Exploring Wānaka: Hikes, wine and 20 other epic things to do
Wānaka is an epic adventure hub with plenty of outdoorsy activities nearby.
Located only an hour from Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka is well worth visiting. If you can stay for a few days, the town makes a great base for exploring the wider area.
The town is right on the edge of Lake Wānaka, so you can kayak, cruise, or enjoy walking the lakeshore. Wānaka is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, as well as the entire West Coast via Haast Pass. From Wānaka, you can visit wineries, lakes, mountain peaks, and ski fields.
A crowd of people lines up to take photos of the Wanaka Tree at dawn — this was around 7.30am.
These are the best things to do in and aroundWānaka.
jump ahead.
Things to do in Wanaka town
1. Go wine tasting
2. Dine at Wanaka’s restaurants
4. Visit the Wanaka tree
6. Kayak out to Ruby Island
8. Go on a cruise to Mou Waho Island in the middle of the Lake
Things to do near Lake Wanaka
10. Visit the Blue Pools
11. Go on a waterfall cable climb with Wildwire Wanaka
12. Visit Lake Hawea
13. Hike Isthmus Peak
14. Hike Roy’s Peak
15. Hike to Diamond Lake
Day trips from Wanaka
18. Go on a 4x4 adventure to an unbeatable view of Lake Wanaka
19. Go on an epic flight, hike, jet boat adventure
20. Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
21. Hike in the Matukituki Valley
A few quick tips for visiting Wanaka
Staying in Wānaka for two nights will give you the chance to tackle one of the famous walks in the area, visit a vineyard for a leisurely afternoon, and explore the town and the lakefront.
Stay for three nights and you’ll have more time for day trips near Wānaka, such as visiting the Blue Pools or Lake Hawea.
Most of the top attractions in Wanaka are outside the town itself, so I would recommend staying for at least two nights to give yourself time to explore the region. Wanaka town isn’t that interesting — it’s more of a base for exploring.
Both Queenstown and Wānaka are adventure hubs in the South Island. The key difference is that Queenstown is larger and livelier, with more options for nightlife and restaurants. It’s also more geared toward adventure activities like jet boating and bungy jumping. Wānaka is more laid back, with a slower pace of life and a bigger focus on hiking.
If you’re trying to decide between Queenstown and Wanaka, it just depends on what you prefer — a faster pace or something a little more tranquil.
1. Go wine tasting at local cellar doors
The view from Rippon Winery
Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s best wine regions. It’s known for producing world-leading Pinot Noirs, which distill the flavours of the dry soils and mountainous region into sumptuous reds.
The area between Queenstown and Wanaka has a rich smattering of vineyards, but you can also visit a couple of excellent wineries that are only minutes from the centre of Wanaka town.
Located on a hill just 10 minutes from the town centre, Rippon is a celebrated local vineyard which offers free cellar door tastings — just make an appointment via their website. The view from Rippon is as stunning as the wines they produce.
Aitken’s Folly is another family-run Wanaka vineyard offering tastings on the outskirts of town.
Then there’s Maude Wines, with a tasting room in Wanaka town. After exploring the Maude tasting room, you can shop their full range and take a bottle or two home with you.
2. Discover New Zealand cuisine in Wanaka's restaurants
Muttonbird
Palomas
For a small town, Wanaka punches above its weight with restaurants. Eating out in Wanaka is a fun way of exploring Central Otago’s finest produce and ingredients, from creative local chefs.
Muttonbird is one of Wanaka’s best restaurants. The funky, laid-back restaurant features retro decor with old-school snow skis and fly fishing rods tacked to the wall, and through the windows you have a spectacular view of the mountains.
Muttonbird highlights seasonal fare from farmers and producers across Otago and New Zealand. Sharing plates focus on simple food done well. The menu changes often, but you can expect to find a lot of lamb — tongue, neck and ribs — beef carpaccio, and chicken liver parfait.
Paloma is located in The Precinct, Wānaka’s sleek laneway. Colourful and friendly, Paloma serves Mexican food with New Zealand ingredients. Tortillas are made using whole corn kernels sourced from a farmer in Napier, and the tacos are topped with things like beef cheeks and forest mushrooms.
Another cosy spot is Francesca's Italian Kitchen, which unsurprisingly serves delicious Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and an excellent wine selection.
In the morning, head to Pembroke Patisserie, an artisanal French bakery in Albert town. This is a great spot for morning pastries and coffee, or to grab a pie or other flaky, buttery snack.
Wanaka has a burgeoning craft beer scene with several breweries and craft beer establishments in town. These breweries offer a diverse range of craft beers, from traditional styles to innovative and experimental brews.
On a sunny afternoon, Rhyme and Reason Brewery is a popular place to enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, including pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and more.
Ground Up Brewing is another awesome brewery to check out — it’s a family-owned and operated craft brewery with a focus on creating high-quality, small-batch beers, including a variety of pale ales and experimental brews. Their taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy their beers.
4. Stroll around the waterfront and visit the Wanaka Tree
Seeing the Wanaka Tree is a must do while in Wanaka.
You might find it underwhelming — it is just a small willow tree growing in the lake — but it’s a nice reason to stroll around the lakefront and enjoy the views of the mountains in the distance.
Located on the far south of Lake Wanaka, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the Wanaka tree from the centre of town.
Grab a coffee in town, go for a walk, tick the Wanaka Tree off your list, and then spend your day on other activities.
6. Kayak out to Ruby Island in Lake Wanaka
// Kayak cruise with Paddle Wanaka $99 per adult
Paddle Wanaka rents out kayaks and SUPs, giving you a fun way to explore Lake Wanaka from the water.
Even better is their option to go for a kayak cruise. This includes kayak rental so you can paddle out to Ruby Island in the lake. It’s an hour of paddling, which for most non-enthusiasts is the perfect amount of time.
The island is a beaut spot for a picnic or sunbathing — take a towel, and a book, and enjoy being sequestered away from the town in this idyllic spot. There’s also a short loop track around the island.
A boat shuttle will pick you up and then you can enjoy a 10 minute boat trip back to the mainland, without having to worry about slogging back in your kayak.
You can of course rent a kayak for the whole trip, but the cruise option is a lovely way to enjoy the best of both adventure and relaxation.
8. Go on a boat cruise to Mou Waho Island and see a lake within a lake
In the waters of Lake Wānaka are four islands, Te Peke Karara, Ruby Island, Mou Tapu and Mou Waho. ‘Mou Waho’ translates to ‘outer island’ and is the largest and farthest from town.
One of the most interesting things to do in Wanaka is to go on a boat cruise to Mou Waho. Once you arrive on the island, you can hike to the top of the peak — at 473 metres, you’ll have a stunning view from the top.
And, there’s something magical to discover there.
At the top of the island is a lake.
The Arethusa Pool, which sits 150 metres above the surface of Lake Wanaka, is stunning. It’s also warmer then Lake Wanaka (around 12 degrees) so more pleasant for swimming.
What’s more, there are islands within the lake, so you can say you’ve visited an island in a lake, on an island in a lake, in a lake on an island in the ocean.
Wanaka Cruises offers daily trips, with the option to go with or without a guide.
The best things to do near Lake Wanaka
If you want to know what there is to do near Lake Wanaka, you’re spoiled for choice.
All of these exciting things to do are within a one-hour drive from the centre of Wanaka town.
10. Visit the mind boggling Blue Pools
// 3 kilometres return
// 1 hour return
// Find the DOC trail information here
The Blue Pools Walk is a picturesque walking trail offering the chance to experience the enchanting beauty of crystal-clear blue pools in a stunning natural setting.
The trail begins at a car park just off the Haast Pass Highway, approximately 70 kilometres north of Wanaka. The walk takes you through native beech forest, providing a pleasant and shaded pathway as you make your way to the Blue Pools.
After a relatively easy walk of around 20 to 30 minutes, you'll arrive at a viewing platform overlooking the Blue Pools. These pools are fed by the pristine waters originating from glaciers in the Southern Alps.
The pools are known for their striking blue color, which is a result of the water's purity and the way light reflects off the fine glacial sediment at the bottom.
The crystal-clear water of the Blue Pools is so inviting you might feel compelled to take a swim — just beware that the water is icy cold, even in the heat of summer.
Read more:
11. Climb the world’s highest waterfall cable climb with Wild Wire Wanaka
// From $199 per person
If you can climb a ladder, you can tackle the highest waterfall climb in the world.
Wildwire Wanaka is a very cool, very adventurous enterprise that will test your limits and give you a completely unique way of experiencing the landscapes around Wanaka.
Lord of the Rungs is a via ferrate cable climb — the highest in the world, according to Wildwire. It’s a 450 metre climb, but you can choose levels based on your experience and thirst for adrenaline.
the world’s highest waterfall cable climb. Reaching the top will take you through 450m of vertical terraine.
Steel rungs and cables will lead you to exceptional mountain views. If you want a thrilling adventure activity in Wanaka, this is it.
Good to know | Wildwire Wanaka is known for supporting community and conservation initiatives. By supporting this business, you’re supporting the Wanaka community!
Find out more about the Love Wanaka fund, which Wildwire proudly support.
12. Visit Lake Hāwea, Wanaka's smaller neighbour
Lake Hawea is a small village lying next to a lake of the same name. Hawea lies parallel to Lake Wanaka, but it’s much less famous. It might not have an iconic tree, but Hawea is still worth a visit.
The lake and mountain scenery is stunning. Walk around the lakeshore, swim from the dock, or simply relax on the grass lakeside.
The Hawea Store & Kitchen is a local grocer with organic fruit and vegetables, locally made patisserie and sourdough bread, and plenty of other goodies you can stock up on for a picnic by the lake.
There’s also a great cycle trail that runs between Hawea and Wanaka, which makes for a scenic day out on two wheels.
13. Hike Isthmus Peak — an awesome alternative to Roy’s Peak
// 16 kilometres return
// 5-7 hours
At 1385 metres, Isthmus Peak offers a spectacular vantage point to view the Wanaka region.
The track is a long, steady climb up the mountain that sits between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea.
The trail is well-maintained, marked with poles, and mostly wide and gravel. Even so, this can be a tough climb.
With none of the crowds that swarm nearby Roy’s Peak, Isthmus Peak is an excellent alternative to the popular Roy’s Peak track and a stunning day hike from Wanaka.
14. Hike the iconic Roy's Peak
// 16 kilometres return
// 6 hours return
// DOC trail information
The Roy's Peak hike is one of the most iconic hiking trails in Wanaka. It offers panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding Southern Alps, and the picturesque landscapes of Otago.
Seeing the view from Roy’s Peak is a Wanaka must-do.
The hike begins at the Roy's Peak Track car park, located just a short drive from Wanaka's town center. The trail is well-maintained and clearly signposted, making it accessible to hikers of various fitness levels, but it is considered a moderately challenging hike due to its steep ascent.
Make sure you wear decent footwear and take plenty of water — the track is very exposed, and on hot days it can be challenging.
The track gradually climbs uphill through open farmland and tussock-covered slopes. As you ascend, the scenery becomes increasingly impressive, with views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains unfolding before you.
The highlight of the hike is reaching the summit of Roy's Peak, which stands at an elevation of 1,578 meters (5,177 feet). From the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the turquoise-blue Lake Wanaka, the sparkling Lake Hawea in the distance, and the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park.
The round trip to the summit and back typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the time you spend at the top.
My tip | Go early! Crack of dawn early. If you set off an hour before sunrise, you can hike most of the way in the dark (with a headlamp, of course) and make it to the peak for sunrise.
You won’t be the only one up there — dozens of others will be watching the sunrise up there with you — but it will be quieter than during the day, and you’ll get to see the colours of sunrise reflecting off the mountain peaks.
The first section of the trail is the least scenic, covering mostly sheep grazing land, so you won’t miss anything by walking in the dark.
15. Hike the Diamond Lake track
// Diamond Lake Circuit Track: 45 min return, 2.5 km
// Diamond Lake Lookout: 1 hr return, 2 km
// Rocky Mountain Summit Track: 3 hr return, 7 km
// DOC track information
The Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain walks are two spectacular hiking trails located near Wānaka. From the Diamond Lake car park you can choose from short, easier walks or more challenging options to viewpoints of the region.
The Diamond Lake Track is a relatively easy walk that starts at the Diamond Lake car park, just a short drive from Wanaka. The trail winds through native beech forest, providing a picturesque setting as you hike up to Diamond Lake. Along the way, you’ll have views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains before reaching the glassy waters of Diamond Lake.
The track is relatively short, usually taking about 45 minutes round trip.
The Rocky Mountain Track is a more challenging hike, following a trail that continues past Diamond Lake. The hike gradually ascends through alpine tussock fields and rocky terrain. As you reach the summit of Rocky Mountain, you'll be treated to views of Lake Wanaka, the Matukituki Valley, and the surrounding peaks.
The round trip usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, allowing for ample time to enjoy the magnificent views from the top.
16. Tour the Cardrona Distillery
// The Classic Tour is $25 per person and lasts 75 minutes
// 20 minutes from Wanaka
What to do in Wanaka when it rains? Head to the Cardona Distillery (although it’s brilliant in any weather).
The Cardrona Distillery is a small, craft distillery located on the golden hills of the Crown Range a 20 minute drive from Wanaka. The distillery uses pure alpine water to make their spirits.
The location alone is stunning — it makes a great excuse to stop in Cardrona on the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka. But stepping into the glass and stone building for a distillery tour is a fascinating way to learn more about the craft of making artisan spirits.
Barley grown on the Canterbury plains is milled on site, before being fermented and the liquid held in Cardrona’s stunning copper stills.
Taking a tour gives you a nice reason to pick up a bottle of vodka or gin, as well.
Day trips from Wanaka
Wanaka makes an excellent base for exploring remote areas of the South Island. Enjoy a day of adventure on these day trips from Wanaka.
If you want to get off the beaten track, go on a 4x4 adventure with Wanaka Water Taxis.
The half day trips starts with a boat cruise across Lake Wanaka, with views of glacier-carved mountains and alpine peaks.
The boat lands at the foot of one of the mountains, and from there you’ll be whisked off in a 4x4 vehicle which takes you to an incredible panorama of crystal clear blue water and the alpine peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park.
From this remote point, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of Wanaka and a gourmet picnic.
This half-day trip from Wanaka is perfect if you want to experience the region’s rugged terrain, remoteness, and exceptional views, without having to tackle a strenuous hike.
19. Fly, hike, and jet boat through the wilderness with the Siberia Experience
// $475
// 4 hours
// Siberia Experience website
Get the best of everything on one of the most action packed activities near Wanaka.
The Siberia Experience takes you into the heart of a gorgeous valley in Mount Aspiring National Park. A 25 minute scenic flight will carry you across glacier-studded mountains, giving you a superb view of the landscapes.
After landing in a field of golden grass, you’ll follow a wilderness track through the remote Siberia Valley. The hike takes around three hours, and the trail is well formed and mostly downhill.
Along the way, you can spot native birds like kakariki and riflemans, tomtits and South Island robins.
Once you reach the river in the Wilkin Valley, you’ll get picked up in a jet boat. The last 30 minutes of your trip will be an exhilerating ride as you’re whisked across the clear waters of the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers.
20. Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
The walk to Rob Roy glacier is billed as one of the best half day walks in New Zealand.
It’s a lovely hike through beech forest, with views across the blue, braided river that flows through the Matukituki Valley.
The path climbs to a spectacular amphitheatre in the mountains, from where you can see a waterfalls crashing off cliffs, and the Rob Roy glacier slowly inching its way down off the mountain tops.
It takes around two hours to drive from Wanaka to the Raspberry Creek Carpark — even though it’s only a distance of 52 kilometres. The road is narrow, unsealed, and features a number of small fords. It also crosses farmland, so you may see cattle wandering across the road as well.
As long as you’re comfortable with all of that, the Rob Roy hike makes an excellent day trip from Wanaka, and it’s a fantastic thing to do if you’d like to see more of Wanaka’s incredible scenery.
21. Hike in the Matukituki Valley
There are a range of tracks starting from the Raspberry Creek Carpark, located roughly two hours outside of Wanaka.
For newbie hikers or families, Mount Aspiring Hut is an awesome overnight destination. The hut is well kitted out, with flushing toilets, lights, and a cosy interior.
More intrepid hikers can carry on to Liverpool or French Ridge huts — two of the South Island’s most stunning alpine huts.
Cascade Saddle is a challenging but rewarding hike up to a high saddle with views of Dart Glacier. You can walk this as an out and back trail, or carry on over the other side to the Rees-Dart track.
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