Wanaka is a like the younger and much less appreciated cousin to the mega-tourism hub of Queenstown in New Zealand. All the glitz, the glam and the action can be found on the Queenstown waterfront, whereas Wanaka provides a more low-key, south island experience.
If you like to live like a local while travelling, Wanaka is where you’ll feel this. In fact, the local Wanaka folk often go out of their way to shy out of the limelight that Queenstown casts.
Wanaka is home to towering, snow capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, quirky cafes and so much more.
If you want to ski down epic ski slopes, go jet-boating down mega beautiful rivers or maybe you’d pretty to chill out at a local winery… there is a huge mix of things to do in Wanaka.
As your resident kiwi gal where at The Broke Backpacker, I’m here to spill the beans on all the top spots. Some of them you’ll know of, others might just surprise ya.
So, let’s dive into it!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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The Top 15 Things To Do In Wanaka
Wanaka is the cheeky, quiet little neighbour to the infamous Queenstown. Most people visit Queenstown while travelling to New Zealand but the hoards of tourists don’t seem to make it to Wanaka… which is unfortunate for them but fantastic for us 🙂
So, without further ado – let’s dive into the best things to do in Wanaka…
1. Take a Snap of #thatwanakatree
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
A trip to Wanaka is incomplete without a stroll down the beach to snap the iconic pic of #thatwanakatree. There is just something special about the topsy-turvy willow rooted resiliently into the clear waters of Lake Wanaka. Standing strong against the monumental backdrop of the Southern Alps behind it… you can see why everyone wants to take a snap. Is a tree one of the best reasons to visit New Zealand? Bloody right it is!
If you want to search out its unlikely location you can find it here. Yep, even Google Maps knows it as #thatwanakatree.
2. Go Fishing at The Hook Salmon Farm
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
The Hook is one of the most unique food experiences I’ve ever had. They offer a lake-to-plate experience. This is where you hire a rod, go and catch your own salmon, bring it back and the chefs will whip you up a plate of hot smoked, cold smoked, or sashimi using your OWN salmon that you caught!
The restaurant itself is in a gorgeous, scenic location. When we arrived, we ordered a pint of a local craft beer and chilled out before hiring a rod. There are a few large ponds to choose from that are brimming with big ol’ salmon to catch. If you’re not a big fisher(wo)man, I’d recommend taking a friend with you who knows what they are doing or you can pay for someone to help you.
Once you catch your salmon, there is no givesy backsies. That salmon is now yours. You can take it back to be weighed and you can decide how you want to enjoy it. We had ours half smoked and half sashimi.
If you’re not into fishing, don’t worry. The Hook is also just a nice place to head out for a beer or some lunch. They have a full menu that doesn’t require you to do any of the hard yards yourself 😉
3. Wanaka Lavender Farm
The Wanaka Lavender Farm is a beautiful place to visit in Wanaka. With over 20 sprawling acres of bright purple lavender fields, friendly farm animals and beautiful gardens – it makes for the perfect family-friendly thing to do in Wanaka.
The background of the towering Southern Alps is also a big bonus. However, it’s not just a sensory experience on the eyes, you can smooth into the soft scent of lavender that oozes through the air. It’s one of those smells that just settles you right into relaxation mode.
The on-site farm shop sells a range of lavender products, from culinary to skincare. They also sell honey from the farm, too. Plus, they have a cafe that serves lavender-infused treats and drinks – my favourite being the herbal tea and the ice cream. Yep, lavender ice cream… don’t knock it til’ you try it!
Try to time your visit during the blooming season between December and February for the best experience 🙂
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4. Go Hiking!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
If you’re into hiking, you will be absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to Wanaka. I’ve hiked plenty a’ mountains here and honestly, the views are unmatched. There are a couple that are fairly close to down but I’d recommend hiring a car if you want to get to some of the best ones.
If you want an easy climb, close to town but one that still offers incredible views – I’d recommend Mt Iron. At just 4.5km long, it shouldn’t take you longer than an hour and a half. It’s a very popular day hike in New Zealand with the locals, some who you’ll see walking it daily!
Roys Peak is probably the most famous hike in Queenstown & Wanaka. It is pretty damn spectacular and offers panoramic views of the mighty Southern Alps. The hike itself can be a bit a liiiiiittle boring as it is just a 4WD the entire way up but once you get to the top, the views are bloody spectacular. But don’t say I didn’t warn you, this track is popular. You will most likely have to line up to take the infamous pic at the top.
A few more favourites of mine are:
- Rob Roy Glacier (yep, you’ll be hiking to a real Glacier!)
- Isthmus Peak
- Brewster Hut
- Glendu Bay Track
5. Take a Scenic Flight to Milford Sounds
The Milford Sounds has to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand, and that’s saying something. Taking a scenic flight to witness its beauty is one of the best and most popular ways to experience it. There is something magical about flying between the mountains – and don’t worry, everyone gets a window seat on these flights.
The flight starts in Wanaka and on the way to the Milford Sounds, you’ll pass one hundred glaciers (!!!!), waterfalls, two national parks, Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps. Views on views on views! Honestly, you’ll see why it’s one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
Once you land at the Milford Sounds (AKA the 8th Wonder of the World), you’ll cruise through the fiord on a boat. Take in the monstrous sights from the sea, glide under waterfalls and hang out with some of the cute wildlife – including seals, penguins and, if you’re lucky, dolphins.
6. Go Mountain Biking!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Mountain biking is a BIG part of the local culture here. Every man, woman and their dog seems to have a fancy mountain bike here. After experiencing some of the tracks, I can see why. From beginner to advanced, there are some seriously epic trails around.
A few of the key tracks to try are:
- Cardrona Bike Park
- Wanaka Lakeside Tracks
- Deans Bank Track
- Sticky Forest
If you’d prefer to join a bike tour, I can recommend this Wanaka and Hawea trail ride. It’s a grade 1-2, so it’s a great thing to do in Wanaka with kids. You’ll cycle along the lake from Hawea to Wanaka and stop along the way for coffee and of course, a photo op with #thatwanakatree.
Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….
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Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…
Get Yours Here Read Our Review7. Visit the Secret Sauna at Lake Hawea
The Secret Sauna in Lake Hawea is the PERFECT way to spend a cooler day in Wanaka. Lake Hawea itself is a gorgeous place to hang out, just a 10-minute drive from Wanaka’s town. The Secret Sauna is located on the lake making it the perfect place for a therapeutic mix of cold-plunges followed by a sauna. The views from within the sauna are beautiful, looking over the lake and mountains.
The sauna can be booked by the hour per person, or privately. However, you might need to take out a mortgage to book it privately, it doesn’t come cheap to get sweaty alone.
8. Stop in at the Cardrona Hotel
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
If you’re driving through the Crown Range (an iconic mountain range from Wanaka to Queenstown), it is rude not to make a stop at the Cardrona Hotel. It is one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in New Zealand. However, it’s also just a fantastic place to stop in for a pint and some pub food. Inside the pub is full of a rustic charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Out the back, there is a huge beer garden which is an ideal spot for enjoying a beer on a sunny day. If you’re travelling on a colder day, don’t worry, they have built gorgeous little greenhouses that can keep you snug while you enjoy some pub grub.
9. Go Tandem Skydiving!
Skydiving is one of those things that is on nearly everyone’s bucket list. But how many people have aaactually done it? If you’ve got skydiving on your “to do before I die” list, you can’t beat Wanaka as a location for ticking it off. Freefalling out of a plane above six lakes, Mt Cook, the Southern Alp of New Zealand… like, c’moooon!
How incredible it is to see some of the best National Parks in New Zealand from above?
In fact, even if you have been skydiving before, it’s worth doing it all over again in Wanaka. You can choose if you want to jump from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 ft. And don’t worry, you won’t be doing it alone, you’ll be harnessed onto a professional jumpers front. These guys literally do this for a job, jumping out of planes all day long. So you’re in safe hands.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey10. Strap on Ya Boots and Hit the Ski Slopes
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Wanaka is home to two of my favourite ski mountains in New Zealand: Cardrona and Treble Cone. You can reach both mountains within a 30-minute drive of Wanaka. Yep, just 30 minutes and you’ll be cruising down the slopes, shredding through that powder. Lapping up that feeling of pure bliss.
If you visit during the winter season, it’s without a doubt one of the best things to do in Wanaka. The mountain usually opens from around July to October (but it depends on the snowfall each year). In fact, spring skiing in Sept/ Oct can sometimes be the best, the passes are cheaper this time too.
Cardrona is known to be best for snowboarders and Treble Cone (or TC, as the locals call it) is best for skiers. Although I’ve skied at Cardrona and I can confirm it’s sick for skiing too. These two mountains are connected, so if you buy a ski pass for one, you can also access the other (how’s that for an insider NZ travel tip!). This is ideal if you buy a 2+ day pass as you can mix up the mountains you visit.
11. Go on a Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River
You might have heard of jet boating in the South Island, it’s one of the top things to do in Queenstown. But not as many have heard about the Jet Boating on Clutha River in Wanaka…
The jet boarding in Wanaka is just as good, if not better than its neighbour and is always a thrilling ride. Jetting around the river, it’s wild how the drivers are able to maneuver the boats at such speeds. Tossin’ and turning you through one of the world’s swiftest flowing rivers.
The boat skims across shallow waters, through rapid, over sand bars and zips around rocks at over 80km per hour. All the while, you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, surrounded by crystal clear likes and tower peaks.
Buckle up, friends. This one’s a wild ride.
12. Eat at the Food Trucks in Wanaka
The food trucks in Wanaka are a semi-new addition to the small but cute town. Tucked away a few streets back from the lakefront, you’ll find them. At the moment, you’ve got coffee and bagels for breakfast and a mix of delicious foods for dinner – from burritos to fried chicken!
There seem to be more and more food trucks popping up around the place, so keep an eye out for more!
13. Climb Aboard a Happy Hour Lake Cruise
The Happy Hour Lake Cruise is a bloody beautiful way to spend an evening in Wanaka. Cruising through Lake Wanaka on a luxury catamaran, a glass of local wine or beer in hand while you soak in the last light of the day. It’s pretty magical.
Included in your ticket is one drink and cheese and crackers. However, you can buy more drinks at less than half the price you’d pay in a bar – so this is not an activity that will completely break the bank. The Happy Hour Lake Cruise is a cool activity for anyone solo travelling or just down to mix and mingle with fellow travellers.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!14. Go Mountain Quad Biking in Cardrona
Mountain quad biking is as wild as it sounds. Hooning around Wanaka’s rugged but beautiful landscape on a quad bike is not one for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re a total beginner or a well-seasoned quad-biker, the experience can be tailored to suit your skill level.
It’s one of the more unique ways to experience Wanaka wilderness, that’s for sure. Zooming past snow-capped peaks, hands gripping the handlebars as you traverse through New Zealand’s hidden backcountry.
The Yahama quad bikes are signed with both safety and comfort in mind. They use automatic gearing, so they are simple for most riders to use, they are 4WD (thank god) and they even have heated grips for those chilly days.
15. Chill Out on the Beach
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
And last, but not least. One of my favourite ways to spend a day in Wanaka is to perch up by the lake with a good book, a couple of friends or a picnic (if I get that full trifecta, I know it’s going to be a good day). On a calm, sunny day over the summer month of Dec-Feb, the beach can be packed with locals and tourists alike hanging out, tanning and swimming.
It is a rocky beach so it’s not exactly a bring-a-ball kind of situation unfortunately, but it is a super nice place to relax and take in the ridiculously breathtaking scenery around you. Who knew one of New Zealand’s best beaches was in the mountains!?
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Wanaka
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Wanaka.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Things To Do in Wanaka
Aaaand that’s a wrap on my top things to do in Wanaka. This funky little town has more packed into it than one might think upon arrival. What seems like a sleepy lakeside town (which I mean, it kind of is), actually has a sh*t ton of cool stuff to do, if you know where to find it.
From catching salmon at The Hook to traversing mountain tops on a quad bike… there is a HUGE range of activities on offer. There is a sprinkle of something to keep everyone excited.
Compared to Queenstown, Wanaka is a lot more chilled out. It’s got a more “local” vibe to it compared to the bustling centre of Queenstown. If you enjoy a more “low-key” vibe or have been to Queenstown before and want to switch things up, Wanaka is a great place to visit 🙂
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in New Zealand.
- Have a look at our guide to where to stay in Wanaka to choose the perfect area!
- You’ll need a hostel in Wanaka – it’s a great way to start your trip!
- Check out our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
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