Wanaka Travel Guide: The Quieter Side of Central Otago

Wanaka is what Queenstown was 30 years ago: a small lakeside town with extraordinary scenery, adventure activities, good food, and a community that hasn't quite tipped into full tourist-industrial mode. If you're trying to escape the busy energy of Queenstown, Wanaka is the answer.

Getting There from Queenstown

Two routes: - SH6 through Cromwell — 80km, about 1 hour. More scenic, goes through the Cromwell Gorge. - Crown Range Road — 60km, about 1 hour. Steep, dramatic alpine road — highest sealed main road in NZ at 1121m. Do NOT do this road in winter without checking conditions.

Both routes are stunning. Do one each way if you're doing a return trip.

What Makes Wanaka Different

Scale. Wanaka's town centre is small and genuinely walkable. You don't need a car to get around once you're there.

Vibe. Less late-night bar scene, more outdoor culture. The town attracts surfers, climbers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alongside the usual tourism crowd.

The lake. Lake Wanaka is arguably more beautiful than Lake Wakatipu — shallower, warmer for swimming, and lined with weeping willows on the town side.

That Tree. The solitary willow tree standing in Lake Wanaka, partially submerged, is probably New Zealand's most photographed tree. Go at dawn for the mirror reflection.

Things to Do in Wanaka

Roys Peak Track One of New Zealand's most photographed Instagram hikes. The 16km return trail climbs 1,200m above Wanaka with views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Mount Aspiring on a clear day. It's a legitimate mountain hike — allow 5-6 hours and don't attempt in poor weather. The iconic 'photo spot' is about 2/3 of the way up.

Note: Roys Peak is closed during lambing season (October 1 – November 10). Check DOC for closures.

Wanaka Tree (That Tree) Walk 10 minutes along the lake edge from the town centre to the famous partially-submerged willow. Best at dawn when the lake is still. Heavily photographed but still worth it — just manage your expectations; it's a tree in a lake, not Machu Picchu.

Puzzling World Yes, it's a tourist trap. Yes, it's inexplicably fun. Giant mazes, a leaning tower, rooms full of optical illusions that mess with your perception in genuinely unsettling ways. Perfect for a rainy afternoon or travelling with kids.

Wanaka Beerworks / Cardrona Distillery Wanaka has an excellent craft beer scene. Wanaka Beerworks is a local favourite. More impressively, the Cardrona Distillery (on the Crown Range road between Queenstown and Wanaka) makes award-winning whisky, gin, and vodka in a beautiful high-country setting. Tours and tastings run daily.

Cardrona Alpine Resort If you're visiting in winter, Cardrona (40 minutes from Wanaka, 80 from Queenstown) is consistently rated New Zealand's best ski resort. Family-friendly, excellent terrain park, reliable snow.

Waterfall Creek / Diamond Lake Walk An easy 1-3 hour walk through tussock landscape to a small alpine lake with views of Mount Aspiring National Park. Excellent for families or a gentle morning walk.

Mount Aspiring National Park Wanaka is the gateway to the third-largest national park in New Zealand. For day hikers, the Rob Roy Glacier Track (4-5 hours return) is one of the country's finest accessible glacier walks. A guided trip is recommended for first-timers.

Where to Eat

Francesca's Italian Kitchen — Consistently excellent, casual Italian. Book ahead. Ritual Coffee — Best coffee in Wanaka, excellent cabinet food. The Doughbin Bakery — Legendary local pies and baked goods. Yonder — Wine bar and kitchen; best evening option. Kika — Upscale, produce-driven menu. Special occasion dining.

Where to Stay

Wanaka has good mid-range hotel options (Wanaka Springs Lodge, Edgewater Resort), holiday parks for budget travellers, and several excellent Airbnb/bach options around the lake edge. Book well ahead for Christmas–January and July school holidays.

Day Trip vs. Overnight?

Wanaka makes an excellent day trip from Queenstown — the drive is part of the experience. But if you have 2+ nights in the South Island and want contrast, spending a night or two in Wanaka gives it justice.

Browse Wanaka tours and activities or check our guide on Queenstown vs. Wanaka to help decide how to split your time.