Wanaka Day Trip from Queenstown: The Complete Guide

Wanaka is Queenstown's quieter, more laid-back neighbour — a lake town surrounded by mountains with great food, iconic views, and a distinctly local atmosphere. It's one of the most popular day trips from Queenstown, and for good reason.

Here's how to make the most of a day in Wanaka.

Getting There: Crown Range vs SH6

There are two routes from Queenstown to Wanaka:

Crown Range (recommended): 70km, ~1 hour. Takes you over New Zealand's highest sealed road with panoramic views of the Cardrona Valley. More scenic, slightly shorter. Fine in all weather except severe winter conditions.

SH6 via Cromwell: 115km, ~1.5 hours. The flatter route through the Kawarau Gorge and Cromwell. Useful in winter if conditions on the Crown Range are icy.

Take the Crown Range. The views from the top are extraordinary and it adds no meaningful time to the journey.

The Wanaka Tree

The first stop for almost every visitor to Wanaka: the Wanaka Tree. A lone willow growing from the edge of Lake Wanaka, with the mountains as a backdrop. It's genuinely beautiful — and it's right in town, a 2-minute walk from the main street.

Tip: The tree looks best on calm mornings when the lake is still and you get perfect reflections. If you arrive early (before 9am), you'll often have it to yourself.

The Wanaka Lakefront

The lakefront walk stretches for several kilometres from the town centre. It's flat, beautiful, and free. A cup of coffee from Kika or Federal Diner and a walk along the lake is a perfect start to the day.

Roys Peak — The Icon

Roys Peak is the most photographed mountain viewpoint in New Zealand. A 16km return hike with 1,279m of elevation gain — it's strenuous (allow 5–6 hours) but delivers one of the most extraordinary views in the country.

Season: The track is open October–April only (closed May–September for lambing). No dogs.

The view: At the saddle (you don't need to go to the true summit), you get 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, and the surrounding ranges. The classic Instagram shot is from a rocky outcrop partway up the ridge.

If you can't do Roys Peak: Mount Iron (1.5 hours return, easy) or the Rob Roy Track in the Matukituki Valley (4 hours, extraordinary, requires a 45-minute drive to the trailhead).

Puzzling World

For families or those who want something a bit different: Puzzling World is a genuinely fun attraction on the edge of Wanaka — 3D illusion rooms, a large wooden maze, and optical illusion galleries. Kids love it, adults are surprised by how much they enjoy it too. From $20 per adult.

Food & Coffee in Wanaka

Wanaka punches well above its weight for food:

Coffee: Kika (best coffee in town, lakefront), Federal Diner (excellent brunch), Ritual (local favourite)

Lunch: Francesca's Italian Kitchen (outstanding pasta), Gusto at the Grand (lakefront, excellent burgers), Relishes Café

If staying for dinner: Dusk Restaurant and Bar is the pick — exceptional seasonal menu in a stunning setting.

Cardrona Alpine Resort (Winter/Spring)

If you're visiting in winter (June–October), Cardrona Alpine Resort is halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka on the Crown Range road. Excellent intermediate and family ski terrain, often less crowded than Coronet Peak or The Remarkables.

Day pass: ~$149 NZD. Combined Cardrona + Wanaka day is very achievable.

What to Bring

• ✓Layers (mountain weather is changeable)
• ✓Good walking shoes if doing any hiking
• ✓Camera/phone charged (the scenery demands it)
• ✓Cash or card for parking in some areas
• ✓Lunch if planning Roys Peak

Sample Day Itinerary

• ✓7:30am: Leave Queenstown via Crown Range
• ✓8:30am: Arrive Wanaka, Wanaka Tree (calm morning reflections)
• ✓9:00am: Coffee at Kika, lakefront walk
• ✓10:00am: Start Roys Peak (or Mount Iron if easier)
• ✓2:00pm: Finish hike, lunch at Francesca's or Gusto
• ✓3:30pm: Puzzling World or lakefront browsing
• ✓5:00pm: Drive back to Queenstown (take SH6 via Cromwell for a change of scenery)
• ✓6:30pm: Back in Queenstown

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