Roys Peak Track
The zigzag climb above Lake Wānaka to a famous ridge-line lookout, a full-day, 16-kilometre return walk on a steady farm track with sweeping views over the lake, Mount Aspiring and the Southern Alps.
5-6 hoursDetails →
New Zealand
Wānaka
Wānaka is the lakeside town at the foot of the Southern Alps that New Zealanders and visitors alike choose when they want mountains, water and space without the Queenstown crowds.
It sits on the southern shore of Lake Wānaka, with the Clutha River flowing from the lake, the ridge of Roys Peak to the west and the glaciers and peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park beyond. The town is famous for That Wānaka Tree, a lone willow standing in the shallows that has become one of the country’s most photographed trees, and for walks that range from a ninety-minute loop up Mount Iron to the long climbs of Roys Peak and Isthmus Peak and the Rob Roy Glacier Track in the national park. On the water you can cruise to Mou Waho Island, kayak, jet boat the Clutha or take a private charter, and from the air you can skydive, fly by helicopter to an alpine landing or take a flight over to Milford Sound. Puzzling World keeps children entertained on wet days, Cardrona and Treble Cone bring skiing and snowboarding in winter, and Central Otago pinot noir, the Lake Dunstan Trail and quiet Lake Hāwea are all within easy reach. This guide picks the tickets worth booking, flags the weather, road and lambing-closure caveats, and matches you to a stay, from a lakefront hotel to a hostel bed, a riverside lodge or a historic pub in the Cardrona Valley.
Don't miss
Roys Peak Track
The zigzag climb above Lake Wānaka to a famous ridge-line lookout, a full-day, 16-kilometre return walk on a steady farm track with sweeping views over the lake, Mount Aspiring and the Southern Alps.
That Wānaka Tree
The lone willow standing in the shallows of Lake Wānaka that has become one of New Zealand’s most photographed trees, a free ten-minute lakeside walk from town with mountains behind it at dawn and dusk.
Rob Roy Glacier Track
A well-made half-day walk in Mount Aspiring National Park that climbs beside a stream and waterfalls to a viewpoint facing the hanging ice of Rob Roy Glacier, reached by a scenic valley road from Wānaka.
Puzzling World
Wānaka’s quirky illusion attraction, with a giant hedge-and-wall maze, tilted rooms, optical tricks and a leaning tower, a favourite wet-weather outing for families and curious adults alike.
Things to do in Wānaka
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
That Wānaka Tree
The lone willow standing in the shallows of Lake Wānaka that has become one of New Zealand’s most photographed trees, a free ten-minute lakeside walk from town with mountains behind it at dawn and dusk.
30 min - 1 hourDetails →
Rob Roy Glacier Track
A well-made half-day walk in Mount Aspiring National Park that climbs beside a stream and waterfalls to a viewpoint facing the hanging ice of Rob Roy Glacier, reached by a scenic valley road from Wānaka.
3-4 hoursDetails →
Mount Iron Track
Wānaka’s close-to-town summit, a short loop walk of about ninety minutes with views over the lake, Hāwea and Lake Wānaka’s surrounding mountains, ideal for a first morning or a sunset climb.
1.5 hoursDetails →
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Tracks
Two linked walks west of Wānaka: a short loop to a small lake and a longer climb to a summit lookout with views over Lake Wānaka and the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park.
1-3 hoursDetails →
Isthmus Peak Track
A long, quiet ridge walk between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea with views of both lakes from the 1,385-metre summit, a rewarding alternative to Roys Peak with fewer people.
5-6 hoursDetails →
Mount Aspiring National Park and the Matukituki Valley
The glacier-carved wilderness behind Wānaka, home to Tititea / Mount Aspiring, with valley walks, swing bridges, huts and some of the best alpine scenery in New Zealand, reached by a scenic road from town.
Half day to multi-dayDetails →
Lake Hāwea
A deep, glacier-carved lake just over the hill from Wānaka, with a quiet township, sandy beaches, clear water and big mountain views, perfect for a swim, a picnic or a relaxed lakeside loop.
Half dayDetails →
Wānaka Lakefront and Roys Bay
The relaxed waterfront of Wānaka town, with Roys Bay beach, lakeside paths, cafés, a playground and a view of Lake Wānaka’s islands and mountains, ideal for a first evening or a slow day.
1-3 hoursDetails →
Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone
The two ski fields above Wānaka, run together, with beginner-friendly slopes, big alpine terrain, mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer, reached by mountain road from town.
Puzzling World
Wānaka’s quirky illusion attraction, with a giant hedge-and-wall maze, tilted rooms, optical tricks and a leaning tower, a favourite wet-weather outing for families and curious adults alike.
Skydive Wanaka Tandem Jump
A tandem skydive over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, with a freefall from up to 15,000 feet and a canopy ride above the lakes and peaks, widely regarded as one of the most scenic jumps in the world.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Edgewater Hotel Wanaka
Lakefront, Wānaka town
A lakeside resort-style stay on the Wānaka waterfront side of town, within walking distance of Roys Bay, the lakefront cafés and the main shopping street, with lake and mountain views from many rooms.
Check rates →Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka
Cardrona Valley Road side of town
A hillside resort on the edge of Wānaka town with lake views, a range of room and apartment types, and facilities suited to families, skiers and longer stays, a short drive or walk from the lakefront.
Check rates →Haka House Wanaka
Wānaka town
A friendly, budget-focused hostel within walking distance of Wānaka’s lakefront, with dorm beds and private rooms, shared kitchens and lounges, and a social atmosphere for backpackers, hikers and ski travellers.
Check rates →Te Wanaka Lodge
Wānaka town centre
A small lodge-style stay in Wānaka town, offering a quieter, more personal alternative to larger hotels, with easy access to the lakefront, cafés and trailheads.
Check rates →Wanaka Luxury Apartments
Wānaka area
Self-contained apartments in Wānaka with more space than a hotel room, a kitchen and living area, suited to families, groups and longer stays around the lake and mountains.
Check rates →Alpine Lodge - Botanical Oasis
Wānaka area
A garden-style lodge stay near Wānaka, offering a peaceful base with greenery and mountain surrounds, suited to couples and nature lovers who want quiet nights between days on the trails.
Check rates →Wanaka Alpine Lodge
Albert Town, east of Wānaka
A lodge-style stay in Albert Town, the riverside village a few minutes east of Wānaka, with access to Clutha River walks, a quieter setting and easy driving to the lake and ski roads.
Check rates →Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Valley, Crown Range Road
A historic gold-rush hotel and pub on the Crown Range road in the Cardrona Valley, famous for its character, open fire, beer garden and proximity to the ski fields and the Bra Fence.
Check rates →Benbrae Cardrona Valley Resort
Cardrona Valley
A countryside resort-style stay in the Cardrona Valley, with mountain surroundings and a quiet atmosphere, a handy base between Wānaka and Queenstown and close to the ski fields.
Check rates →Cardrona Alpine Apartments
Cardrona Valley
Self-contained apartments near the Cardrona Alpine Resort access road, a practical base for ski groups and families who want a kitchen, laundry and room to spread out.
Check rates →Lakeside Luxury 2 Bedroom Wanaka
Wānaka lakeside
A two-bedroom self-contained rental in Wānaka, suited to families or two couples who want kitchen, living space and a lakeside location in the town.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Roys Peak TrackStay
Edgewater Hotel WanakaLakefront, Wānaka town
Do
That Wānaka TreeStay
Oakridge Resort Lake WanakaCardrona Valley Road side of town
Do
Rob Roy Glacier TrackStay
Cardrona HotelCardrona Valley, Crown Range Road
Wānaka guides
First Time in Wānaka: What to Book, How to Get Around & How Many Days
A practical primer for a first visit to Wānaka: how long to stay, what to book ahead, getting around without a car, and how the lake, the walks and the mountains fit together.
Where to Stay in Wānaka: Lakefront, Hillside, Albert Town and Cardrona
Choosing a base for Wānaka: the lakefront, the hillside resorts, riverside Albert Town and the Cardrona Valley, with what each area suits and how to match it to your plans.
Wānaka in Three Days: A Practical Itinerary for Lake, Walks and Adventure
A three-day Wānaka plan that mixes the lakefront, a big walk, a lake cruise, an adventure activity and a day trip, with weather backups.
Best Time to Visit Wānaka: Seasons, Snow, Crowds and Lambing Closures
A season-by-season guide to Wānaka: summer swimming and long days, autumn colour, winter skiing and spring lambing closures, with what to book and pack.
Wānaka Walks and Hikes Compared: Roys Peak, Rob Roy, Isthmus Peak and More
A side-by-side look at Wānaka’s best walks: effort, time, views, crowds and when each works best, from Mount Iron to the big ridge climbs and the Rob Roy Glacier Track.
Day Trips from Wānaka: Hāwea, Cardrona, Queenstown, Milford Sound and More
Day trip ideas from Wānaka: Lake Hāwea, the Cardrona Valley, the Crown Range to Queenstown, Lake Dunstan, Central Otago wine country and a flight to Milford Sound.
