Best Things to Do in Wanaka

Wanaka is a place that captures hearts with its mix of majestic mountains, a sparkling alpine lake, and a relaxed small-town vibe. Whether you’re here to lace up your boots for an iconic hike, sip wine overlooking the lake, or simply sit quietly by That Wānaka Tree, you’ll find something that speaks to your soul. Wanaka is more than a stop on the South Island circuit — it’s a destination where nature, adventure and culture come together in perfect balance.

🚤 Lake Wanaka Cruise – Wine and Cheese Hour

There’s nothing like finishing a day of exploring with a gentle evening cruise across Lake Wanaka. The water reflects the surrounding mountains in a way that feels almost surreal, and the pace slows to pure relaxation. You’ll sip on local wine, enjoy a cheese board and watch as the lake reveals its quiet beauty. Along the way, you’ll drift past Ruby Island, hidden bays and the famous Wanaka Tree.

Highlights:

• One-hour cruise with stunning alpine scenery
• Includes a glass of wine, beer or soft drink plus cheese board
• Best enjoyed at sunset when the lake turns gold
• Family-friendly, but especially romantic for couples

🌊 Blue Pools Track – Glacial Magic

The Blue Pools Track is a reminder that you don’t always need a long tramp to find something unforgettable. The short walk takes you through cool native beech forest and across suspension bridges, opening onto pools of crystal-clear turquoise water fed by the Makarora River. The pools glow differently depending on the light — sometimes deep blue, other times bright green.

Highlights:

• Easy walk: around 1.5 km return (about 30 minutes)
• Swing bridges and forest paths add adventure
• Perfect stop on the road towards Haast Pass
• A great option for families or travellers short on time

🏔 Roys Peak Track – Iconic Views

Ask anyone what to do in Wanaka and Roys Peak will be near the top of the list. This alpine climb rewards every step with sweeping views, from the glistening lake far below to the jagged peaks stretching into the distance. It’s a challenge, around 16 km return with steady uphill the whole way but the famous summit lookout is a view that has become a symbol of Wanaka itself.

Highlights:

• Distance: 16 km return, allow 5–7 hours
• Panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park
• Best time: sunrise or late afternoon to avoid crowds
• Track closed each year from 1 October – 10 November for lambing

🍷 Rippon Vineyard – Wine with a View

Wanaka’s most celebrated vineyard, Rippon, is where wine and scenery meet in perfect harmony. The vines sweep down towards the lake, framed by snow-tipped peaks, and tastings often include their award-winning Pinot Noir. The philosophy here is low-intervention winemaking, letting the soil and climate speak for themselves. It’s a spot where you don’t just sip wine — you feel connected to the land.

Highlights:

• Free tastings by appointment
• Known for their Pinot Noir and Riesling
• Incredible photo spot overlooking the lake and Alps
• Family-owned estate with deep ties to the region

🌿 That Wānaka Tree – The Icon

Standing alone in the lake, That Wānaka Tree is a sight that has captured the imagination of travellers worldwide. Its weathered branches twist gracefully against a backdrop of mountains, making it one of the most photographed spots in Aotearoa. Despite the attention, there’s still something quiet and personal about standing before it, especially at dawn when the water is still and colours are soft.

Highlights:

• Easy access: a short walk from town along the lakefront
• Best times: sunrise and sunset for fewer crowds and perfect light
• A living tree that grew from an old fence post over 70 years ago
• Please do not climb or damage — respect this fragile icon

Final Thoughts

Wanaka is a place where you can chase adventure on alpine trails, sip wine with a lakefront view, or simply slow down beside the world’s most famous willow. Each experience offers a different side of this lakeside gem, and together they show why Wanaka is so much more than a stopover — it’s a destination that lingers in memory long after you’ve left.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.