River.

Five Things To Do

1. Tandem skydive over some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand

2. While away the hours with a fishing trip on Lake Wanaka

3. Hit the hiking trails in Mount Aspiring National Park

4. Ski or snowboard in any of the four world-class ski fields

5. Saddle up with a horse trek and venture into the wilderness

Wanaka Virtual Tour and Video

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Getting There

Queenstown is the closest international airport (60 mins), from where you can catch another flight into Wanaka. Christchurch also operates domestic flights to Wanaka.

Regular coach services operate services to Wanaka from Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch, Invercargill and the West Coast.

Easy access via a number of scenic routes, such as the Cardrona Valley Road and Crown Range Highway. Example driving times: Queenstown – 60mins; Mount Cook – 2.5 hrs; Invercargill – 3.5 hrs; Christchurch – 5.5 hrs.