Wanaka Travelers Recommend

Set on a mountain-ringed lake, Wanaka is an attractive destination in its own right, and a good base for exploring the Central Otago region. Whether you’re into adrenaline-inducing adventures or prefer a slower pace, you’ll find plenty of fresh mountain air and lots of activities to keep you entertained. Here are a few suggestions.

Day 1: Get Active

**Morning:**Take a cruise or water taxi to one of the four islands in Lake Wanaka. There, go on a short hike, play on the stony beaches, or just admire the views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 

**Afternoon:**Dial things up a notch, and fulfill any long-held adventure-activity dreams you might have. Take a scenic helicopter ride, kayak on the lake, go for a jet boat ride, jump out of a plane on a tandem skydive—there are many options in and around Wanaka.

**Night:**The fresh air of the day might have left you tired, so enjoy a relaxed dinner and drinks at a lakeside restaurant. Don’t forget to sample some Central Otago wines, considered some of the best in New Zealand.

Day 2: Tour the Countryside

**Morning and afternoon:**Wanaka is well-located for venturing farther afield in Central Otago. Food and wine lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to tour some local vineyards. Famous for its pinot noirs, Otago is one of the southernmost wine growing regions in the world. Wine tours usually include lunch at a top-notch winery restaurant. If wine isn’t really your thing, go on a daylong horseback riding or cycling tour instead. 

**Night:**On your last night in Wanaka, seek out a bar with live music. Especially in the summer, some bars in town host DJs and bands, and even themed nights. Wanaka is small, so the nightlife isn’t extensive—but there are more than enough places to dance the night away, if you wish.

Whether it’s summer or winter, Wanaka has plenty to keep travelers with a range of interests happy. With three days, you can divide your time among chilling out in town with a glass of pinot noir, checking some adventure activities off your bucket list, and venturing out into Central Otago or Fiordland. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Take It Easy in Wanaka

Set on the southern edge of a lake, Wanaka is a pretty place, and you don’t have to do much to enjoy being there. Take a cruise or water taxi to one of the nearby islands, where you can hike, admire the views, or play on the beaches and in the water. (Take care, as the water can be very deep.) 

Later, check out the kid-friendly Puzzling World. With optical illusions, a challenging maze, and bizarre buildings, you have to see it to believe it. Take some funny photos, and have a good laugh.

Day 2: Try a New Sport

With beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers, the area around Wanaka is a perfect place to try some adventure activities. Travelers who love the outdoors but don’t want to get their heart rates up too high can kayak on Lake Wanaka, go horseback riding, or take a guided day hike in the hills. For something more adrenaline-inducing, try skydiving, paragliding, jet boating, canyoneering, or mountain biking. Some activities require a bit of travel, but the scenery along the way is worth it. 

Day 3: Take a Day Trip Farther Afield

Worth visiting for its views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains, Wanaka’s more famous neighbor, Queenstown, is just an hour away by car. Lovers of good food and drink can hop on a wine tour of some of Central Otago’s premier wineries, known for their pinot noir. Alternatively, consider taking a scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound. Mitre Peak is one of New Zealand’s most iconic sights, and seeing the Fiordland area from the seat of a helicopter is an unforgettable experience. Some tours even land on a glacier.

Often compared to neighboring Queenstown, Wanaka is quieter, less developed, and said to be more “local.” But pretty Wanaka deserves attention in its own right. In a single day, you can chill out on a nearby island, go hiking in the mountains or kayaking on the lake, and sample the famous local wine. Here are some suggestions.

Morning: Walk or Hike

After breakfast and coffee overlooking Lake Wanaka, spend the morning stretching your legs in the fresh air. If you don’t want to go far, have mobility issues, or are traveling with kids, simply stroll along the lakefront. Alternatively, take a short cruise out to one of the islands in Lake Wanaka, such as Ruby Island or Mou Waho, where you can walk around and take in the views of the lake and mountains.  

Afternoon: Try an Adventure Sport

In Wanaka, as in much of New Zealand, options abound for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. Spend the afternoon trying something new, or indulging in your favorite adventure activity: kayaking on the lake, hiking up to a viewpoint, jet boating, paragliding, horseback riding, riding in a helicopter, skydiving, or skiing in winter. 

Night: Dine by the Lake

Although it’s a small town, Wanaka is home to plenty of restaurants and bars, many with lake and mountain views. The vibe is casual, but with some high-quality food on offer. Enjoy a glass or two of Central Otago wine over dinner. Don’t forget a jacket if you want to sit outside, as it can get cool when the sun goes down, even in summer.