Travel Guide of Wanaka in New Zealand by Influencers and Travelers

Wanaka, once called Pembroke, is a popular ski and summer resort town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. At the southern end of Lake Wānaka, it is at the start of the Clutha River and is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Wanaka

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Roys Peak

   7 km away

Roy's Peak is a mountain in New Zealand, standing between Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. It offers a full-day's walk with views across Lake Wanaka and up to the peak of Mount Aspiring / Tititea.

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2 - Lake Wānaka

   22 km away

Lake Wānaka is New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. In the Otago region, it is 278 meters above sea level, covers 192 km², and is more than 300 m deep. The original Māori name Oanaka means 'The place of Anaka', a local tribal chief. The town near the foot of the lake is named Wanaka.

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3 - Jet Boating in Wanaka

Take an exhilarating jetboat ride down the mighty Clutha River! Experience spectacular scenery, fast flowing waters, passing old gold mining sites until you reach the “Devils Nook”. You will pass under the historic “Red Bridge&rdquo...

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4 - Lake Hawea

   30 km away
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5 - Mount Aspiring National Park

   35 km away

Mount Aspiring National Park is in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand, north of Fiordland National Park, situated in Otago and Westland regions. The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site.

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6 - Paragliding | Wanaka Skydive

   9 km away

Get ready to tick off a bucket-list experience in the most breathtaking setting possible! Welcome to Wanaka, New Zealand's skydiving paradise. This is where awe-inspiring scenery meets pure adrenaline, and the result is an unforgettable experience. The adventure begins the moment one steps through the door, where the upbeat frontline crew awaits with a warm welcome. After a comprehensive briefing and getting suited up in top-notch gear, it's time to meet the tandem instructor. This expert guide leads the journey into the plane and up into the vibrant blue sky for a truly mesmerizing scenic flight. For a thrilling 20 minutes, soar over the Southern Alps, feast your eyes on the majestic Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring, gaze down at sparkling lakes, and follow the winding path of the Clutha River. Then, it's time for the grand leap from the chosen altitude! Experience the heart-pounding thrill of freefalling at 200kph, with the stunning Central Otago landscape as the backdrop. After 25 to 60 seconds of pure, unadulterated thrill, it's time to glide smoothly under the canopy, descending safely back to the drop zone. Back on terra firma, it's an emotional whirlwind of joy, smiles, hugs and fist pumps. This is not just a skydive, it's an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the heart and soul. Come on in, the sky's the limit!

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7 - Arrowtown

   36 km away

Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Arrowtown is located on the banks of the Arrow River approximately 7.5 km from State Highway 6.

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8 - Mount Aspiring

   38 km away

Mount Aspiring College is a state coeducational secondary school located in Wanaka, New Zealand. It was founded in 1986 after the division of Wanaka Area School into separate primary and secondary schools.

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9 - Kayaking in Wanaka

This activity is Paddle Wanaka's most popular kayaking outing and is an absolute must for all water sport lovers visiting the Wanaka area. Make sure you try this fantastic introduction to kayaking and enjoy an easy guided paddle exploring the be...

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10 - Lake Hayes

   40 km away

Lake Hayes is a small lake in the Wakatipu Basin in Central Otago, in New Zealand's South Island. It is located close to the towns of Arrowtown and Queenstown.

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11 - The Remarkables

   45 km away

The Remarkables are a mountain range and skifield in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, the range lives up to its name by rising sharply to create an impressive backdrop for the waters.

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12 - Scenic Flights in Wanaka

   9 km away

The 8th Natural Wonder of the World awaits, explore the stunning scenic landscape of Milford Sound with this cruise & flight package across South Island's picturesque landscape. Combine all the best attractions New Zealand's South Island has...

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13 - Lake Alta

   47 km away

Lake Alta is a glacial lake in The Remarkables near Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. It is approximately 500 metres by 250 metres in size and freezes over in the winter months. At this time it is used by skiers and snowboarders.

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14 - Skydiving in Wanaka

   9 km away

The highlight of your New Zealand experience must be a skydive in Wanaka! Scratch this off your bucket list and jump from over 15,000 ft! The experience starts with a welcome from the Skydive Wanaka crew, as they introdu...

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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Wanaka here

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Pictures and Stories of Wanaka from Influencers

20 pictures of Wanaka from Casey Horner, Ken Cheung, Laura Smetsers and other travelers

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Why should you visit Wanaka ?

Travel to Wanaka if you like:

  🏞️ Lake     ⛰️ Hill     ⛰️ Mountain     🏞️ Loch     🏖️ Shore     ❄️ Fjord  

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At 45 kilometers long and covering 193 square kilometers, its crystal blue waters are ideal for adventure seekers. Nestled at the foot of majestic mountains, Lake Wanaka is the most tranquil lake on the South Island. In winter, skiers from around the world converge here to ski and snowboard at Cardrona and Treble Cone, cross-country ski at Snow Farm and heli-ski in the Harris Mountains. But Wanaka is more than just a winter destination. Activities such as fishing, hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing and skydiving take place year-round. Visit surrounding towns like Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra, go shopping or just sit in a café and watch the world go by. One of the strengths of a stay in Lake Wanaka is that it combines the warmth of a small town with the standard and attention to detail you'd expect from an international vacation destination. Accommodations range from hostels and bed and breakfasts to motels and family-friendly vacation villages. Plus, each of these accommodations is within walking distance of stores and restaurants, and cabs and bikes are available. And if you want to get out of town, there are daily transportation services to most popular destinations.

   Where to Stay in Wanaka

   More Travel spots to explore around Wanaka

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Wanaka

  🏞️ Loch spots     🏞️ Lake spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🏖️ Shore spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     Skateboarding spots     Stand up paddle surfing spots     🏖️ Beach spots     ⛰️ Summit spots     Driving spots     ❄️ Fjord spots     🚣‍♂️‍ Kayaking spots     ⛰️ Mountain spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots  

  Travel map of Wanaka

Explore popular touristic places around Wanaka

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