Experience the best of Wānaka
Wānaka is a lakeside town in New Zealand's Southern Alps, set below snowy peaks, a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the ski fields.
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Wānaka sits at the southern end of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region of the South Island, with mountains rising on every side. A path follows the lakefront past the lone willow that stands in the water, which has become a symbol of the town. Roys Peak, with its zigzag track, and Mount Iron give views over the lake and the valley. The town has cafés, galleries and a nearby wine region.
Mount Aspiring National Park, named for a 3,033-metre pyramid-shaped peak, begins at the head of the lake. The Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields lie in the mountains behind town, and the Crown Range road, the highest main road in New Zealand, climbs from Cardrona to Queenstown. In the other direction, the Haast Pass road passes the Blue Pools and descends to the West Coast.
Central Otago cherries and apricots appear in summer, and lamb, venison and pinot noir from the nearby vineyards fill the menus, with craft beer from local breweries. Summer brings swimming and boating on the lake, autumn turns the poplars and larches gold, and winter brings snow to the mountains.
- Free cancellation on 93% of experiences
- 4.8 across the top 24
Top experiences in Wānaka
Go beyond Wānaka
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Franz Josef & Fox Glacier · 155 kmFranz Josef Glacier
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Franz Josef & Fox Glacier · 155 kmFox Glacier
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Dunedin · 169 kmDunedin Railway Station
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Dunedin · 169 kmBaldwin Street
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