Travel to Wānaka

Things to do in and around Wānaka

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in Wānaka, visit local boutiques and artisan shops. If you're up for a drive, the Cromwell Shopping Centre, 38.6km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with various shops, while the Remarkables Park Town Centre, 48.3km away, is perfect for family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant sports atmosphere at Queenstown Event Centre, just 48.3km from Wānaka, or enjoy family-friendly fun at Alpine Aqualand, also 48.3km away. For a more local experience, indulge in outdoor relaxation at Wānaka Golf Club, situated right in the heart of the town.

Adventure

Explore Puzzling World, where you can navigate an intriguing maze filled with optical illusions and puzzles, perfect for family fun. For thrill-seekers, Basecamp Wānaka Climbing Centre offers exhilarating climbing experiences in a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. In winter, hit the slopes at Snowfarm NZ for skiing adventures amidst stunning alpine scenery.

Nightlife

Wānaka's nightlife offers a charming mix of laid-back bars and lively events. Enjoy a drink at the vibrant Water Bar or relax at the welcoming Wānaka Hotel. For something unique, catch live music at the iconic Maude Winery, creating memorable evenings in this picturesque town.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Wānaka

Wānaka, a picturesque destination in Otago, New Zealand, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways. Explore local attractions such as the iconic Wanaka Tree, the stunning Lake Wanaka, and the charming town centre. With cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, Wānaka offers a delightful array of points of interest, including a transport museum, a lovely flower garden, and notable landmarks, ensuring a memorable visit for all travellers.

  • Pembroke Park: Nestled in the heart of Wānaka, Pembroke Park offers a delightful urban escape. Enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities amidst lush greenery, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, all while soaking in the vibrant city vibes.
  • Wānaka Lavender Farm: This enchanting flower garden invites you to wander through fragrant fields of lavender. With its family-oriented atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to relax, take stunning photographs, and even enjoy lavender-infused treats.
  • That Wānaka Tree: Situated just 1.6km from Wānaka, this iconic tree stands in the shimmering waters of Lake Wānaka, offering a picturesque view. A symbol of local culture, it’s a must-visit for memorable photographs and a serene experience.

Best time to go to Wānaka

The best time to visit Wanaka is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July35.6°F (2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Wānaka

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Wānaka during the low season (May to June and October) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Wānaka

Edgewater

Edgewater

54 Sargood Drive Wanaka
RM757
RM871 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice view from the room"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2026

Edgewater
Wanaka Hotel

Wanaka Hotel

71 Ardmore Street Wanaka
8.2/10 Very good! (774 reviews)
"The location was good and views were very nice. Restaurants were a nice option to have. Hotel was a little run down but fine for one night. No elevator for second floor if you have a heavy suitcase. Staff could have been a little warmer."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2026

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Wanaka Hotel
Hampshire Holiday Parks - Wanaka

Hampshire Holiday Parks - Wanaka

212 Brownston Street Wanaka
RM148
RM174 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (76 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Hampshire Holiday Parks - Wanaka
See all 612 properties in Wānaka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Wānaka attractions

A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Rippon Vineyard

9.0/10 (92 reviews)
Rippon Vineyard showcases Central Otago's oldest vines on the shores of Lake Wānaka with panoramic alpine views. Sample their biodynamic wines during an intimate tasting experience, where terroir truly shines.
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A golf course with a large tree and mountains in the background.

Wānaka Golf Club

8.0/10 (25 reviews)
Nestled among mature trees, Wānaka Golf Club offers spectacular views of Lake Wānaka and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a round on the meticulously maintained fairways before unwinding at the clubhouse café.
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A gravel path leading to a farm gate with a sign reading "Wanaka Lavender Farm."

Wānaka Lavender Farm

9.0/10 (111 reviews)
Wander through 20 acres of fragrant purple blooms at this picturesque alpine farm. Savour lavender-infused ice cream while watching alpacas graze against New Zealand's mountain backdrop.
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A tilted sign for the Leaning Tower of Wanaka, New Zealand, with a person sitting nearby.

Puzzling World

9.0/10 (276 reviews)
Step into a world of mind-bending optical illusions at Puzzling World, where perception meets playful deception. Challenge your senses in the tilted rooms and test your navigation skills in the Great Maze.
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A park with a paved path, trees, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Pembroke Park

8.4/10 (40 reviews)
This expansive green space offers stunning views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along scenic pathways or bring a picnic to savour amid the breathtaking mountain backdrop.
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A mountainous landscape with a lake and a path with people walking.

Mount Iron Lookout

9.4/10 (52 reviews)
This glacier-carved knoll offers a rewarding 360-degree panorama of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Hike the 1.5-hour loop track at sunrise for spectacular golden light across the Upper Clutha Basin.
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A golf course with a green netted area, a wooden shelter, and a person in a black jacket.

Crossfire Wānaka

9.6/10 (4 reviews)
Enjoy a round of golf in Wānaka at Crossfire Wānaka. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.
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Snowfarm NZ

7.6/10 (12 reviews)
New Zealand's premier cross-country ski destination with 55km of groomed trails in the stunning Southern Alps. Glide through pristine snow landscapes or book a night in a backcountry hut for a true alpine experience.
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What to do in Wānaka

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

RM331
per adult
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

RM310
per adult
Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails
Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

RM855
per adult
Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka
See all activities in Wānaka

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Wanaka holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Wanaka break. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will determine how much your holiday to Wanaka costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Wanaka?
July, August and September are the best times to search for cheap Wanaka holiday packages. Opting to travel in less busy periods means you can usually find reduced prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Wanaka?
Usually, a handful of days is enough to see the major attractions during your Wanaka holiday. But if you'd like to have more time to kick back or take day tours, think about extending your itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Wanaka?
Wanaka has everything you need for an amazing break — nature, festivals and watersports are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out sights like Wanaka Lavender Farm and Wanaka Golf Club, or venture off the beaten track, there's plenty to do on your Wanaka holiday.
How to find the best Wanaka package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to find some fabulous Wanaka package deals. When you start your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your trip for midweek, or search for Wanaka package deals in the off-peak season. Switch up your travel dates and you may land even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Wanaka holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Wanaka retreat by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then select your travel dates and destination to see the best hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Wanaka?
If you've got your Wanaka travel dates finalized, book as early as you can to snap up some unbeatable deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are great for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Wanaka?
  1. Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you like can all influence your decision on when to visit Wanaka.
  2. Budget wisely: Besides the cost of your stay, you should consider other expenses. These include food, transportation and flights. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may arise during your trip to Wanaka.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you're more familiar with Wanaka, you can work out the right length of your break. Pull together a rough plan and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Bundle your flights and hotel: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to pick a Wanaka holiday package that brings all your bookings together.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.