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The Complete Travel Guide to Wanaka 🏞️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the complete travel guide to wanaka, new zealand.

With its snow-capped mountains, vast lakes and rolling farmlands, Wanaka is a dream destination for many. It’s the ultimate alpine playground with an array of adventure activities to take part in, as well as ways to relax. It’s the home of creative artisans where sampling the local food is a must. What’s more, the town comes alive in both summer and winter thanks to the array of ski fields, hiking and mountain biking trails surrounding the area. And you needn’t worry when the weather plays up, as there are plenty of weird and wonderful indoor attractions to keep all ages entertained.

Let us guide you through it all, no matter what your travel style is, in this complete travel guide to Wanaka.

Common Questions About Wanaka

Let’s cut to the chase and answer the most common questions travellers have about Wanaka.

Is it Worth Visiting Wanaka?

Wanaka has become more of a must-visit in New Zealand due to its rising popularity on social media (#ThatWanakaTree, anyone?) We think Wanaka is worth visiting for at least a day when travelling the South Island.

What is Special About Wanaka?

The sublime mountain and lake scenery is what many agree is the most special thing about Wanaka.

Where is Wanaka Located?

Wanaka is located in the Central Otago region in the south of the South Island of New Zealand.

How Do You Get to Wanaka?

Wanaka’s closest international airport is Queenstown Airport – find out more about flights to New Zealand in A Beginner’s Guide to Getting to New Zealand . Wanaka is also accessible by road (one hour’s drive from Queenstown), where it’s possible to rent a car from Queenstown – see The Best Car Rental Companies in Queenstown . Queenstown also has a public bus network with buses to Wanaka – see Public Transport in Queenstown .

What is the Weather Like in Wanaka?

The daily average temperature is 10.3°C ( 50.54 ° F) , while the yearly average rainfall is 711 mm ( 28 in) . Wanaka’s climate is similar to Queenstown, which you can find out more about in our Queenstown Weather & Climate Guide .

Which is Better, Queenstown or Wanaka?

What many travellers used to find great about Wanaka is that it was a quieter version of Queenstown. However, we find that Wanaka is now just as much of a hotspot as Queenstown, so has lost a little of that charm. Nevertheless, Wanaka is still “better” than Queenstown when it comes to the ski season with its proximity to two of the largest commercial ski fields on the South Island.

What Does Wanaka Mean in English?

The word wanaka is the South Island dialect of te reo Maori of the word wananga , which means “place of learning” or “sacred knowledge”.

What to Do in Wanaka

How would you like your mind-blowing views? With a hike like the famous Roy’s Peak Track , a helicopter tour, from a kayak or a mountain bike? If you’re more into relaxation than adventure, then Wanaka has you covered in that department too between its vineyard and lavender farm tours.

The Top Experiences in Wanaka

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Wanaka highlights:

• Get “that shot” from the top of Roy’s Peak
• Take a photo of “# ThatWanakaTree ”
• Climb a waterfall with Wild Wire Wanaka
• Take a road trip down Haast Pass
• Ski or snowboard at Treble Cone or Cardrona
• Hike to a glacier on the Rob Roy Track
• Go canyoning in the Mt Aspiring National Park
• Get puzzled at Puzzling World
• Encounter wildlife on a nature cruise of Lake Wanaka …

… And the list continues over in our  25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka .

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Other than the accommodations we recommend on the righthand side of this complete travel guide to Wanaka, we have compiled entire lists of places to stay based on price, what’s best for families or a couples’ getaway, as well as premium stays. What’s more, each list is compiled by real writers; not some algorithm.

• 20 Best Hotels
• 15 Best Motels
• 15 Best Apartments
• 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations
• 5 Best Backpacker Hostels
• 10 Best Boutique Accommodations & B&Bs
• 15 Best Budget Accommodations
• 10 Best Family Accommodations
• 15 Best Luxury Accommodations
• 10 Most Romantic Accommodations .

Where to Eat in Wanaka

Although the scenery and adventure activities certainly take the spotlight at this lakeside paradise, there is a food scene well worth diving into. Wanaka is home to passionate artisans, beer brewers, wine-makers, chefs and much more. Discover their craft on one of the many food-related tours and, more importantly, taste the good stuff at the array of markets and restaurants available. Find out more in The Food Guide to Wanaka .

The Best Cafes and Restaurants in Wanaka

• Alchemy Bar & Bistro (151 Ardmore Street)
• Patagonia Chocolates  (155 Ardmore Street)
• The Coffee Shack Wanaka (75 Brownston Street)
• Black Peak Gelato (5/123 Ardmore Street)
• Charlie Brown Crepes (77/79 Brownston Street)
• Bistro Gentil (76A Golf Course Road)
• Tititea Steak House (123 Ardmore Street)
• The Doughbin Bakery (123 Ardmore Street)

Things to Do in Wanaka for Foodies

• Tour Wanaka’s wineries and vineyards with Wanaka Wine Tours
• Make a visit to the Wanaka Artisan Market on Thursdays
• Learn about making craft beer at Wanaka Beerworks
• Dine at Wanaka’s top restaurants
• Catch your own trout on a private fly fishing tour.

Find out more about each foodie experience in the 10 Foodie Experiences in Wanaka .

Wanaka for Budget Travellers

Wanaka is a place of lakes, mountains and natural beauty, so you really don’t need to spend much to enjoy the lakeside town. Make the most of the walking trails and free photo opportunities and scout out some of the good-value activities, like bike hire, disc golf, an evening at a boutique cinema and much more. We’ll guide you through how to be frugal in Wanaka with our Wanaka – Guide for Backpackers .

Things to Do on a Budget

• Take a photo of #ThatWanakaTree
• Hike Roys Peak
• Visit Wanaka Lavender Farm
• Play disc golf at Lismore Park
• Walk or cycle around Lake Wanaka .

Find out more about each activity and much more in 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wanaka .

Budget Accommodation

Wanaka is an affordable place to stay thanks to its collection of backpacker hostels, motels and budget lodges. Check out some of our top picks for budget stays in 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka and 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka .

Wanaka for Luxury Travellers

For the traveller who likes to make the very most out of each destination they visit, Wanaka has plenty of premium experiences to enjoy. The picturesque town is brimming with soft adventure activities so you can experience the wonderful alpine landscapes in unique ways, from horse trekking to helicopter flights. At the end of a day exploring, there’s always the opportunity to relax at one of the fine dining restaurants and kick back in your chosen luxury hotel, apartment or lodge. Find out more about planning a luxury visit to Wanaka in The Luxury Guide to Wanaka .

Luxury Experiences in Wanaka

• See Milford Sound in style via a scenic flight with Southern Alps Air
• Gallop through the stunning Cardrona Valley on horseback
• Enjoy Wanaka’s most exclusive picnic spot accessed via 4WD with Wanaka 4×4 Explorer
• Have a 3-in-1 wilderness experience with a scenic flight, self-guided hike and jet boat ride with Siberia Experience
• Experience the scenery in a unique way with Wanaka Paragliding .

Find out more about each experience and much more in 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Wanaka .

Luxurious Accommodation

Make your stay in Wanaka special by booking a few nights in the town’s lavish hotels, private luxury apartments or boutique lodges. Check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wanaka for more details.

Wanaka for Families

Families love Wanaka. Not only is it an easy place to stay, thanks to the varied types of family-friendly accommodation, but it’s packed with things to do whatever the weather. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, from jet boat tours to working deer farm tours, as well as exciting kid-friendly adventures like parasailing and archery. Even if the weather isn’t playing ball, you can always rely on the town’s quirky indoor attractions and museums. Check out our advice for a family holiday in Wanaka in The Guide to Wanaka for Families .

Things to Do in Wanaka with Kids

• Delve into the Mt Aspiring National Park on an exciting jet boat tour
• Boggle your brains at Puzzling World
• Enjoy healthy competition in archery, mini-golf, claybird shooting and more at Crossfire
• Learn to ski or simply enjoy the snow at one of Wanaka’s ski fields
• Let the little ones loose at the Wanaka Dinosaur Park .

Find out more about each family-friendly activity, as well as a few more, in the 15 Things to Do in Wanaka with Kids !

Family-Friendly Accommodation

From comfortable resorts and hotels to budget motels and holiday parks with plenty of facilities to entertain the kids, there’s an accommodation type to suit all kinds of families visiting Wanaka. Check out some of our top picks in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Wanaka .

Wanaka for Couples

Wanaka is an absolute must-see on your New Zealand honeymoon or romantic getaway itinerary or even for a quick romantic getaway. The setting is idyllic, the accommodation is quaint and comfortable; all you need is to fill up your time together with amazing (and romantic) experiences. From wine tasting to active adventures on the ski fields, the possibilities almost seem endless for a couple’s getaway in Wanaka. Check out The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Wanaka for more tips.

Romantic Things to Do in Wanaka

• Cruise around Lake Wanaka at “happy hour”
• Learn a new skill together on the ski slopes of Cardrona or Treble Cone
• Snuggle up with a movie and gourmet food at Cinema Paradiso
• Test your teamwork by hiring a double kayak with Paddle Wanaka
• Hit remote Wanaka bike trails together with General Adventure Company .

Find out more about each romantic activity, as well as a few others, in the 10 Romantic Things to Do in Wanaka .

Romantic Accommodation

While Wanaka offers almost all types of accommodation, if you’re looking for something a little bit special, then consider one of the cute boutique lodges in the area. Find out more in the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Wanaka .

Wanaka Accommodation

• Edgewater Hotel
• Club Wyndham Wanaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Altamont Lodge
• West Meadows of Wanaka
• Distinction Wanaka
• Te Wanaka Lodge
• Alpine Motel
• Wanaka Bakpaka
• Mountain View Backpackers
• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy
• Oakridge Resort
• Hawea Hotel
• Mt Aspiring Holiday Park
• Clearbrook Motel & Serviced Apartments
• Bella Vista Motel
• Lakeside Apartments
• Wanaka View Motel
• Aspiring Lodge Motel
• Golfcourse Road Chalets
• Peak Sport Chalet
• Lime Tree Lodge
• Waiorau Homestead

Compare our top picks in the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Wanaka .

More About Wanaka

That’s it for our complete travel guide to Wanaka but certainly not for our advice on planning the perfect trip to Wanaka. Get inspired with these useful guides:

• 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka
• 5 Best Wineries in Wanaka
• 10 Central Otago Must-Dos

Finally, discover  even  more destinations and experiences on the South Island in the  51 Best Things to Do on the South Island   and  10 Unique & Unusual Things to Do on the South Island .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Wanaka Official Website (Regional tourism website)
• Otago Regional Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Related posts, the honeymoon & romantic getaway guide to wanaka 💑 [2024], the luxury travel guide to wanaka [2024], the foodie guide to wanaka, 10 best things to do in mt aspiring national park ⛰️ [2024], 10 most romantic things to do in wanaka for couples [2024], wanaka – guide for backpackers, recommended for you, how to get wifi in your campervan in new zealand, new zealand working holiday visa: everything you need to know, the top new zealand events & festivals 🙌 [2024], destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Wānaka town

Kayak Lake Wanaka, Wānaka

By Miles Holden

Alpaca in Wānaka, Wānaka

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Sailing, jetboating, and kayaking
• Flightseeing, skydiving, and canyoning

1 hour from Queenstown

A lively town buzzing with a carefree spirit, Wānaka’s picture-perfect location and easy access to the outdoors makes it the ultimate base for your holiday

Skiing in Treble Cone, Wānaka

W ā naka has the buzz of a genuine alpine town and is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures, and with Mount Aspiring National Park located close by it’s the perfect destination for exploring the Southern Alps.

For adventure seekers, you can go skydiving, canyoning, climbing or mountaineering and there are hundreds of kilometres of tracks for hiking or biking. The crystal-clear water of the lakes and rivers are ideal for kayaking, fishing, lake cruises and jet-boating, or to get an aerial perspective of the region take a scenic flight and you can even land on a glacier. In winter, W ā naka is a vibrant centre for skiers and snowboarders with four ski areas just a short drive from the town.

W ā naka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafes and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine, plus a wealth of artisans producing award-winning wine, beer, spirits, bread, and ice cream. Be sure to visit the local farmer's market to try some of the region’s best produce.

Or plan your visit around one of W ā naka’s word-class events like the Warbirds over W ā naka air show, the Rhythm & Alps music festival, the Festival of Colour or Challenge W ā naka, the world’s most scenic long-distance triathlon.

Explore Wānaka

Find things to do, find places to stay, find transport, find a multi-day tour.

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Top 10 things to do in Wānaka long-arrow-right

Lake Wānaka long-arrow-right

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Wanaka Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

From here you can explore the Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park, hike Rob Roy Glacier, go skiing, boat or kayak on the lake, hike one of the many trails around town, or just chill out. You’ll also find vineyards and wineries in the famed Otago Valley, home to mountains, dramatic skies, and picturesque lakes.

As nearby Queenstown has become overcrowded in recent years, travel to Wanaka has exploded and this sleepy little town has become popular with backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s a really cool little town but there’s not a ton to do here beyond enjoying the outdoors. You can easily see everything in a day or two. Most people come here for a few nights to hike, relax, and move on.

This Wanaka travel guide will help you make the most of your time here — and help you save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Wanaka

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Wanaka

1. Go skiing

Wanaka is a big ski town, and if you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll definitely want to check out the Treble Cone, Snow Farm, and Cardrona ski resorts. They are all located within a 40-minute drive from Wanaka and offer excellent skiing/snowboarding. Lift passes start at 105 NZD per day or 175 NZD per day including equipment rental. Multi-day passes offer the best value for your money.

2. Trek Around Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is a smaller lake located about a 20-minute drive from Wanaka. You can choose from several trails that go around the lake, including the 45-minute loop and a 1-hour hike to the lookout which affords incredible views over the surrounding lakes and mountains. Hiking is easy and suitable for all levels. For a longer hike, the Rocky Mountain Summit Track is 7 kilometers (4 miles) and takes 3 hours (return).

3. Explore Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site, is full of pristine lakes, tall mountains, and epic glaciers. Its namesake mountain stands 3,000 meters (985 feet) tall in the middle of it all, covered in glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and beech forest. There is excellent hiking here, including the 1-hour Blue Pools Track and the 4-hour Roby Roy Track. You can go to the Mount Aspiring Visitor Center in Wanaka before heading out to get detailed maps and tips.

4. Visit wineries

The climate here is ideal for growing grapes, and the primary wine in the area is Pinot Noir. The best way to see the wineries is to rent a car and go on your own. The nearby town of Cromwell has a self-guided 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail, and Alexandra has the Pedal 4 Pinot Trail, which is a 25-kilometer (15-mile) loop in which you cycle to all the different wineries. You can also do a guided tour anytime throughout the year. If you decide to do a full-day tour, you’ll get to do some tastings in the Wanaka Region and then into Central Otago. However, I think that the wine tours are overpriced (they cost around 150 NZD for a 2-3 hour tour or 265 NZD for a full-day tour).

5. Hike Roy’s Peak

With beautiful Wanaka as the backdrop, you can climb to Roy’s Peak from lake-level through farmland and then up to the 1,578-meter (5,177-foot) summit. The peak offers spectacular views of Lake Wanaka, its islands, bays, and the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps/Tiritiri-o-te-Moana, including Mount Aspiring. It’s a 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike (return) that takes about 5-7 hours.

Other Things to See and Do in Wanaka

1. visit puzzling world.

For some quirky fun, visit Puzzling World just outside town. It’s an outdoor maze and sculpture gallery that’s a quick and entertaining visit, especially if you have kids! It’s probably the best family activity in town. Admission to the maze is 18 NZD and the optical illusion space is 20 NZD. A combo ticket for both is 25 NZD.

2. Go horseback riding

Wanaka offers some of the best horse trekking in New Zealand. You can ride with cowboys in the high country and get an idea of what farm life is all about, or you can just enjoy an easy jaunt around Lake Wanaka. A ride along the Gold Discovery Trail in the Cardrona Valley is a great way to learn about the gold rush in the area as well, and you don’t need horseback riding experience to do it. Most two-hour group treks are 100-130 NZD.

4. Cruise Wanaka Lake

Take a boat cruise with Eco Wanaka to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, which is home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). A one-hour guided bush walk is included, which takes you up to a lake right on top of the island! Tours last eight hours and cost 204 NZD. If you’d like to take a shorter cruise, Wanaka Cruises offers a one-hour cruise around the lake for 49 NZD, or a happy hour cruise for 59 NZD (which includes a drink).

5. Go jet boating on the Matukituki River

The glacial Matukituki River is the best place for experiencing river jet boating in New Zealand. Enjoy a 50-minute walk through remote moss-covered forest, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. Wander beneath Avalanche Glacier (when conditions permit) or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Four-hour tours start at 239 NZD.

6. Bike the Glendhu Bay track

From Waterfall Creek the Glendhu Bay track follows the terraces above Lake Wanaka, offering spectacular views. Eventually, it leads to a small north-facing beach — Damper Bay — which is ideal for swimming in the summer. This first section of the track is hilly with some short, steep sections so you’ll want a reasonable level of fitness to do this. There are some really amazing views of Mount Aspiring from Glendhu Bay. You can rent mountain bikes in the area for about 50 NZD a day.

7. Attend the TUKI Festival

If you happen to be in Wanaka in February, attend the Tuki Festival (formerly the Rippon Festival). TUKI showcases some of the best New Zealand musical talent in a beautiful setting at Glendhu Bay. The stage is literally just 50 meters (165 feet) from the lake. A lot of people camp out at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp across the road, but you’ll have to book super quickly because all the spots sell out fast. Tickets start from around 140 NZD.

8. Hike Rob Roy Glacier

Take the Rob Roy Glacier Track into Mount Aspiring National Park, where you’ll get to experience the stunning mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and river valleys of the area. This route is an easy 10-kilometer (6-mile) trek, suitable even for children — and it’s doable in just a few hours. You should check ahead on the national park’s website to make sure there are no avalanche warnings or road closures. The hike starts at the Raspberry Creek car park which is about 54 kilometers (33 miles) west of Wanaka.

9. See Bremner Bay

Bremner Bay on Lake Wanaka is where the locals like to hang out, especially families who like to take advantage of the bay’s sheltered and shallow waters for swimming and picnicking in the warmer months. There’s a long, peaceful stretch of sandy white beach, and the water is clear and perfect for fishing and water sports. There isn’t a whole lot going on here; it’s definitely a place to relax!

10. Trek Mount Iron

This trek is just slightly more difficult than the Rob Roy Glacier Track, but it’s still an easy track. The hike itself is only 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) and shouldn’t take you longer than 90 minutes to do the whole loop. Mount Iron is a glacier-carved mountain rising 250 meters (820 feet) above the countryside, so when you reach the summit you’ll get panoramic views over the Pisa Range.

11. Walk the Outlet Track

The Outlet Track is an easy 3-kilometer (2.8-mile) walk following the clear waters of the Clutha River, stretching from the Lake Wanaka Outlet to Albert Town. It’s an easy route for families (even those with strollers), as well as cyclists and runners. It takes about an hour to do each way.

13. See the Famous Wanaka Tree

The Wanaka Willow is all that is left from a fence that is now on the shore of Lake Wanaka. It’s pretty overrated — it’s just a photogenic tree that got popular on Instagram. Talk about good marketing, right? But if you’re doing the lake walk, you’ll pass it so you might as well stop and snap a photo and tag #ThatWanakaTree!

  For more information about other destinations in New Zealand, check out these guides!

• Auckland Travel Guide
• Bay of Islands Travel Guide
• Christchurch Travel Guide
• Franz Josef Travel Guide
• Nelson Travel Guide
• Queenstown Travel Guide
• Rotorua Travel Guide
• Taupo Travel Guide
• Waitomo Travel Guide
• Wellington Travel Guide

Wanaka Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms cost between 35-40 NZD per night for a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm and 30-33 NZD per night in a dorm with 8 beds or more. Private rooms start at 65 NZD per night for a twin room with a shared bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels here have kitchens for cooking your own meals. None offer free breakfast.

Camping in Wanaka is affordable with tent sites starting from 10 NZD per night for a basic plot (for two people) without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels and motels begin around 140 NZD per night, though most hotels in the area cost over 180 NZD. Expect free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Free breakfast is almost never included.

There are only a handful of Airbnb properties around Wanaka, with private rooms starting at 70-85 NZD per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 120 NZD.

Food – Food in Wanaka consists mostly of seafood, lamb, fish and chips, and meat pies. Expect to indulge on things like roast lamb, muscles, scallops, oysters, and snapper. Like everywhere else in the country, eating out here isn’t cheap (though it’s a little cheaper here than in other cities).

A meal of traditional cuisine costs around 20-25 NZD while a three-course restaurant meal with a drink costs about 40 NZD. There are no McDonald’s (or similar fast-food chains) here, and there are aren’t many affordable takeout places. You can find burritos, burgers, and pizza though, which all cost around 12-15 NZD.

Beer at the bar is 10-12 NZD, a glass of wine is 11-14 NZD, and a cocktail is 16-20 NZD. A latte/cappuccino costs 4.75 NZD while bottled water is 2.75 NZD.

If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend between 70-85 NZD per week for basic foodstuffs like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. PaknSave is typically the cheapest supermarket.

Some of my favorite places to eat here are Federal Diner, Tititea Steak House, and Water Bar.

Backpacking Wanaka Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 65 NZD per day, you can sleep in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, and do free activities like hiking. If you camp or Couchsurf you can lower this by 20 NZD per day. If you plan to drink, you’ll need 10-20 NZD more per day.

On a mid-range budget of 200 NZD a day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, enjoy the occasional drink, eat out for a few meals, do some paid activities (like visit Puzzling World), and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 340 NZD a day or more, you can stay in a hotel, do any activities you want, take a self-guided wine tour, eat out as much as you want, enjoy as many drinks as you want, and rent a car. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NZD.

Wanaka Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

In Wanaka, it’s not too hard to stay on budget. All that surrounding nature is free! You’ll end up spending most of your money on any adventure sports, wine tours, meals, or nights out. Here are all the high-impact ways you can save money in Wanaka:

• Learn to cook – Wanaka receives a lot of tourist traffic so you can expect to find high prices at restaurants. You’re better off preparing your own meals to save yourself some money. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap!
• Take a hike – There are tons of free hiking trails around the area. Rob Roy Glacier and Diamond Lake are two popular trails to try.
• WWOOF it – WWOOFing is a great way to work for your accommodation and food. In return for working on a farm or B&B, you get free room and board. It’s a popular activity with travelers because it lets you stay in a place cheaper and longer. You can do it for a few days or a few months. Keep in mind that most farms will require you to have some experience, as too many inexperienced workers have caused trouble in the past.
• Clean in exchange for your room – Many hostels let you trade a few hours of cleaning and making beds for free accommodation. Ask when you check in if this is possible — it might just save you some money!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is pretty popular in Wanaka. If you don’t mind sleeping on a couch, this is a great way to save some money and meet locals.
• Find cheap activities – The book.me.nz website provides last minute discounts on activities (and pub crawls) throughout the country. Most of the activities are last minute, but if you’re flexible in when you want to do things, you can save up to 60% off attractions! I can’t recommend it enough. You can also check out backpackerguide.nz/deals for great deals.
• Visit off-season – Wanaka is at its busiest in the months of March, June, and July. The area receives the least amount of tourism traffic in November, meaning you’ll find much cheaper prices!
• Walk everywhere – Wanaka is a small, pedestrian-friendly town so you will be able to walk everywhere within the town.
• Get a temporary job – If you’re running low on money and still have plenty of time left in New Zealand, check Backpackerboard.co.nz for temporary paying gigs.
• Get the multi-day ski pass – If skiing or snowboarding is your main priority, go for the multi-day passes rather than single passes. They offer pretty decent savings.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Wanaka is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Wanaka has a few hostels that are fun, social, and affordable. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Wanaka Bakpaka
• Mountain View Backpackers
• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy

How to Get Around Wanaka

Wanaka is a small, pedestrian-friendly town so you will be able to walk everywhere during your stay.

Buses – Wanaka is small (under 10,000 people live here) so there is no public city bus. You can arrive/depart via Intercity (the main bus service). The bus to Queenstown takes two hours and costs 30 NZD while the bus from Christchurch takes around nine hours and costs 90 NZD.

Bike rental – You can rent mountain bikes in Wanaka for around 50 NZD per day. E-bikes start at 120 NZD per day.

Taxis/Rideshares – Taxis start at 3.25 NZD and go up by about that much for every kilometer. Avoid them if you can as they aren’t cheap! There are no ridesharing services (like Uber) here.

Car rental – Renting a car is expensive if you pick it up in Wanaka. Small cars can be rented for around 80-100 NZD per day on a multi-day rental. You’ll need an International Driving Permit to rent a vehicle here, which you can get in your home country before you leave. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Wanaka

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning when most North Americans are dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, Kiwis are enjoying their beaches. The climate here is temperate. Summer is from December-February and is the most popular time to visit. Kiwis also take their holidays during this time, so things get busy! Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The average daytime temperature is 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Fall is from March-May, and it’s one of the best times to visit. The crowds have dispersed, prices are lower, and the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 8-20°C (47-69°F).

Winter is from June-August, and it’s a great time to visit if you’re into snow sports. Temperatures in Wanaka are generally between -1-8°C (29-47°F) at this time.

Spring (September-November) is also a nice time to visit as the weather is getting warmer but you still have a good chance of snow. Temperatures are around 2-14°C (36-57°F). It is also very quiet at this time of year.

There’s really no bad time to visit Wanaka, depending on the sort of things you’d like to do. Since New Zealand is so expensive, shoulder season is one of the best times to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Wanaka

Wanaka is super safe. Violent crime and theft are super rare here. That said, it never hurts to always be aware of your surroundings just in case.

If you have a vehicle, be sure to never leave valuables in it overnight or while hiking. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re going hiking or spending time outdoors, bring water and always check the weather in advance so you can dress and prepare accordingly. Bring sunscreen too.

As earthquakes and tsunamis do occur in New Zealand, consider downloading the Hazard App from the Red Cross. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters and will also send out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Theft and petty crime are very rare.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in New Zealand though.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 111 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your important documents, like your passport, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Wanaka Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
• bookme.co.nz – You’ll get some really good last minute deals and discounts on this website! Just select what area you’re traveling in, and see what activities are on sale.
• treatme.co.nz – The locals use this website to find discount hotels, restaurants, and tours. You can save up to 50% off things like catamaran sailing lessons or three-course dinners.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Wanaka Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on New Zealand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Christchurch

Where to Stay in Christchurch: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Auckland

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Stay in Auckland: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown

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A Local’s Guide to The Best Things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand

Written By: Matt Burns

New Zealand

Updated On: January 2, 2024

New Zealand resident Matt Burns shares his favourite things to do in Wanaka. He shares his expertise from living there for two years and gives us his best insider tips of what to see and do!

The little lakefront town of Wanaka has sat sleepily in the shadows of it’s big sister Queenstown for years. But if you scratch beneath the snow capped mountain scenery and fresh blue waters, you’ll see this place is anything but sleepy.

There’s so much to do here and so much you’ll want to see that even most of the locals would struggle to agree on the best things to see and do while you’re here.

Table of Contents

What to do in Wanaka

While it’s managed to retain its small town status and feel, there’s no doubt that Wanaka is a town experiencing some major popularity surges over recent years, as the place continues to find its way onto more and more peoples New Zealand travel bucket lists. And to be fair…it’s not hard to see why.

If you’re visiting Wanaka and wondering where to start, don’t panic. We’ve got you covered. So sit back, hit ‘bookmark’ and let’s get into it. Make sure to check out these 14 Cool and Fun Facts About New Zealand

1. Take a stroll (or hike a mountain)

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive into Wanaka is that it’s almost completely surrounded by mountains.

Since almost 1/3rd of New Zealand is owned and managed by the Department of Conservation, (with a good chunk of the remainder being farmland) pretty much all of what you can see is open to the public.

Hiking in Wanaka

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you arrive in Wanaka is to get up high and get an overview down and out over the stunning blues of the lake and the tiny little township nestled into its southern shore.

As luck would have it…there’s a hike for that.

In fact, there’s a lot of hikes for that.

The most popular by far, and the one you’ve most probably seen in all the photos, is the view from the top of Mt Roy – a hike that starts a short drive out of town around to the west side of the lake.

Insider Tip for Hiking in Wanaka:

For an equally awesome view though – and one you can actually see without having to do battle with 100’s of camera lenses with people attached to them – keep driving a little further on past the start of the Roys Peak track.

Then keep going a little more.

Past Treble Cone ski area.

Eventually you’ll spot a little gravel road off to the right, which will take you to a little car park and the beginning of the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain tracks.

From the top you’ll be able to see the Southern Alps, right out over Lake Wanaka with its many bays and bluffs and out towards the peak of Mt Aspiring.

If you like your hikes a little less intense, there are still heaps of great options to choose from.

Other Hikes Around Wanaka

• A stroll along the river to neighbouring Albert Town
• A walk past the quiet waterfall creek for views of Mt Aspiring
• Or a casual walk around the lakefront will give you a great taste of what Wanaka is all about and why exactly it’s so special.

The serene and completely unspoilt landscape on offer here is the reason that so many people come to visit Wanaka, and why a lucky few choose to call it “home”.

2. Drive to Raspberry Creek

For something really special though…take a drive out to Raspberry Creek in nearby Mt Aspiring National Park.

It is hands down one of my all time favourite little pieces of road. Actually, that’s a lie, because it’s not really a road. It’s more of a gravel/dirt track that someone cut out alongside the river (and occasionally, through it).

Once you get to the car park at the end of the track, you’ll get to make the tough choice.

You can hike a 5km hike to through the forest to check out the awesome Rob Roy Glacier, or  take the 9km path along the meandering West branch of the Matukituki River and out to Aspiring Hut and some unmatched views out through the valley beyond.

Tough call.

3. Get on the water

On a sunny day, you can rent kayaks from down on the lakefront or sign up for boat tours with Eco Wanaka or Lake Wanaka Cruises.

As well as being ridiculously beautiful, Lake Wanaka is also huge.

So there’s a LOT to explore.

There are 3 islands on the lake too, with Ruby Island in particular being a popular goal for kayakers with half a day or so to spare.

For the more adventurous or experienced kayakers, an overnight camping trip out on Stevensons Island (highly recommended!) is also an awesome way to spend a weekend.

Insider Tip:

Watch out for the weather – the wind picks up quickly here and it’s easy to get caught out. Waves can pick up over the wide open water and whitecaps have tipped me over more than once.

Keep an eye on the forecast from the local Met Service and take notice of the wind speeds.

February and March are usually the best and calmest months to get out on the water.

4. Grab a coffee

While the war over who actually invented the flat white rages on, one thing I can tell you is that the Kiwis take their coffee pretty damn seriously.

And Wanaka is no exception.

If you want to load up and get your caffeine fix, there’s certainly no shortage of venues to choose from.

Suggested Cafés in Wanaka

Get down to any of the awesome waterfront cafes like Kai Whakapai or Relishes if you like your caffeine with a side of view.

Or if you want to beat the tourist crowds on a sunny morning then Florences or Cafe Gusto are both excellent coffee spots.

You’ll have no problem finding a comfy seat and burying your head in that awesome new book for a few hours.

5. Get Your Adrenaline Fix

If the scenery and the great coffee doesn’t quite get your heart racing enough, then don’t panic.

Wanaka’s not done yet.

New Zealand – The Adventure Capital of the World

New Zealand is renowned as being a true adrenaline junkie paradise.

It’s the birthplace of the bungy jump , the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world and of course, Sir Edmund Hillary.

Back here in Wanaka, you can grab a slice of the adrenaline pie. 

Adrenaline Activities in Wanaka

• Wanaka has some world-class rock climbing terrain housing the most concentrated sport climbing area in New Zealand. There are nearly 1000 routes all located a mere only 15 minutes from town.
• In Aspiring National Park you can throw yourself off waterfalls in a terrifying and exhilarating canyoning experience.
• And you must take one of the most scenic flights of your life in a vintage biplane over the Southern Alps.

Still not enough?

How about having a go at New Zealand’s highest tandem paragliding up at Treble Cone ski area? Parasailing while strapped to the back of a speeding boat high above the lake? Or take control of your own 2 man plane for a quick trial flying lesson out of Wanakas tiny regional airport.

6. Skydiving in Wanaka

Or try out the ultimate adrenaline rush and ”strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane”.

Wanaka is home to one of the highest skydives in New Zealand, and if 15,000ft of free falling madness isn’t enough to get your heart jumping out of your chest then the insane views you’ll be treated to just might do the trick.

A good tip for booking any kind of activities like this is to check out BookMe.co.nz .

It’s New Zealand’s biggest deal site and most activity companies will regularly post a limited number of cheap tickets up on there for those who are lucky enough to get in quick.

7. Get some snow

In the winter, perhaps even more so than the summers, this glorious little mountain town really comes alive.

Visitor numbers to the town rocket in the southern hemisphere winter season, although you wouldn’t know it from a midday stroll through town.

Everyone’s too busy enjoying the snow at one of the awesome ski resorts that are just a 20 minute drive from the town center.

For the more experienced and adventurous skiers, there are options aplenty too.

Backcountry Skiing in Wanaka

Remember that awesome backcountry you spent all summer hiking through? Well strap on the skis because, as we all know, everything always looks better when it’s covered in snow.

Backcountry skiing here is not only popular but very accessible.

Both of the ski resorts can be used as a jumping off point into the best unspoilt and completely untouched off piste cross country, and there are multiple alpine huts ready to cater for multi day expeditions if you really want to get stuck in!

If you like the draw of the backcountry without the drag of the uphill then Harris Mountain Heli Ski are based in Wanaka and organise powder sessions all over Mt Aspiring National Park. Alpine Heliski are another option based over the hill in Queenstown.

8. Try the food

You wont find any fast food joints or mass produced nonesense here in Wanaka. This healthy, outdoor town’s having none of that.

It’s real, fresh food only here.

While the little town of Wanaka isn’t crawling with options, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite.

Truth be told, for its size, Wanaka is still packing a pretty good culinary punch.

Grab a fantastic Italian feed at The White House or enjoy unique Asian fusion food sitting on the balcony at Alivate, or a great post-hike gourmet burger at Red Star.

Neighbouring Queenstown, just a 40 minute drive away over the scenic crown range also has a booming foodie scene too.

If you’re heading over the hill, check out Firsttable.co.nz for good earlybird dinner deals.

Read More things to do in New Zealand

• Visit New Zealand – 33 Reasons to Visit Right Now
• Best Things to Do in Christchurch
• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: New Zealand’s Best 1 Day Hike
• A Local’s Guide to The Best Things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand
• Where to Bunjy Jump in New Zealand
• Whitewater Rafting Class 5 Rapids in New Zealand
• 38 Amazing Things to do in New Zealand
• Explore New Zealand by Campervan
• What a 6.3 Earthquake Can Do to a City
• Glowworm Caves, New Zealand – a Dazzling Display of Light

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

29 Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2024

23 Amazing Things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand

Where to Go Bungy Jumping in New Zealand

About Matt Burns

Matt Burns is an ex digital marketer turned freelance writer. Since 2011, he’s been slowly working his way around the world. Follow his travels one adventure at a time at Matt-Burns.com

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7 thoughts on “A Local’s Guide to The Best Things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand”

Still haven’t done Roys Peak, am thinking maybe in winter it will be less busy. But Raspberry Creek I’ve never heard of. Looks like a good drive there too

New Zealand is beautiful. Wanaka will be my first point of visit when next i visit.

Local tips make all the difference when travelling so thanks. We’re hoping to go to New Zealand later in the year and just working out where to go.

Wanaka has been on my bucket list for so long! collection of photos is so awesome. You shared amazing tips in your travel trip. Thank you so much for sharing it!

This is really beautiful place to visit! Great adventures! Your pictures make me want to go there. Wanaka looks great destination…

I never heard about Wanaka and never been there as well. But thanks to you and your post now Wanaka is in my list to explore.

How i skip such beautiful location.

New Zealand has always been on my bucket list, it looks absolutely stunning! You shared great things to do there! Whenever we go, i will differently use your article.

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Wanaka travel guide, attractions, things to do and places to visit

Lake Wanaka, South Island

• Wine trails
• Travel pack

Find a place where you enjoy year round attractions. Wanaka is a quintessential summer destination with a deep blue lake for kayaking, strolling along or swimming while winter offers the joy of skiing in Treble Cone or Cardrona. The beautiful outdoors defines adventure from hikes in mountains and along glacier fed rivers or the exhilaration of bungy jumping or rock climbing. Challenge your inner self as you boogie board down surging rivers.

where several days is not enough

Explore the South Island’s majestic alpine landscapes and rest, revive and unwind in one of New Zealand’s premier resort towns, Wanaka, Otago.

Puzzling World

Puzzling World is an iconic, award-winning attraction that since 1973 has fascinated people of all ages. Boasting the world’s first ‘Mega Maze’, five Illusion Rooms, and a huge Puzzle Café we invite you to enjoy Wanaka’s wonderful world of weirdness! Family Fun with Kids, Wanaka best attraction!

TAKING A SELFIE IN WANAKA

Visitors are drawn to the lakeshore and #thatwanakatree. Admittedly the solitary Wanaka willow is undeniably picturesque, the lone willow seemingly floating on the lake. #thatwanakatree with is dropping slender branches framing the view of the Southern Alps is the theme for zillions of instagram shots. For the hardy there is the slog up the sheer slope of Roys Peak. Visitors queue to snap a quick shot of yourself in a selfie pose as a human dot against the vastness of the outstanding mountain and lake scene below.

Roys Peak is part of millions of outstretched arms backdropped against a striking landscape. Plus the selfie looks scary … is the person going to plummet off the mountain. Yet while Roys Peak is the destination for many there are plenty of original relatively undiscovered corners for the selfie pose, the couples or family photo capturing the holiday spirit. Check out Wanaka where to take a selfie and enjoy finding new places to express yourself.

WALKING, STROLLING OR HIKING

Walking, strolling or hiking the choice is yours. The scenery provides the magic.

There is a walk, a hike and day tramp for everyone in Wanaka. The bonus is the beautiful outdoors year round with scenery people would like to bottle and take home.

Unmissable short walks include:

• Wanaka lakeside stroll, from Bremner Bay to Glendhu Bay
• Eely Point , Lake Hawea
• Diamond Lake and pack a picnic and swimmers

Stretch the legs and lace up the hiking boots:

• Rob Roy Glacier walk an extraordinary embracing native beech forest, river valleys and terminus of Rob Roy Glacier
• Matukituki Valley walks
• Lake Wanaka outlet walk discovering the charms of the upper Clutha River
• Roys Peak, someone got to do this and, of course take a selfie
• Mt Iron Summit with its sweeping views of Wanaka, the alps and the lake

For more ideas about best walks in Wanaka check out Wanaka 11 walks for families and the dedicated tramper, #thatwanakatree key facts and other beautiful places to visit in Otago.

A place that celebrates snow and ice is definitely the place to be when the weather is chilly. And forget the wet weather gear Wanaka has the answer with several outdoor shops stocking your sized clothing.

BIKE, CYCLE OR WALK CENTRAL OTAGO

Wanaka’s local cycle trails provide scenic lakes, mountains and the outdoors with a touch of comfort with cafes and wineries a heartbeat from the trail. Close by Wanaka is the Otago network of bike trails with Lake Dunstan cycle trail a mere 51 km distance.

• Hawea River Trail
• Outlet Clyde River Trail
• #thatwanaktree shared cycle trail to Glendhu Bay
• Road trails embracing views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea
• Mountain Bike Parks from Card

Dedicated cyclists must-go list with Central Otago cycle trails at the top must include Wanaka on the bucket list. The cycle trails are shared with walkers and even horseback riders creating a mix of interests. For walkers it is very easy to pick a short section or even loop back on a section and meander through the visually impressive scenery and sights of long ago gold mining activities.

READ MORE about getting there and key facts about Central Otago four cycling & walking trails attractions and things to do – Best Bits .

The star of the show, Lake Wanaka’s average water temperature is 8.9°C – 20.0°C. Bracing dip is another word for chilly. No wonder plenty of people swim in a wetsuit.

ADVENTURE CLASSICS – AJ HACKETT BUNGY JUMP ANYONE?

You can travel the short distance to the Karawau Gorge for a classic, bungy jump into the canyon with rubber bands around your ankles. For New Zealand kiwi style adventure Wanaka dishes up the goods with everything from rock canyoning to sky diving or sustainable journeys to the high country beyond.

ADVENTURE IS IN WANAKA’S DNA

Every holiday deserves a treat, or several. Wanaka is packed with tour operators offering exhilarating adventure options from high wire balancing past waterfalls to adrenaline laced rock climbing. Equipment for skiing, summer sports or active outdoor pursuits adds up. Who doesn’t want to SUP or kayak to a marine reserve and picnic on a remote beach.

Perhaps the idea of jet boating to a quiet place to fish feels like heaven or an expensive way to fish. Glorious scenery is free, it is what to do while in Wanaka that costs. Wanaka offers airborne heights where you land on a glacier or the wild calls with horse trekking or 4WD into the pristine alpine landscapes.

There are professional guides specialising in almost everything outdoors from fly fishing, hunting, tramping and hiking and experts on the flora and fauna. Check out a few of the tour operators Wanaka Adventures and decide which ticks your bucket list.

NEXT CHAPTER BOOKSHOP AND CULTURE IS ALIVE & WELL IN WANAKA

Find what to do on a rainy day in Wanaka or need a great book to read under a shady tree. Forget about that instagram fabulousness of Roys Peak, bathed in warm light. Wanaka has lots to do and see on rainy days. Unique experiences Wanaka style add a flourish to the damp day outside.

• Next Chapter Bookshop is an independent bookstore with plenty of paper based gifts for the hard to please from amusing cards, quirky bookmarks
• Puzzling World is a must-go regardless of the weather. Amusing mental challenges and lots of entertainment for all age groups.

… read more Wanaka 6 indoor attractions to visit .

WINE TRAILS AND VINEYARDS IN WANAKA AND CLOSE BY

Wanaka wine region is classic Central Otago pinot noir with some family vineyards having stretched their wings with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling.

Wanaka wine region is the northernmost area of Central Otago with a cooler wetter climate than interior Central Otago. Lake Wanaka modifies the severity of frosts yet adds an additional challenge of moisture laden air. The long hot dry summers are classic Central Otago in Wanaka which encourages the development of ripe fruit complexity without the loss of precious acidity. While Pinot Noir is the local favourite family vineyards have stretched their wings with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling.

… read more WANAKA WINE & CRAFT BREWERY (+ GIN DISTILLERY) TRAILS

WHAT TO DO IN WANAKA WITH THE KIDS?

Wanaka has found the recipe for family holidays. Perhaps it is the stupendous grassy foreshore with plenty of space for kids to play (playgrounds, ice cream vendors, kayak and SUP) or the small town feel to the town centre. Wanaka offers kids (and the young at heart) puzzles and mysteries at Puzzling World, adventures from jet boat tours to working deer farm tours.

The town is pedestrian friendly with the lake separated from the town by a large grassed foreshore and limited speed zone road.

FAMILIES,  WHAT TO DO IN WANAKA?

Here are 11 ideas …

• National Transport and Toy Museum must go, cafe, vehicles to clamber over, plenty of room to explore and nearby is the Wanaka Lavender Farm with its great gift shop
• Glendhu Bike Park where the view is extraordinary and rent a mountain bike
• Lismore Bike Park, fun, free and easily accessible from Wanaka’s town centre and locate #thatwanakatree close by for a group photo
• Walk from #thatwanakatree to Glendhu Bay
• Try out skiing in winter at Cardrona or Treble Cone with its extensive family packages
• Try biking local trails in summer
• Dinner at the local popup food carts in town, great catering and pretty town landscaping with plenty of seating
• Kayak Lake Wanaka or pick one of the tourist adventures and go jet boating
• Walk the Outlet Clutha shared trail with some patisseries in the backpack
• Puzzling World is fun, amusing and a challenge to the senses. A must-go attraction.
•  Relax on the lake foreshore, consider whether to purchase an ice cream or coffee, think about hiring an SUP or do nothing but watch the kids swim.

SHOPPING, RETAIL THERAPY

Relax you are on holiday without a big block retailer in sight. Small town vibe with individual operators carefully selecting goods and services suitable for your next adventure or wine trail. Outdoors stores specialise in both summer and winter activities with snow boards stacked next to swimmers. The curated clothing shop is next to an interesting art gallery or perhaps it’s time to rest between excursions in the cafe overlooking Lake Wanaka.

Check out the stores behind the main street cafes, THE PRECINCT. The Precinct is a chic contemporary space with a range of gift shops and hospitality stores inhabiting the spaces. The Precinct neatly links to nearby streets with a short 10 minute walk to the massive off street parking space

Wanaka is serviced by supermarkets, pharmacies and banks making keeping in touch a breeze as well as a place to collect foodie treats for an impromptu picnic.

• BASE STREETWEAR. Base Streetwear is the go to fashion and streetwear store in Wanaka, New Zealand. We’ve been around for over 20 years.
• BELLA of Wanaka. Sophisticated women’s clothing to smart casual gear for a day on the lake.
• DEVal Boutique women’s clothing selected collection of international and local designers with the option of a personal styling session.
• GLOWING SKY. Timaru, South Island knitwear company with cool linen pants.
• UNTOUCHED WORLD. Premium soft, fine merino clothing cool in summer with the ability to keep you toasty warm in winter.
• WOOLS OF WANAKA is a local family-owned business specialising in New Zealand made merino wool and possum fur blend clothing. Merino wool is the finest wool and when mixed with possum fur creates a superior product that keeps you warm yet is lightweight. Our extensive collection includes knitwear for Men, Women, Children and Baby. Other related merino wool products include knitting yarn and blanket throws.
• THE PICTURE LOUNGE – NZ PHOTOGRAPHERS GALLERY
• GALLERY 33 . Wanaka’s Contemporary Art Gallery. Gallery 33 exhibit a range of contemporary artwork including paintings, sculptures and jewellery from leading New Zealand and Australian artists
• SHOPPING, OUTDOORS CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES, WANAKA
• RACERS EDGE . Wanaka’s specialist ski + bike + outdoors. Meet the employees who are usually found outdoors on their day off.
• MT OUTDOORS any sport, Mt Outdoors has the gear on hand.
• OUTSIDE SPORTS a national brand with a presence in Wanaka.
• BIKE LOUNGE   has stores in Wanaka and Queenstown – we offer everything you need for a great ride in the Southern Lakes.
• WASTEBUSTERS. Shop knowing you are contributing to upcycling and resource management while browsing Watesbusters community opportunity shop.

WANAKA MARKETS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

What a calendar, it’s packed with festivals, events and challenges. Wanaka is often fully booked accommodation on the dates. Get in early to secure your spot.

• WANAKA ARTISAN MARKET – farmers market run year round
• WANAKA SUNDAY CRAFT MARKET
• WANAKA FESTIVAL OF COLOUR
• WANAKA BEER FESTIVAL
• WANAKA TE KAKANO PLANTING SESSIONS
• Free live music at Edgewater Resort (summer)
• Wanaka A&P Show
• RIPE WANAKA Food and Drink Festival
• Wheels at Wanaka
• NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival
• Wanaka Warbirds and Wheels event
• Challenge Wanaka Adaptive IS part of the Triathlon Festival.
• Wanaka Red Bull Foxhunt Challenge, Downhill mountain bike event Red Bull Foxhunt is coming to New Zealand tracks for the first time ever where 150 riders will come together at Cardrona
• Wanaka Parkrun Every Saturday, Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. Wānaka Parkrun started in February 2018 and they are proud to have a truly beautiful course beside the lake
• Crankworx mountain bike challenge
• Motatapu bike, run, stagger challenge

Wine trails and vineyards with drop dead gorgeous views.

The only difficulty facing visitors is deciding which vineyard to patronise.

WANAKA ROAD TRIPS

Wanaka is an ideal location to explore Central Otago. Wanaka’s location is a natural hub to explore Otago. Savour views of glorious mountain ranges and the semi-arid desert plateaus of Central Otago with its gold mining heritage. Join the dots on a road trip around the lower South Island. Nearby is Cromwell , Alexandra and Clyde creating opportunities for day trips or an overnight stay.

CAN YOU VISIT CROMWELL IN A DAY FROM WANAKA, OTAGO?

You can easily visit historic Cromwell in a day from Wanaka. One way the trip is less than an hour. Key highlights

• Bannockburn Sluicings (historic gold mining site)
• Heritage Cromwell with its original schist buildings and Victorian streetscape
• Lake Dunstan for an al fresco meal

… read more WANAKA ROAD JOURNEYS, INSPIRATION FOR DAY TRIPS

Wānaka airport is 10 minutes from town and has scenic and charter flights, the nearest domestic and international airport is Queenstown Airport which is 60 minutes away. See our flights to Wānaka and buses to Wānaka page .

Wanaka has a resident population of less than 12,000 people making a public town bus service unviable. There are several shuttle buses to destinations such as Puzzling Word, Raspberry Creek car park (Rob Roy Glacier walk) and popular walking tracks. Biking is a breeze with cycle hire companies readily including transport as part of the package.

The outdoors is amazing and it’s free. Your holiday should not be about stressing about the cost of entertainment especially when families are involved.  Let’s get you out and about without breaking the bank. Check out Wanaka Things To Do and See for Free – Best Bits and get inspired. And click on Wanaka walks and hikes for outdoor activities where the only thing needed are boots and water / snacks / clothing.

A town that celebrates the outdoors is casual with hiking boots and activewear part of the streetscape. Bring layers as even in summer it can be chilly in the evening.

Wanaka has a below average rainfall with extended periods of hot dry summer weather. Summer weather is mid-January to late February with an average temperature in the mid-20c. Winter season average temperature is in the single digits.

The warm season lasts for 3.3 months, from 6 December to 17 March, with an average daily high temperature above 18°C. The hottest month of the year in Wanaka is February, with an average high of 20°C and low of 10°C.

The cool season lasts for 3.0 months, from 26 May to 25 August, with an average daily high temperature below 9°C. The coldest month of the year in Wanaka is July, with an average low of 2°C and high of 7°C.

Source Wanaka Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (New Zealand) .

Winter – Wanaka is unlikely to experience snow however at night the temperature usually drops below freezing. The average night temperature is -2c. The height of winter is June – July.

WANAKA MOUNTAIN RANGES HEIGHT

• Mount Aspiring: 3,033 m
• Mount Roy: 1,578 m
• Mount Iron: 740 m
• Treble Cone: 2,058 m
• Black Peak: 2,289 m

WHERE IS WANAKA LOCATED?

Wanaka is located in the province of Otago with the nearest international airport Queenstown approximately 1 hour drive over the Crown Range Highway.

Which is the better place to stay, Queenstown or Wanaka?

Wanaka is a quieter version of Queenstown with lakes, mountains and the outdoors the key calling card. Wanaka has a depth of adventure and tourist attractions similar to those offered by Queenstown and Rotorua. The ace in the card for Wanaka is the close proximity to the two largest ski resorts in New Zealand, Cardrona and Treble Cone.

Another drawcard for Wanaka is the lakefront with its extensive foreshore and beach holiday atmosphere. Wanaka is both budget wise and activity wise a better option for families and visitors focused on getting outdoors for walks, hikes and biking.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT WANAKA?

• #thatwanakatree the photogenic prop to zillions of insta feeds
• Wanaka Station Park with massive Himalayan cedars, giant sequoias and the unambiguous poplar tree
• Lake is truly massive, the 4th biggest in NZ and very accessible. The lake sits at 300 metres above sea level and accompanying extensive shoreline
• An island in the lake with a lake nestled within the island Mou Waho
• Lake Wanaka is the outlet for NZ’s deepest and 2nd biggest river, Clutha / Mata-Au
• Surfing Hawea River

WHAT DO QUEENSTOWN AND WANAKA HAVE IN COMMON?

• Beautiful blue lake
• Framed by sheer peaks dusted in snow
• Wineries nearby with vineyard cycling trails
• Adventures galore from bungy jumping, skydiving and everything in between
• Front row seats in cafes with a cold drink in hand
• Polished visitor vibe with tourism the main economic activity

Queenstown dubbed the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’ wins hands down with the sheer scale of tourism operators. Visitors will need to ensure they have pre-booked their chosen activity and have budgeted for impulse buys.

WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO GET TO WANAKA?

The easiest way to get to Wanaka is by car or motorhome. Check out our Wanaka travel distance table and you can see Wanaka is 1 hour from Queenstown and its international and domestic airport.

Distances from Wanaka

SH = state highway. As always check road conditions with NZTA , New Zealand Transport Agency before departing.

Bus Queenstown to Wanaka | Cheap travel with InterCity . InterCity operates a regular bus from Queenstown to Wanaka. The InterCity bus leaves Queenstown at Athol Street and arrives in Wanaka at the Log Cabin on the Lakefront, 100 Ardmore Street. Your journey will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. You will not pay any extra, that is guaranteed.

We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Our independence and reviews is funded by your purchases and affiliate commissions, at no additional cost to yourself… read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE .

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BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

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20 Unmissable Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand

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The Southern Lakes region in New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most visited areas of the country.

Travellers are drawn to the iconic snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and many exhilarating adventure activities.

While Queenstown is the most popular lakeside town, we prefer smaller, quieter Wanaka.

While the pace of life may be more relaxed, there are still plenty of amazing things to do in Wanaka from water sports and hikes to wine tasting and eating at one of the many delicious restaurants.

We’ve visited Wanaka in summer and winter and both have a lot to offer. We loved snowboarding with incredible lake views in the winter and the quirky cinemas are perfect for escaping the cold.

Spending a month in Wanaka during the summer was even better, though. The temperature in January reached 30ºC and we spent blissful days lounging on lakeside beaches, swimming in the cool water, exploring the lake by paddleboard and kayak, strolling through lavender fields, and eating lots of ice cream.

In this post, you will find tips on our favourite Wanaka activities and at the end a handy map with everything mentioned.

Where is Wanaka in New Zealand

Best things to do in wanaka, the best wanaka restaurants, wanaka accommodation, how to get to wanaka, wanaka new zealand map, is wanaka worth visiting, more new zealand posts.

The town of Wanaka is on the southern edge of Lake Wanaka in the south of New Zealand’s South Island . It’s in the Otago region an hour’s drive from Queenstown , which has the nearest airport.

Back to Contents

I’ve included costs for these Wanaka attractions when applicable (many are free). All prices are in New Zealand dollars. The current exchange rate is NZD $1 = USD $0.60, GBP £0.50, and EUR €0.55.

1) Visit the Lake Within a Lake on Mou Waho Island

One of our absolute favourite things to do in Wanaka is take a boat trip to Mou Waho Island .

The 45-minute journey to the island is a great way to see the undeveloped side of Lake Wanaka and realise how huge it is (42km long). The views of the surrounding mountains are stunning.

Mou Waho is a 2km-long island that’s the largest of the four significant islands in Lake Wanaka.

It’s predator-free and a nature reserve for native birds—we saw a few buff weka pecking around.

On arrival on the island we were free to explore on our own. It’s a 20-minute uphill hike through native bush to see the unique lake within the lake, the Arethusa Pool , which sits 150 metres above the surface of Lake Wanaka.

A further five-minute walk above the pool is an incredible view of the two lakes seeming to merge.

We ate our lunch up on the rocks and could have spent all day here, but we couldn’t turn down the opportunity for a swim.

The pool is supposedly a few degrees warmer than Lake Wanaka, but it still felt very cold to us! It was definitely worth it, though, and it’s one of our top picks for the best South Island attractions .

Details: We visited Mou Waho with Wanaka Water Taxis which costs N Z $1 3 5 for a three-hour trip at 10am (which we did) or 1pm. The guide gave us lots of information on the way, but we explored the island on our own. The 1.5 hours on the island was just enough time to hike to the lake, eat lunch, and swim, but we would have loved to linger longer. If you have the cash, you could hire a boat to get out here and even camp overnight.

2) Stroll Along Lake Wanaka

Likely the first of your Wanaka activities will be taking a stroll along the lakefront.

From the town centre a trail leads for miles along the waterfront and the further you get from town, the quieter it becomes.

The most famous landmark is That Wanaka Tree , which grows out of the water and has become an Instagram star. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Wanaka i-SITE visitor centre .

The pebble beach along the lakefront is a popular place to relax in the summer.

We enjoyed water sports here but preferred to swim at quieter Lake Hawea (see below).

3) Hike in Mount Aspiring National Park

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park is definitely one of our top things to do in Wanaka with classic New Zealand mountain and river scenery. 

In fact, we chose it as one of our picks for the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand . 

There are many trails in the park and we’ve done two of the most popular half-day hikes. 

Raspberry Creek to Aspiring Hut (18km)

My favourite hike is in the West Matukituki valley from the Raspberry Flat car park to Aspiring Hut .

The return hike was 18.6km (11.5 miles) and took us 3 hours 45 minutes (plus a half-hour lunch break).

The trail was easy—mostly flat with a few gentle hills and shallow creek crossings—and the views were astounding.

Most of the way we followed the turquoise Matukituki River past golden meadows with views of snow-topped Mt Aspiring in the distance.

Waterfalls trickled down the forest-covered mountains on either side of the valley (blowing sideways in the strong wind), and we got a glimpse of Rob Roy Glacier .

At Aspiring Hut we ate our picnic lunch and returned the way we came. You could also stay overnight in one of the 29 bunk beds—it’s first come, first served—or continue deeper into the mountains to other huts.

When revisiting in early winter, when the streams were a bit higher, we only walked 5km towards the hut and then turned around, and it was still an amazing hike. It was even more beautiful with snow-capped mountains. 

Rob Roy Glacier Track (10km)

Please note that the Rob Roy Glacier Track is currently closed due to upgrade work on the bridge. Please check for updates before doing this hike.

The Rob Roy Glacier Track starts at the same car park and is shorter but much steeper than the walk to Aspiring Hut.

You are rewarded for the climb with a stunning view of the Rob Roy Glacier at the upper lookout. 

The hike is supposed to be 10km and take 3-4 hours. My watch said 12km and it took us 3 hours 20 minutes plus a lunch break at the top (be careful of the cheeky keas and don’t feed them). 

The trail starts by following the river for 15 minutes and then you cross a swing bridge and start an uphill climb through beech forest with occasional views of the glacier.

Towards the end, you have to scramble over some large rocks (look for the orange triangle that marks the trail) and continue uphill for another 15 minutes to get the best view of the glacier and a waterfall. 

Getting to Mt Aspiring National Park 

If you are a nervous driver you might want to skip this one. It’s an hour’s drive from Wanaka to the Raspberry Flat car park and the last 30km is on an unsealed road with rivers to ford.

We were fine in a small car, but it’s not a good idea to drive it after rain—check conditions with DOC before you head out.

It’s well worth the beautiful if bumpy drive as the park has something to offer everyone from experienced hikers looking for a multi-day tramp to day-trippers wanting a gentle walk, and it’s much less crowded than the trails closer to town.

Even if you just walked 30 minutes from the car park and had a picnic, it’d be worth it for the stunning alpine scenery.

4) Stand Up Paddleboard on the Lake

One of the best things to do in Wanaka in summer is to hire water sports gear and get out on the lake to enjoy the clear calm water and mountain views.

We rented stand up paddleboards and managed to get to the Wanaka Tree and back in our hour’s rental without falling off.

We enjoyed it so much that on our second summer trip to Wanaka we bought our own inflatable paddleboard from Torpedo 7 and spent many happy hours on Lake Hawea. 

Details: Paddle Wanaka on the lakefront rents paddleboards for NZ$35 per hour for adults, NZ$30 for children.

5) Kayak to Ruby Island

We also rented a kayak for two hours, which was enough time to reach Ruby Island .

The water is beautifully clear here and you can do a 15-minute loop walk around the island (except if it’s flooded as it was on our visit).

Along the way we enjoyed views of Rippon Winery and the surrounding mountains.

Details: Paddle Wanaka rents double kayaks for NZ$35 per hour for adults, NZ$30 for children. Choose a calm day as they won’t rent them out if it’s too windy.

6) Wine Taste with a View at Rippon Winery

We’ve had many wonderful winery experiences in New Zealand ( Marlborough wine region is our favourite), but the views at Rippon Winery beat them all.

Even if you aren’t a drinker, it’s worth visiting for the colourful scene—lavender plants, green vines, and azure lake with views of Ruby Island.

The wine is excellent too, and it’s all biodynamic and organic. Tastings are a group experience and include lots of information on the winery and wines.

On a hot summer’s day, we mostly tried whites and treated ourselves to bottles of the rare Osteiner white (so refreshing) and a rerelease of their 2010 Pinot Noir for our 10th nomadiversary . 

If you are a pinot noir fan, you might also want to make a day trip to the Gibbston Valley wineries —see my post on the best things to do in Queenstown for more activities on that side of the mountain. 

Details: Rippon cellar door is open by appointment  from 12pm to 5pm, 7 days a week. Tastings are free .

7) Hike the Rocky Mountain Trail

The best short hike for a view of Lake Wanaka is at the Diamond Lake Conservation Area , a 20-minute drive from the centre of town near the western shore of the lake.

We walked to the Lake Wanaka Lookout which took us 1 hour 10 minutes return (plus time at the top) for the 4.75km (3 mile) return hike. It is uphill but not too challenging.

At the viewpoint you can sit on a bench or grassy patch and enjoy the panorama of endless lake and mountains.

You could also continue to the Rocky Mountain Summit (7km /4.3 miles return) where you can see Mount Aspiring.

We’ve also hiked this trail in winter, and while it can be icy (I appreciated my hiking pole), it’s even more beautiful with the snow-capped mountains. 

Rocky Mountain is a great alternative to Roy’s Peak if you want a shorter, easier, and less crowded hike with lake views.

8) Walk Up Mount Iron

If you want an even easier hike close to the centre of Wanaka (it’s a five-minute drive), head up Mount Iron , a popular exercise spot with locals.

The return walk on the loop track took us 1 hour 10 minutes and was fairly easy. From the top there are views of Wanaka township and the lake and peaks beyond.

The views are much better at Rocky Mountain, but if you have limited time and energy, it’s worth heading up here. It’s also a good option in winter.

9) Explore Wanaka Lavender Farm

The Wanaka Lavende r Farm is one of the top Wanaka tourist attractions and was so much bigger and better than I expected it to be.

You need at least an hour to wander through the many pretty lavender fields, play games like giant jenga and pétanque, take an Instagram shot by the purple door in the middle of a field, see the vegetable garden and beehives, meet the animals (donkeys, alpaca, sheep, goats, ponies), and sample lavender treats and honey in the cafe.

Yes, it’s ideal for kids, but it’s also a beautiful place for anyone to stroll and relax. It does get busy in summer (when the lavender is in bloom), so I recommend arriving at opening time.

Details: Entrance is NZ$15 adults/ NZ$7.50 children and it’s open 9am to 5pm every day in summer with shorter hours in winter (and a reduced fee). It’s a five-minute drive from the centre of town.

10) Visit Lake Hawea

We chose to base ourselves at Lake Hawea (see accommodation section below) and fell in love with this peaceful lake a 20-minute drive from Wanaka.

Even in the summer holidays, it’s much quieter than Wanaka and we preferred the pebble beach here and swimming in the wonderfully clear blue water.

The gravel Gladstone Track skirts the shore (part of the Te Araroa Trail ) and you can walk or run for miles.

Eventually, you’ll reach Johns Creek beach which is our go-to spot in the summer for relaxing and paddleboarding.

It’s quieter than the beaches closer to town as it’s a dusty 10-minute drive on a gravel road to get there. 

You could also cycle from Wanaka to Hawea along the turquoise Clutha and Hawea Rivers .

If you’d prefer to cycle the 30km (19 mile) trail only one-way, this self-guided cycle tour drops you off in Hawea and you cycle back. 

The tiny Hawea township is much less developed than Wanaka, but the few local businesses are excellent.

We love the sweet treats at the Hawea Store & Kitchen and having a drink in the beer garden of the Hawea Hotel (we often get takeaway pizza too). 

In an unlikely location at the petrol station on the way into town is Mo’s , a caravan where you can pick up excellent coffee, sourdough toasties, cheese scones, and raw vegan treats. I recommend getting a takeaway here to eat on the lakefront.

11) Hike the Isthmus Peak Track for Views of Two Lakes

One of the best hikes in the Wanaka area is the Isthmus Peak Track which has stunning views of both Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka from the top.

It’s similar to the famous Roy’s Peak (see below) but much less crowded.

The hike starts from Lake Hawea (look for Isthmus Peak Track Parking on Google Maps), a 30-minute drive from Wanaka.

The 16km trail has an elevation gain of 1106 metres from the lake up to the summit of Isthmus Peak at 1385 metres.

It’s certainly not a hike to be taken lightly—while the trail is well-formed, it’s a steep continuous climb of around three hours to the summit.

The entire hike took me just over five hours of walking (6.5 hours including breaks).

I started at 6am in summer, just before sunrise, and am glad I did because I only saw two couples on the way up and had the summit to myself.

It was also very hot on the way down (there’s no shade) and I drank all my two litres of water.

The views were beautiful all the way as I climbed up from Lake Hawea—I walked through fields of sheep towards jagged mountains with the lake below me.

At the top, the view was even better as the summit overlooks Lake Wanaka on the other side and the snowy peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park.

Useful tips: The track is closed for fawning from 20 November – 20 December. There’s a toilet five minutes into the walk and another 2km before the summit. I was glad of hiking poles as the gravel trail was a little slippery on the way down, but you can manage without. Take plenty of food and water and an extra layer for the often windy summit.

12) Climb a Waterfall with Wildwire Via Ferrata

The most exciting Wanaka activity we’ve done is climb alongside a waterfall on Wildwire’s Via Ferrata .

Via Ferrata makes climbing more accessible with a trail of cables and iron rungs in the rocky mountainside. Wildwire runs one of only two commercial Via Ferratas in New Zealand.

We had no climbing experience and were rather nervous so opted for the easiest Level 1 , a 150m climb which took us 2.5 hours including plenty of instruction and practice before we started.

It was fairly easy learning how to clip and unclip the various ropes from our harnesses, making sure that there were always two points of contact.

Although we knew we were safe, it didn’t stop our fear as we traversed a rock face with a steep drop below us.

We grew more confident as we clambered over rocks and walked across narrow swinging bridges that cross the waterfall.

It was an exhilarating adventure with beautiful views. Despite our nervousness, the climb was over more quickly than we expected, and we were rather disappointed not to be continuing on to Level 2 (an extra two hours of climbing for a total of 320m).

I definitely recommend Wildwire if you are looking to try something different.

Details: The Wildwire Level 1 climb costs NZ$199 and the longer Level 2 costs $329. If you are not sure about doing Level 2, let Wildwire know in advance and you can decide at the top of Level 1 whether to continue.

13) Fly, Hike and Jetboat on the Siberia Experience

If you want to pack three adventures into just half a day, consider doing the Siberia Experience .

The trip starts in Makarora , an hour’s drive from Wanaka with beautiful views of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea on the way.

The first leg is a 20-minute flight on a tiny 6-seater plane that takes off from a grassy field.

We flew through the alpine valleys of Mount Aspiring National Park above braided rivers and a turquoise lake surrounded by glaciers before landing in a meadow in a remote valley.

From here we were left to do a self-guided 7km (4.3 mile) hike . It starts with a typical New Zealand backcountry challenge—a river crossing!

The river was wide and came up to our knees but wasn’t too ferocious. As is recommended, we kept our hiking shoes on for the crossing which made it pretty easy, if extremely cold, especially on a surprisingly frosty summer morning.

Walking with wet feet wasn’t as bad as we imagined (merino wool socks help), but you could always bring water shoes for the crossing if it bothers you.

Once on the other side we followed the incredibly clear blue Siberia River with spectacular views of a snowy glacier at the end of the valley.

The trail soon enters a forest for a gentle uphill climb. It’s a lovely walk through native bush with no one else around, but we had expected to be surrounded by mountains for longer.

After two hours we reached the meeting point on the Wilkin River where we waited for our pickup on the pebble beach and enjoyed the gorgeous views.

The final adventure is a 20-minute jet boat ride back to the start. The scenery is stunning and the boats are impressively smooth as they speed along, skimming over the shallow water.

We did a couple of fast turns and one 360º turn, but it wasn’t as much of a thrill ride as the Shotover Jet Boat trip Simon did in Queenstown.

The Siberia Experience isn’t cheap but it’s a great way to fit a lot into a short amount of time.

The hike is easy and the scenery is beautiful. If you are on a limited budget, see above for details of a free hike in Mount Aspiring National Park where the views are just as good.

While you are in Makarora you could also visit the Blue Pools , which are a short drive and 10-minute walk away. Unfortunately, after heavy rain the water was more grey than blue for us.

Details: The Siberia Experience costs NZ$520. It starts from the Wonderland Makarora Lodge and lasts four hours. It’s best to book for early on in your trip as it can often be cancelled due to weather and river conditions (our first trip was cancelled). We also found the staff rather unreliable—they turned up 30 minutes after our first scheduled flight was due as they had overslept. I recommend taking warm clothes, food, water, and insect repellent (there are sandflies at the river beach).

14) Visit Historic Cardrona

Cardrona is a historic village on the Crown Range Road that connects Wanaka to Queenstown.

In winter, it’s known for its ski resort, but it’s worth visiting at any time of year.

In the summer you can horse ride (as we did), mountain bike or quad bike.

An essential stop is the Cardrona Hotel , one of the oldest pubs in New Zealand, dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860s.

The historic building still looks like it’s from an old Western movie, as do the cute church and general store nearby.

The pub has a lovely beer garden for a drink and the restaurant is supposed to be excellent.

The Cardrona Distillery is also worth visiting. They offer a free tasting of their artisan vodka, gin, liqueurs and whisky.

We especially liked the gin and elderflower liqueur, which use botanicals grown on the local mountainside.

We enjoyed delicious cocktails and snacks in their bar which has outdoor seating with mountain views. You can also take a behind the scenes tour ($25).

If you are looking for a full day trip from Wanaka, continue over the mountain pass to Arrowtown , another charming gold rush town, and the nearby Gibbston Valley wineries ( Kinross is our favourite).

You could loop back to Wanaka via Cromwell on Highway 6. The total drive takes at least two hours, not including stops.

In Cromwell I recommend the 4km Bannockburn Sluicings Track for unique Wild West scenery and gold mining history, lunch on the terrace of Mt Difficulty Winery , and a visit to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct .

On a separate day out the stunning Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail is well worth doing. 

Recommended Reading: Our post on the best Queenstown activities includes visiting Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley.

15) Ride Horses in Cardrona

One of the most fun things to do in Wanaka is horse riding at Cardrona . There’s no better way to explore this historic area than on horseback and no previous experience is needed.

Kelly, the owner of The Cardrona Horse Trekking , is one of the best trail ride leaders we’ve had.

On our three hour ride she gave us lots of information about the local history and flora as well as tips on their western style of riding.

She is careful about safety but gave us plenty of opportunities to trot and canter. It felt challenging but safe.

Pat and Danny, our beautiful, healthy horses, were a pleasure to ride as we crossed rivers, cantered along the edge of mountain trails (you have to trust those horses!), and admired stunning mountain views.

On a hot day, we appreciated the stop at the Cardrona Hotel where we hitched our horses outside and enjoyed a refreshing drink.

We enjoyed the ride so much that we plan to return in winter to experience the snow-covered landscape.

Details: We did the longer afternoon High Country Pub Trail ride , which costs $529 (including a drink), but there’s also a shorter 2-hour morning ride without the pub stop for $469.

16) Hike Roy’s Peak for New Zealand’s Most Famous View

The most popular Wanaka attraction is Roy’s Peak Track , made famous by Instagram photos from its viewpoint. 

When the borders are open, the car park is usually overflowing and there’s a queue for the iconic photo, but in summer 2021, I had a much quieter experience.

Although it’s a Wanaka must-do for many, Roy’s Peak is not an easy hike. It’s similar to the Isthmus Peak Track (see above)—a steep but well-graded and easy-to-follow gravel trail with 1256 metres of elevation gain over 16.6km.

It took me 2.5 hours of uphill walking to reach the viewpoint and an extra 30 minutes to the summit. In total, I walked for 5 hours 25 minutes with a total time of 6 hours 20 minutes including breaks.

I was worried the hike might be overrated. It wasn’t. At least without the crowds.

The views of Lake Wanaka all the way up were beautiful, especially in the glowing morning light (I started just after sunrise), and they got even better once I reached the viewpoint where the classic shot is taken.

Although I was tired at this point, it was well worth the extra slog to the 1578m summit.

The 360º views up here are truly epic—you can appreciate how huge the lake is and see the surrounding rugged green mountains and Mt Aspiring’s snowy peak.

Useful tips: The track is closed for lambing from 1 October – 10 November. There’s a toilet near the beginning and another at the viewpoint. Hiking poles were useful on the steep descent but not essential. Take plenty of food and water and an extra layer for the top. Start early in the summer as the trail is exposed and it gets very hot. Many people hike it for sunrise but you’ll need a head torch and a very early start. The hike is not recommended in winter unless you are experienced in the mountains.

17) Watch a Movie at an Independent Cinema

If you are wondering what to do in Wanaka on a rainy day, head to one of the two fantastic independent cinemas.

We have fond memories of watching a film at Cinema Paradiso on our first trip to Wanaka 12 years ago.

Although it has moved locations since then, it was just as we remembered it—the theatre features old couches and a vintage Morris Minor car and during the intermission, you can buy warm homemade cookies and ice cream. You can also get food delivered to your seat.

Another fantastic little cinema in Wanaka is Rubys . It has more of a luxury feel than Cinema Paradiso (and better air conditioning) and you can order unique cocktails (I like the jaffa martini) and food to your seat.

The theatres are small and intimate with comfortable reclining seats. They also have intermissions.

18) Sample Craft Beers at a Local Brewery

According to some, Wanaka has the most breweries per capita in New Zealand ( Nelson contends this).

In this tiny town, you can sample lovingly crafted brews at Wanaka Beerworks , Ground Up , b.effect , and Rhyme and Reason.

Our favourite is Rhyme and Reason Brewery , which has a cool space where you can enjoy a brew on a comfy sofa amongst the tanks of the working brewery.

Simon got a tasting paddle of four tap beers from the changing blackboard menu and enjoyed them all, especially the hazy IPA. There’s also outdoor seating for sunny days.

There’s no kitchen but you can order a few snacks or bring your own food, and they sometimes have food trucks on site.

We also enjoyed b.effect , which has a full food menu—the cauliflower wings and roast kumara sandwich were a tasty accompaniment to our drinks.

If you aren’t into beer, they also make cider, alcoholic ginger beer, and a non-alcoholic kombucha (the most beer-tasting I’ve tried). 

19) Ski or Snowboard in the Surrounding Mountains

Wanaka is just as popular in the winter as in the summer as it is surrounded by fantastic skiing opportunities.

There are three ski fields within a 40-minute drive of central Wanaka— Cardrona , Treble Cone , and Snow Farm (for cross country and snow shoeing).

The ski season usually runs from late June to early October and during the school holidays in July is the busiest time. August is the best month to visit. 

We love the astounding lake views at Treble Cone, but Cardrona is better for beginners.

I also appreciate that Cardrona has a gondola—perfect for novice snowboarders like myself who don’t want to deal with chair lifts.

Non-skiers can also ride up the gondola for sightseeing—at the top there are beautiful views over to Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.

There’s also an outdoor bar where you can enjoy champagne, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. 

Cardrona has plenty of places to eat—a standard canteen, a noodle bar, a comfy lounge (nice for a mulled wine break), and the table service restaurant The Mezz where we enjoyed cauliflower tacos. 

You can rent all the gear you need in town ( Green Toad is a budget option), which is preferable to waiting until you are on the slopes.

Arriving at Cardrona at 9.30am it took us 1.5 hours to queue for our ski pass, clothes/accessories, and snowboard and boots. I recommend taking care of it all the night before or at least arriving earlier. 

You can also buy cheap secondhand ski gear at Wastebusters in Wanaka. 

You will need snow chains if you want to drive yourself up to the ski resorts in winter. Or the resorts offer shuttles from Wanaka or the base of the mountain. 

20) Get Adventurous

Wanaka rivals Queenstown as the adventure capital of New Zealand.

There are many more thrilling activities you can participate in including skydiving , jet boating , rock climbing , canyoning , parasailing , and mountain biking . 

Wanaka has a surprisingly excellent restaurant scene for its size. Here are our favourite places to eat.

Quick Eats in Wanaka

Patagonia Chocolates

Delicious ice cream close to the waterfront (we preferred it to nearby Black Peak Gelato ). I love the dark chocolate and dulce de leche flavours and the cones with chocolate at the bottom.

Slow food, served fast. Big Fig is a convenient place to eat in or get takeaway on the waterfront. Select the size plate you want and choose from the delicious hot and cold dishes at the counter.

Food is Mediterranean inspired and there are plenty of vegetarian options. One of the cheapest places for a healthy meal.

Burrito Craft

This food truck has delicious burritos and tacos with mushroom and jackfruit options for vegetarians. You can choose the spice level—5 was pretty spicy. The large burrito is humungous. My favourite is the jackfruit loaded fries. 

Charlie Brown Crepes

Charlie Brown is another excellent food truck serving savoury and sweet crepes with plenty of vegan options. We especially loved the veggie galette with goat cheese, tomatoes, walnuts, and spinach.

It’s opposite Cinema Paradiso so is convenient if you want a quick meal before watching a film. 

The Good Spot

This coffee truck on the outskirts of town near Mount Iron is a local favourite. We love the coffee, cheese scones, and chocolate pastries. They have a few vegan options too.

The Doughbin Bakery

For a quick, cheap meal to eat on the beach, grab a pie from this takeaway on the waterfront. The veggie pie was tasty.

Wineglass Cafe at Edgewater Hotel

The cafe at the Edgewater Hotel is all about the location—the outdoor seating has lovely views of the lake.

Unlike the places in the centre of town which have a road between them and the lake, this is proper waterfront on a quieter section of the lake.

We haven’t tried the famous scones here yet, but our veggie burger and Mediterranean sandwich were pretty good. 

It can get very crowded in summer—it’s quicker to order drinks from the quieter coffee cart in the garden.

Red Star Burger Bar

A good spot for an easy, filling meal. The lentil burger was pretty good, but sadly the fries are cooked in animal fat.

Pembroke Patisserie

This bakery in Albert Town (on the way to Lake Hawea) has some of the best pastries we’ve had in New Zealand including croissants and pain au chocolat. 

Restaurants in Wanaka

Kika is our favourite restaurant in Wanaka. 

The seasonal menu consists of sharing plates, and although there aren’t a ton of veggie options, what they do have is creative and tasty.

We especially enjoyed the avocado mousse with pesto and flatbread, Mexican elote with popcorn, and the gnocchi. The cherry chocolate dessert is one of our favourite desserts in New Zealand.

Bookings are recommended. 

Francesca’s Italian Kitchen

A popular Italian restaurant (bookings for dinner are essential) with delicious pizza, pasta, and risotto.

Kai Whakapai Cafe

This lakefront cafe in the centre of town has outdoor seating and is very popular at any time of day.

We enjoyed the Buddha bowl with tofu along with a glass of the local Rippon Sauvignon Blanc.

Amigos Mexican Grill

We appreciate the many vegetarian and vegan options at this Mexican restaurant as well as the good selection of hot sauces. I love the cauliflower tacos. 

Ask for the green menu to see all the dietary requirements they can cater for (vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free). 

Bombay Palace

Good Indian food with wonderful lake views and an outdoor terrace on the main Wanaka lakefront strip. 

If you want to be close to restaurants and activities, stay in the Wanaka township.

I’d love to stay at Edgewater Hotel which is the only accommodation directly on the shore of the lake.

The views are beautiful and there’s a restaurant, tennis courts, and spa.

The lakefront trail is at the end of the garden and it’s a 20-minute walk into the centre of town. Studio rooms and apartments are available. 

If you’d prefer to be closer to town, Lakeside Apartments is in the heart of the action and has lovely views and an outdoor pool. 

You can also look for apartments and houses in Wanaka on Vrbo/Book a Bach .

Wanaka is busy and expensive in January, so we chose to spend our month at Lake Hawea instead. We loved it so much we returned the following January for another month and again in May/June. 

Hawea is a 20-minute drive from Wanaka and there’s not much there, so it’s not the best base if you want to eat out frequently and take lots of tours.

If you are looking for a tranquil spot, though, it’s worth considering. I think the lake is even more beautiful than Wanaka—the water is bluer and there’s no development on the lakefront.

We rented this two-bedroom house in Hawea on Airbnb . It’s modern and clean with a spacious open plan living area and kitchen with sliding doors that open onto the garden.

The house was comfortable and well-equipped and the host was friendly and helpful. It’s a 7-minute walk from the shop (over a small hill) and 12 minutes from the lakefront beach.

Of course, being even closer to the water would be best, but lake houses get booked up far in advance in summer.

Options range from family houses like the Lakefront Bellevue and Lakefront Fantail Cottage to more affordable one-bedroom cabins for couples .

Search on Vrbo/Book a Bach for more holiday homes in Hawea . 

The other accommodation options are the Hawea Hotel and The Camp Lake Hawea , which has glamping tents and cabins as well as campsites. Both have great locations next to the lake. 

Most people visit Wanaka from Queenstown, which is a one-hour drive away and has the closest airport.

If you are road tripping around the South Island, from Wanaka you could continue to the west coast— Haast is a 2-hour drive and Fox Glacier is about 3.5 hours away.

Alternatively, as we did on one trip, you could drive up the centre of the island to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo , both about 2.5 hours away.

Beyond is Christchurch , at least a 5-hour drive and the nearest major international airport.

Although it’s best to have a car to explore the area, Ritchies has a twice-daily coach to and from Queenstown. It’s also possible to get an Intercity bus to Dunedin by changing at Cromwell.

Absolutely! Often overlooked for Queenstown we hope this post has inspired you to visit this beautiful lakeside town. We definitely want to keep returning to do some of the activities we missed. Let us know your favourite Wanaka things to do.

Read our picks for the most beautiful places in New Zealand and explore more destinations below.

Central Otago

• 17 Relaxing Things to Do in Queenstown
• Queenstown to Milford Sound Scenic Flight
• Gibbston Valley Wineries: The Ultimate Guide to Queenstown Wine Tasting
• The Spectacular New Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail

North Island

• The Best New Zealand North Island Itinerary
• 22 Fun Things to Do in Wellington
• 8 Stunning Wellington Walks Not to Miss
• Visiting the Magical Hobbiton Movie Set
• 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bay of Islands
• Exploring Beautiful Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands
• Learning to Sail in the Bay of Islands (While the World Falls Apart)

South Island

• 25 Best Things to Do in the South Island New Zealand
• 24 Best Things to Do in Nelson
• 23 Best Restaurants and Cafes in Nelson, New Zealand
• The Ultimate Guide to Abel Tasman National Park
• 12 Best Road Trip Stops on the East Coast of the South Island
• A Detailed Guide to Walking the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand

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How to reach Wanaka, New Zealand. What visa should i acquire to travel? can any one suggest?

Reply ↓

New Zealand’s borders are closed indefinitely so it won’t be possible to travel here anytime soon unfortunately.

Hey, Erin and Simon:; Greetings from Minnesota, US. Where are you guys? Are you back in England? Still in NZ? I hope you are doing well and able to stay active, healthy, and joyful. Things here in US are crazy what with this moron as prez, the upcoming election, fires that are burning up huge portions of territory in California, Washington, and Oregon…. Hope you are able to travel somewhere. Regards. Charlie

Hi Charlie, We’re actually still in New Zealand (Wellington). We were booked on a flight back to the UK but they extended visitor visas here (at the last minute) so we decided to stay. We feel so grateful to be here as it’s covid-free and we can travel freely. There’s still so much of the country we want to explore, despite being here for nearly a year now!

I’m sorry things are so difficult in the US. It has been a tough year. I really hope the election goes well and things start to improve! Take care, Erin

The Purple Door is surreal and the picture of you going through it makes it look even more so. It’d make a great picture blown up to go on a wall. Speaking of which, if you haven’t, read H G Wells “The Door in the Wall”.

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Lake Wānaka

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At 45 kilometres long and covering 193 square kilometres, Lake Wānaka is perfect for jetboaters, sailors and kayakers to explore.

Located in the spectacular alps of the South Island, New Zealand, visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wānaka region by its outstanding beauty. The stunning mountain and lakeside setting and proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Area, makes it the ultimate base for outdoor activities.

With four distinct seasons, Wānaka is a year-round destination. Summers are hot and dry - perfect for water-sports, hiking and biking. Winters are cool and crisp with four diverse ski areas offering great options for skiers and snowboarders. Spring is the ideal time to get out and explore the lakeside tracks and trails, and the vibrant colours of autumn are perfect for photography.

It’s not just the outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish shops and be spoilt for choice with a great selection of cool cafes, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, award-winning wineries, and an artisan distillery.

Wānaka is also home to more   world class events than most, from international triathlons to music and arts festivals.   Warbirds over Wānaka ,   Festival of Colour,   Rhythm & Alps, and the   Audi Quattro Winter Games, just to name a few.

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Wanaka Regional Information

Wanaka | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Lake Wanaka is the picture and the mountains are the frame. Move easily from one to the other while you pursue outdoor adventures of every kind in Wanaka.

Wanaka Overview

Wanaka is located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, in west Otago. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka is Otago's second resort town after Queenstown.

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth largest lake, reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Here you can absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness, and know that it will be easy to find a great restaurant for dinner. You don't have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the delights of the park (although any one of a dozen world-class local guides can accompany you to the top).

The township of Wanaka is a magnet for visitors who want to find the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury. There are comfortable places to stay, great shops and eateries—and all the time there's the call of the wild. The lake, mountains and around-the-year events calendar will keep you looking forward to tomorrow.

The seasons are particularly noticeable in Wanaka. Spring (October - December) brings an abundance of blossom. Summer brings cloudless, hot, sunny days (January - March). Autumn brings splendid colours of gold and red (April - June), Winter brings crisp days, and snow lovers can enjoy huge freedom the mountain slopes (July - September).

In the heart of the Southern Lakes you'll find the time and space to revitalise your soul.

Send a Wanaka related E-Postcard to your friends.

Wanaka Highlights

Every year Wanaka hosts a number of world-class festivals and events, including the biggest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere, Warbirds Over Wanaka. At the International World Heli-Challenge, the world's best snowboarders and skiers tackle the demanding back country alpine slopes for the supreme title.

The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles comfortably in one of the country's largest national parks. Delve inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare world.

Wine is always on the menu—there's a selection of award-winning vineyards within easy travelling distance of Wanaka township. If your taste buds run to beer, then Wanaka can satisfy even the most discerning with something to sip from the Wanaka Beerworks, an international award winning brewery. An elevated golf course overlooks Lake Wanaka, with its clear blue water and surrounding alpine vista providing plenty of excuses for a poor round.

Useful Wanaka Links

To help plan your Wanaka holiday choose from the main categories below:

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• Wanaka Transport
• Wanaka Cuisine and Dining
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• Wanaka Visitor Information

Wanaka Region Information

Wanaka Tourism Operators

Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Wanaka.

• Attractions and Activities
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Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

Motel Association

Plenty of motel types for a range of budgets.

Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Distinction Hotels

Great hotels in great NZ wide locations.

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.

Support the regeneration of Wānaka’s environment – find out how .

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• Kā mahi o te rēhia What’s On

Top Things To Do

There is so much to do in Wānaka. To help you plan and prioritize your ‘must-do’ picks, we’ve put together this list of TripAdvisor’s top ranking activities in Wānaka.

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The Visa Bulletin

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Accepting, Serving in, or Performing Duties of a Position with the Government of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Sectioin 349(a)(4)

Loss of U.S. Nationality and Service in the Armed Forces of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 349(a)(3)

Visa Bulletin For January 2024

Number 85 Volume X Washington, D.C

View as Printer Friendly PDF

A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during January  for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at  www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo , individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” charts in this Bulletin. 

1.  Procedures for determining dates. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by December 4th . If not all demand could be satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. The final action date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical limits. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. If at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category “unavailable”, and no further requests for numbers would be honored.

2.  The fiscal year 2024 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants determined in accordance with Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is 226,000.  The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000.  Section 202 prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620.  The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320.

3.  INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa issuances will exceed the per-country limit. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas:  CHINA-mainland born, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. 

4.  Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: 

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First : ( F1 ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.

Second : Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:  114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:

A. ( F2A ) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:  77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B. ( F2B ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third : ( F3 ) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.

Fourth : ( F4 ) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.

A.   FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)

For January, F2A numbers  EXEMPT from per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates  earlier  than 22OCT19. F2A numbers  SUBJECT to per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO , with priority dates beginning 22OCT19 and earlier than 01NOV19. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit.

B.  DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.

The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

5.  Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First :  Priority Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second :  Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third :  Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".

Fourth :  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth :  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants.

A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. For Fiscal Year 2024 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150.

B.  DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 5.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

B .   DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY

Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years.  The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program.  This will result in reduction of the DV-2024 annual limit to approximately 54,850.  DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.

For January , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2024 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2024 program ends as of September 30, 2024. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2024 applicants after that date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2024 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2024. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2024 cannot be taken for granted. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30.

C.   THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY IN FEBRUARY

For February , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2024 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

D.   EMPLOYMENT FOURTH PREFERENCE (SR) RELIGIOUS WORKERS CATEGORY EXTENDED

H.R. 6363, signed on November 16, 2023, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until February 2, 2024.  No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight February 1, 2024.  Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until February 1, 2024, and all individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted (repeat admitted) into the United States no later than midnight February 1, 2024. 

The SR category is subject to the same final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability.   

E.   FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV

Department of State Publication 9514

CA/VO: December 4, 2023

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Curious Tourists and Modern-Day Druids: Marking the Solstice at Stonehenge

To celebrate the celestial event, the ropes come down at the ancient monument, and visitors spend the night to greet the sunrise.

By Lisa Lucas

In the predawn darkness, a procession of druid priests in white robes carry banners by the monoliths of Stonehenge, the ancient British archaeological site. There is an aroma of burning sage; a bagpipe calls in the distance. As dawn approaches, fever-pitched drumming mounts. If you hadn’t already felt the power in the stones at this summer solstice celebration, there is no denying the physical vibration as the sun rises in alignment with the stone circle.

Most of the time, visiting Stonehenge — which is owned by the British crown and managed by English Heritage , a nonprofit that oversees more than 400 of the country’s historic sites — requires purchasing tickets and keeping far away from the stones, which are normally cordoned off by ropes. But since 2000, four times a year, on the solstices and equinoxes, the ropes come down and visitors are invited to wander the stone circle, staying overnight and past sunrise if they wish.

On Thursday, to mark this year’s summer solstice, the monument opened at 7 p.m., as visitors began arriving on shuttle buses from nearby Salisbury, a trip that took most of an hour in traffic. The rules were strict: Blankets for picnics and warmth are allowed, but no camping equipment or chairs. Snacks are OK. Alcohol is prohibited.

The crowd ebbed and flowed, with an evening wave of tourists who came to picnic, then left before nightfall. People staying overnight faced evening temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit without shelter. Those who stayed drummed, chanted and communed with the stones, which were lit by a nearly full moon and purple floodlights. Flower crowns topped many heads. The intensity built through the night and picked up with faster drumming and chanting when the sky lightened just before 4 a.m.

There were also food trucks offering wood-fired pizzas, loaded fries, curries and doughnuts, and a merch tent for souvenirs.

Arthur Pendragon, 70, a modern-day druid (the ancient druids were Celtic priests), wore white robes with an embroidered red dragon, chunky silver rings and a silver dragon crown. He called the stones “a cathedral.” Charlotte Pulver, 45, an apothecary from Hastings who specializes in natural remedies, has been coming to the site for 12 years. She said it feels “special to gather in community to honor these tides and alignments of the earth.” Some American tourists in the U.K. to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour had “decided to swing by.” In all, about 15,000 people visited.

Crowds walked the interior of the circle, touching the sarsens (sarsen refers to the type of sandstone used at Stonehenge) placed here around 4,500 years ago. Some held ceremonies, welcoming the new season with chants of “heart to heart and hand to hand.” Some placed their hands on the stones and closed their eyes, seeming to draw power from them. The surfaces are gray and uneven, scarred with graffiti from the Bronze Age and, on one, a carved signature from Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The orange powder sprayed on them in a climate protest on Wednesday had already been washed away.

The monument has been credited to various groups over its history, including Phoenicians, druids and Romans. Jennifer Wexler, a historian for English Heritage who specializes in prehistoric sites, said that the archaeological consensus is that Stonehenge was built in stages and used differently over thousands of years, from the late Neolithic period to the early Bronze Age, or between about 3000 B.C. and 1500 B.C.

The druid link is hazy but is undoubtedly part of Stonehenge’s modern identity. In the 17th century, one of the early excavators suggested that the druids were the likely builders. Even after this was disproved (the earliest known references to the druids date to the 4th century B.C., well after research suggests Stonehenge was built), the idea stuck.

It’s fitting that a modern group, inspired by the past, has co-opted Stonehenge for its own use. As the archaeologist Jacquetta Hawkes wrote in a 1967 essay titled “God in the Machine”: “Every age has the Stonehenge it deserves — or desires.” The poet William Blake called it a “building of eternal death.”

Appreciation of the sun and the solstice echoes down the centuries in Britain, with references in Anglo-Saxon literature and ties to the Medieval mystery plays. Of course, there’s also Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Britain’s relatively northern position means there is less than six hours of light in midwinter, but at the solstice the sun rises before 5 a.m. and doesn’t set until almost 9:30 at night.

Dr. Wexler, the English Heritage historian, said the solstice alignment is at the center of Stonehenge’s design. This is perhaps not surprising given how prominent the sky and seasonal rhythms would have been in the late Neolithic period: the movement of the sun and the stars dominated life.

Druid Chris Park, 51, a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids from Oxfordshire, is an artist and beekeeper. He said he sees the solstice as something that transcends religions and nationalities because it is accessible to all and therefore “can unify us in meaningful moments of peace and celebration.”

At 4:52 a.m. on Thursday, standing in a field on Salisbury Plain, with druids in white robes and tourists wrapped in blankets, we were all looking in one direction at the same time (albeit some of us through phone screens). This collective attention to the sun was a link to each other and to those who stood in this place 5,000 years ago to gaze at the sun from the same angle — appreciating darkness giving way to light.

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