Wanaka Travel Guides & Itineraries

Wonderful Wānaka. Nestled in the breathtaking Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, the Wānaka region attracts visitors worldwide with its exceptional natural beauty.

Its stunning mountain and lakeside scenery, along with its closeness to Mt Aspiring National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—make it the perfect hub for outdoor adventures.

With four distinct seasons, Wānaka offers something year-round. Summers are warm and dry, ideal for water sports, hiking, and biking. Winters bring cool, crisp air and four varied ski areas that cater to skiers and snowboarders. Spring is the perfect season to explore lakeside trails, while the vivid autumn colors provide excellent opportunities for photography.

Outdoor lovers aren’t the only ones to enjoy Wānaka; a stroll through town reveals inspiring galleries, trendy shops, and a wide range of great cafes, top-notch restaurants, craft breweries, award-winning wineries, and an artisan distillery.

Wānaka also hosts more world-class events than most places, featuring international triathlons, music, and arts festivals. Some highlights include Warbirds over Wānaka, Festival of Color, Rhythm & Alps, and the Audi Quattro Winter Games.