Wanaka Attractions

Top Things to Do in Wanaka

Things to Do in Wanaka


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Wanaka.


Top Attractions in Wanaka

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Paul B
    Chesterfield, UK1,662 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful lake surrounded by majestic mountains. On our visit there were clear blue skies and blue lake water. Very photogenic. The town at the foot of the lake is classy. Highly recommended
    Written 18 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Esclaw
    Boston, MA78 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We are staying in Queenstown, which is amazing and wonderful. But it's a little hectic. So we did a day trip to Wanaka and had the best time. It's like Queenstown . . .only chill. Less steep, less traffic, less construction, and more just sunshine, beaches, and fields of grass and happy sheep. If you are here for an extended vacation I'd say spend 1-2 nights in Wanaka just to have a more low key vibe. There are many easy hikes, great beaches all over (we loved swimming here!) and just all the lovely relaxed qualities that most of the world has forgotten.
    Written 28 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mattyg450
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is amazing not just in winter but also summer.
    I can not recommend summer hut trips enough.
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AJ
    San Francisco, CA72 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful views. The main trail up is fairly boring. Switchback after switchback. A pretty relentless slog uphill. The views at the top though, stunning. Amazing. We stopped at the first viewpoint and went higher up. We started out before sunrise and really enjoyed hiking up under the stars. This made it so much more enjoyable for us. You could see the Milky Way and we caught a gorgeous clear night sky. It also was so lovely watching the sun slowly rise as we worked our way up. We made it to the classic first view at peak sunrise. Wonderful. Come prepared for this hike. It is a workout. Bring water and food. We saw some who looked miserable without water or food and not with proper layers. This is a challenging hike up and rough on the joints on the way down. Views are worth the effort!
    Written 1 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiwijoandsreve
    Adelaide, Australia80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute joy to do this trip! We drove from Wanaka and the scenery was exceptional. There was a little bit of snow that the kids enjoyed.
    Written 25 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PhilMalone
    Footscray, Australia1,399 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This walk is often touted as a shorter alternative to Roys Peak. I can say that the views are majestic and worth the steep climb, which only takes 30-40 minutes. It is much better to set off from the carpark in an anti-clockwise direction as you'll be thankful for not having the steepest bit on the way down - saved my knees. But, still, hiking sticks / poles are useful for coming back down.

    Having a clear warm day in mid February was a bonus as we took a while up the top to enjoy the scenic views over Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountains and the township of Wanaka below. My photo was taken a little way from the top, but the view here was still beautiful. This walk is well worth the effort of the climb, especially on a fine clear day.
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Keianne13
    Edinburgh, UK193 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is a treasure trove of vehicles, aircraft and toys collected over many decades by just one family. It will delight both young and old and the Toy Shop is an Aladin’s cave which may prove irresistible. A great venue for a rainy day but equally enjoyable when the sun shines especially for the outdoor exhibits. Highly recommended.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mary E
    Leesburg, VA101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I would put this winery on the must-go-to list if you are in Wanaka. It is a small winery, but the intimacy of the tasting coupled with the quality of the wines made this place stand out. The tasting is at the winemaker's home, complete with dogs and chickens! The winemakers are super friendly and spend time with you explaining the wines an answering questions i a super casual environment. We ended up purchasing a bottle of pinot noir. A unique experience (and we've visiting A LOT of wineries around the world); I highly recommend.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ms14_delhi
    Mumbai, India167 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This farm in addition to large lavender plantation has lovely colourful flowers dahlia, lily, roses and a variety of interesting farm animals both of which we loved. Two hours very well spent
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OnAir36478740951
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thanks Monica & Liz! You and the iSite Wanaka team have made booking / planning this trip really easy. Without your help, there would have been a lot of stress, trying to work out timing for accommodation, events and how to pull it all together.

    Looking very forward to meeting you when we are in Wanaka soon,

    Best regards,
    David
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TBBDorset
    Dorset12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This vineyard has some mixed reviews that I really don’t understand. My wine tasting experience there was excellent and the range and quantities of wine provided were more than adequate.For those people who know their wines Rippon produce some high quality and different wines. The staff could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable and I cannot think of a better way to spend a little time in wanaka
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • huggibear
    Nottingham83 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent hike to Wanaka lookout and Rocky Mountain summit via Diamond lake. There’s a lovely view of the lake from above - the track around the lake doesn’t do it justice. Take the east track up to the wanaka lookout then continue up to the summit . The views in the way up are amazing taking the east track but there are some very narrow and steep rocks to scrabble up in places - I wouldn’t take young kids . We came down the west track which is easier but still has a couple of difficult rocky and tree root sections . It took us 3.5 hours either way lunch and stops .
    Definitely only attempt this in good weather- the path is muddy and the rocks will get slippery
    Written 20 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wanaka


The best outdoor activities in Wanaka according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Wanaka on Tripadvisor


The most popular things to do in Wanaka with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Wanaka on Tripadvisor