Wanaka is the calmer lake town just over the Crown Range from Queenstown: the same alpine scenery, a slower pace, and adventure, hiking and lake tours all bookable with live availability.
What to Do in Wanaka
Browse by category to find your perfect Wanaka experience.
Best Wanaka Tours Right Now
Top-rated tours with clear pricing and booking links.
Wildwire Wanaka- Level 1 (2 Hours)
Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff - our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the high
'Express' Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka
Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries li
ebike tour lake Dunstan wine tasting
On this small group tour, we'll pick you up anywhere in Wanaka at your preferred time. We've created this trip due to high demand for an easy e-bike ride with a focus on wine and food. After a quick 2
Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond
Welcome to a Wine Lover's Paradise! Join us as we embark on a wine tasting - sightseeing adventure like no other visiting wineries around Wanaka - Pisa - Cromwell - Bannockburn - Bendigo. It is a day
3 Hour in Wanaka Fishing Charters
Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing a breathtaking backdrop for
Shared 3-Hour Fishing Charter on Lake Wānaka
Lake Wānaka offers one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine fishing experiences, with clear water, mountain views, and a peaceful setting that feels far from the crowds. In just three hours, this trip
Common Questions, Honest Answers
What travellers ask before adding Wanaka to a Queenstown trip.
How far is Wanaka from Queenstown?
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About 70 km over the Crown Range, roughly an hour on New Zealand's highest sealed road, with sweeping views and the Cardrona pub along the way. A longer, gentler route runs via Cromwell on State Highway 6. Carry chains from May to October, as the Crown Range can hold snow and ice in winter.
Is Wanaka worth visiting?
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Yes, especially if Queenstown feels too busy. Wanaka offers the same alpine scenery at a calmer pace: the lakefront and the famous Wanaka Tree, the Roys Peak walk, and Mount Aspiring National Park on the doorstep. Many visitors base in Queenstown and day-trip over the Crown Range, or stay a night or two to slow down.
What is there to do in Wanaka?
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Lake cruises and swimming in summer, hikes like Roys Peak and Rob Roy Glacier, the iconic Wanaka Tree photo, and Cardrona and Treble Cone for skiing in winter or quad biking and gondola sightseeing in the warmer months. Nearby Cardrona Valley and the Gibbston wine region round out a relaxed few days.
Wanaka or Queenstown, which is better?
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Queenstown wins on adventure variety, nightlife and connections; Wanaka wins on a slower, more scenic, less crowded pace. They are only about 70 km apart over the Crown Range, so you do not have to choose, many visitors do both, basing in Queenstown and giving Wanaka a full day.
What is the best time to visit Wanaka?
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Summer (December to February) for the lake, long days and hiking; winter (June to August) for skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone; autumn (March to May) for golden colour and quiet trails. Wanaka is genuinely a year-round base, so choose by the activities you want rather than avoiding a bad season.
Ready to Book Wanaka Tours?
Compare alpine adventures with live booking links and free cancellation.