Wanaka accommodation from AU$119

For a former gold mining colony, Wanaka’s natural beauty has been remarkably well-preserved. The landscape is a medley of colours, from the rich emerald of the trees, to the brown of the mountains , and then the deep blue of the waters of Lake Wanaka. Lake Wanaka is New Zealand’s fourth largest lake and popular for water activities such as jet boating, water skiing and fishing. If you’d rather stay dry, explore one of the many lake side walking tracks or hire a bike and take a ride through the nearby pine forests.

Wanaka is considered one of New Zealand’s premier ski areas, with the broadest range of snow activity choices of any town in the country. No matter what your skill level, Wanaka’s ski resorts have something for you. Cardrona is popular with families and beginners, whereas SnowPark, an artificial terrain park, is more suitable for advanced skiers. Cross-country skiers will want to check out Snow Farm, the only specialised cross-country field in New Zealand. The ski season from July to September at Wanaka is very busy so make sure to book your ski accommodation in Wanaka well in advance.

Wanaka is also a car and plane enthusiast’s dream, with two museums within 10 minutes of the CBD featuring these vehicles and more. Warbirds and Wheels has a fine collection of classic cars and wartime planes which have all been restored to their former glory. The National Transport and Toy Museum houses one of the largest private collections in the world of rare vehicles and fire engines. Embrace your inner child with the range of toys on display, including dolls’ houses, teddy bears and wind-up toys. Or for something different, visit Puzzling World and get lost in the world’s first 3D maze or admire the gravity-defying Leaning Tower of Wanaka. Fancy yourself a psychic? Try your hand at using your powers to complete Puzzling World’s psychic challenge to win $100,000.

Wanaka is a great starting point to explore other destinations on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s just a half hour drive from Cromwell, an hour from Alexandra and an hour from Queenstown. Wanaka’s proximity to Queenstown also makes flying in an out of the Queenstown airport a breeze, so check out of cheap flights to Queenstown as well.

Start booking your next New Zealand getaway with our hotels in Wanaka and enjoy everything this region has to offer.

Need insider tips on must-see attractions in Wanaka? Check out our Wanaka travel guide!