Things to do in Wanaka
Beautiful Lake Wanaka, NZ is a mecca for outdoor adventurers, photographers, artists, writers, readers, lovers and thinkers.
Just one hour from Queenstown, there’s so much to do and see in and around Wanaka. Find out more here.
Whatever your passion, the luxury Lakeside Apartments is the perfect place to stay. Just a few steps from your 5-star Qualmark accommodation are pristine beaches and crystal-clear water – perfect for relaxing with a book or swimming and kayaking with the kids.
Many hiking and biking trails to our wilderness areas start just a few footsteps away, in the heart of the village.
Within moments, you can be on your way to nearby nature reserves and parks or – for those venturing further afield – the Mt Aspiring National Park or the interesting villages of Cardona, Albert Town, Luggate and Lake Hawea.
Every season brings something new – fresh in spring, sizzling in summer, vibrant and colourful in autumn, and crisp, cool and sunny in winter. Frequent local events match the moment, whether it’s a market day, an arts festival, sports event or show.
Whatever your heart desires – the adrenalin rush of snow sports, water sports, skydiving, tramping or mountain biking; the peaceful, patient art of fly fishing; golf in scenic surroundings; tasting wine and enjoying regional produce with locals – Lakeside Apartments’ friendly customer service staff can recommend the best activities for you.
There’s so much to do and see in and around Wanaka. Find out more here.
Things to do in Wanaka this Winter
An incredible time of year, Winter is the
perfect mountain culture experience – with the thrill of downhill skiing at two
skifields and the peace of cross country skiing – for epic on-snow experience
visit Wanaka June, July, August and September.
Treble Cone, the largest ski area in NZ’s
South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary
off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Season closes 27th September 2026
Cardrona has a huge range of facilities on the
mountain to help you get the most out of your winter adventure!
Season closes 11th October 2026
Snow
Farm – Cross Country Skiing
New Zealand’s home of cross country skiing
Season closes 13th September 2026
(potential extension if sufficient snow)
“Lake Wanaka, a jewel in the South Island of
New Zealand’s Southern Alps, is home to our personal guiding company that will
take you to our many special places off-the-beaten-track in pure wilderness.
Eco Wanaka Adventures are specialists in Lake Cruising & Guided Nature Walks, Heli-Hiking and Guided Walks”
Operating every day except Sundays, Christmas
Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
“We have selected our favourite off the beaten
track soft adventure tours to ensure you experience the true character of the
Wanaka and Queenstown region. From private 4WD journeys into iconic
country farms, romantic mountain getaways, lake Wanaka cruises and exclusive
photography tours.”
Operating every day.
“Climb the world’s highest waterfall cable
climb, in Wanaka New Zealand or try our NEW! Canyon and Hike adventures.’
Operating every day except for statutory
holidays.
“Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes
from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields,
farm animals & display gardens.
Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our
friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea
& indulge in our lavender ice-creams”
“Enjoy an introductory helicopter flight
around Wanaka and experience an alpine landing with amazing views. Or go
further, flying past glaciers and mountain tops for a ‘once in a lifetime” snow
landing. Our most popular flight combines Mt Aspiring and a glacier
landing to truly experience this incredible region”
“Wanaka Wine Tours has been in operation since
2001. It is the original wine touring company in and around Wanaka. We take you to the best places to sample award winning wines and to
hear the local stories. As we
travel our friendly and knowledgeable guides will tell you tales and stories of
the people and land as you enjoy the stunning scenery.”
“From the stunning sights of Wanaka to
Glendhu Bay, Luggate, Lake Hawea and beyond, there’s so much to see in our
wonderful town. We’ve searched far and wide to find the perfect e-bike, so you
can explore it all in comfort and style. Find out more about our Swiss-made
YouMo e-bikes, the superb network of on-site and nearby trails and our
wonderful LandEscape packages.”
Will pick up guests from Lakeside Apartments.
“Bike Glendhu is born to be shared by
riders of all skill sets, whether it’s your first day on the trails or you’ve
been around a berm or two. Our 30km network (with more to come in 2020!) of
flowing pedal-only trails wind and weave their way around 1000 hectares of the
finest trails Mother Nature could give us, as we’ve borrowed and blended to
create a trail map she’ll be proud of.”
Transport
For taxis, airport transfers, ski-field
transfers, wedding transport, private tours and more, visit Cardrona, Treble Cone or Yello.
Ski
Services
Ski season in Wanaka is June to October. If
you are planning to ski, we offer a range of services for your convenience:
Ski equipment Rental: you can book your rental gear online, and have it delivered and
custom fitted in the comfort of your own apartment! For more details on this
very convenient service visit SnoPro and book a date/time for the SnoPro team to visit.
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