Wanaka is one of the most jaw droppingly scenic locations in New Zealand and is located around 1 hour from Queenstown. During Winter the small town of Wanaka transforms into a bustling base for New Zealand's Ski Season. If you're on a budget and travelling by bus, both the Kiwi Experience and Stray New Zealand hop on hop off buses stop overnight, and all other tourist buses stop here too. It's a great place to stay if you're venturing throughout New Zealand by bus, car or campervan. Whether you're planning on spending a few nights here, or you're just stopping by for the afternoon check out my top 10 things to do in Wanaka!
Wanaka Activities: Top 10 Things To Do in Wanaka
1. Aerobatic Flight
This is possibly one of the scariest but most amazing things I have ever done. And there's no denying that the views of Lake Wanaka are absolutely stunning! You can learn how to fly a plane with a 2 times national aerobatic champion as you zoom over Wanaka.
Packages range from $199 to $399 depending on your comfort levels. Opt for a more relaxed, scenic flight lesson for you and one other person, or learn how to barrel roll and flip a 2 seater purposely built aerobatic plane – amazing!
.
2. Canyoning
Canyoning is an amazing day out that includes numerous adventurous activities in it including abseiling down waterfalls, slides, jumps, swimming and incredible scenery. Treat yourself to a full 8 hour day out in Wanaka for $450. Canyoning New Zealand has trips near Wanaka and Queenstown of various lengths depending on how much time and money you have to spare.
3. Walk to the top of Mt Iron
We all love free things! The walk will take you about 2 hours return from Wanaka and will reward you with 360 degree views of Lake Wanaka. The walk is moderately easy but there are a few loose rocks coming down so ensure that you wear sturdy shoes. Start from the Puzzling World entrance to make the most of the scenery on the way down.
Mt Iron View by Jacob Torrey - license
4. Indoor Rock Climbing
Fun for everyone, whether you are a beginner to rock climbing or an expert. Base Camp Wanaka is an adult adventure theme park. Try your hand at Bouldering, practice your skills on the advanced wall, or race your friends up the Clip n Go Wall. Entry is only around $20 plus $5 for shoes. It will take you about 40 minutes to walk there. TIP: hire a bike for $25 and make the most of your afternoon. The cycle will take just 10 minutes from town.
5. Roy's Peak Hiking Trail
You may have seen a photo getting around on Instagram from the top of Roy's Peak. There's no doubt that the top of the mountain provides one of the best photo ops in NZ. Allow around 5 to 6 hours return to reach the summit of Roy Mountain from Lake Wanaka. And an extra hour to wait for all the budding instagrammers to stop posing so you get a chance. The track begins 6km from the town centre of Lake Wanaka at the Roys Peak Track carpark. More info about Roy's Peak Walking Trail.
Roy's Peak by Sandra Vallaure - license
6. Explore Lake Wanaka by Bike
Bike Riding is one of my favourite ways to explore new destinations. It is cheap and easy! Bike hire is around $20 to $30 for half day rental. The lake front has a bike track that will lead you from one side of the lake to the other. The track is flat terrain so great for all levels. I suggest riding to Eely Point for a secluded beach experience or to Waterfall Creek for a rainforesty feel. If you are keen on Mountain Biking, there are loads of tracks for all levels.
7. Puzzling World
Bizarre, cheap and great for a hangover this is one of the Wanaka activities that you just have to do! Puzzling World includes a tricky maze, rooms full of illusions and abstract and mind baffling buildings. Entry to Puzzling World is cheap.
.
8. Skydive Wanaka
Voted by one of our Base veterans as the best skydiving location in New Zealand. With Skydive Wanaka you will gain views of the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s tallest mountain Mt Cook, World Heritage Mt Aspiring National Park, Glaciers, Lakes & Lord of the Rings Country from 15,000ft!
9. Paddleboard & Kayak
Lake Wanaka is one of the most tranquil and scenic lakes in New Zealand, surrounded by huge mountains that cast a painting like background. It is also one of the cheapest places in New Zealand to hire a Paddleboard or Kayak. Packages can be arranged to suit your needs. Paddle Wanaka offer everything from guided kayak tours, morning SUP Yoga classes, SUP rentals, Kayak rentals and more!
.
10. National Toy & Transport Museum
Sounds geeky but there is so much to see and do at the National Toy & Transport Museum! You will find vintage toys that will take you on a nostalgic trip back to your childhood, as well as rare, unusual and vintage aircraft, cars, trucks, fire engines, military vehicles and more. Entry is just $17.
Hopefully you're no longer wondering what to do in Wanaka because as you can see there are plenty of things to do here.
Travelling New Zealand? Read our Complete Backpacking Guide to New Zealand!
