Wanaka is a spectacular highland lake town in South Island filled with exhilarating possibilities for adventure lovers as well as endless panoramic vistas for leisure travelers. The little resort town offers myriad reasons to celebrate the great outdoors by the picturesque Wanaka Lake and lakefront, and the nearby Mt Aspiring National Park with its mountains, highland rivers, waterfalls and Alpine forests. There’s much to do in the summers with kayaking, paddle boating and jet boating down the lake, as well as hiking and mountain biking up in the forested trails. Come winter, skiers and snowboarders from across the world come together at Wanaka’s famous ski fields. Apart from its picture postcard landscapes, Wanaka is well known for its museums, art galleries, parks and designer boutiques at the town center. The National Transport and Toy Museum, Puzzling World, an amusing outdoor maze for all ages, and natural features such as the Wanaka Station Park – remains of the old sheep station, are worth a visit. It may be a little town, but Wanaka offers a fair share of artisanal produce at the Market, and there are charming little wineries and breweries around town too. Enjoy splashes of local color at annual festivals and events such as ‘Warbirds over Wanaka’, ‘Rhythm & Alps’, and the ‘Audi Quattro Winter Games’. Soaking in the great outdoors by day and exploring trendy eateries and bars by night: what’s not to love?
Places: Christchurch (1 day) → Tekapo (2) → Oamaru (1) → Dunedin (2) → Te Anau (1) → Queenstown (2) → Franz Josef Glacier (2) → Punakaiki (1) → Nelson (2) → Kaikoura (1) → Akaroa (1) → Christchurch (1)
Tour Highlights: English Heritage, Maori Art & Culture, Southern Alps, Unique Landscapes, Otago Peninsula Wildlife Reserve, Culture...
Ideal For: Nature & Landscapes Wildlife & Safaris
Places: Auckland (1 day) → Taupo (3) → Nelson (2) → Christchurch (2) → Queenstown (3) → Te Anau (2) → Wanaka (2) → Queenstown (1)
Tour Highlights: Volcanic Peaks & Black Sand Beaches, Maori Culture, Food & Wine, Taupo Volcano, Adventure Sports...
Ideal For: Nature & Landscapes Relaxation & Spas Wildlife & Safaris
Places: Auckland (1 day) → Rotorua (2) → Christchurch (2) → Dunedin (2) → Te Anau (2) → Queenstown (3)
Tour Highlights: Volcanic Peaks & Black Sand Beaches, Maori Culture, Food & Wine, Wellness & Relaxation, Adventure...
Ideal For: Adventure & Outdoors Beaches Heritage & Culture Nature & Landscapes
Places: Auckland (1 day) → Paihia (Bay of Islands) (2) → Te Arai (1) → Coromandel Peninsula (2) → Taupo (2) → Tongariro National Park (2) → Wellington (2) → Blenheim (1) → Abel Tasman National Park (2) → Punakaiki (1) → Franz Josef Glacier (2) → Queenstown (2) → Te Anau (2) → Dunedin (2) → Tekapo (1) → Akaroa (2) → Christchurch (1)
Tour Highlights: Volcanic Peaks & Black Sand Beaches, Maori Culture, Food & Wine, Bay of Islands, Farmers...
Ideal For: Adventure & Outdoors Nature & Landscapes
Style: International
Edgewater is an upmarket hotel overlooking Lake Wanaka in South Island, New Zealand. Surrounded by lush manicured grounds with ponds frequented by ducks, sleep well in your spacious ensuite studio rooms.
Style: Lodge
Mahu Whenua in Wanaka offers a luxurious stay amid stunning South Island alpine scenery and is just 20 minutes away from the urban heart of Wanaka.
Style: Lodge
Te Wanaka Lodge is a lively bed and breakfast and ski lodge, situated in the heart of Wanaka near the namesake lake in South Island. Stay in cozy ensuite lodge rooms featuring muted warm wood interiors, heated blankets, comfortable furnishings, and private balconies, as well as tasteful skiing and fishing memorabilia.
Style: Boutique
Tin Tub Luxury Lodge is a family-run accommodation perched on a ridge overlooking Lake Wanaka in South Island, New Zealand.
Style: Boutique
Wanaka Haven, about a five minute ride away from the center of town, offers you a pleasant and comfortable stay. The tranquil lodge is tucked amid the alpine landscape of the Southern Alps, with its own fruit orchard and berry farm for added charm.
