Wanaka(New Zealand) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Wanaka, the top choice for families is Lake Wanaka Hotel, offering spacious family rooms with lake views, a dedicated kids' play area, and outdoor BBQ facilities. Located steps from Lake Wanaka, it provides easy access to water activities and scenic walks. The hotel also offers free bicycle rentals, ideal for exploring the town and nearby trails. Another excellent option is Wanaka Mountain Lodge, a cozy timber lodge with self-contained cabins featuring kitchens and fireplaces. Perfect for longer stays, it’s just a 30-minute drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, making it ideal for nature-loving families seeking adventure and tranquility.

The lakefront area is the prime location for accommodations in Wanaka, offering stunning views of Lake Wanaka and proximity to major attractions and dining spots. The town centre is ideal for travelers who prefer convenience, with easy access to cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. For those seeking peace and privacy, the private lakeside villas offer secluded retreats with private docks and boat access. HopeGoo early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a room with a view and avoid high-demand areas.

Don’t miss the Wanaka Wool Festival, held annually in autumn, celebrating local wool craftsmanship and Maori weaving traditions. Participate in hands-on spinning and weaving workshops to learn about indigenous techniques. Visit the Wanaka Art Gallery, which features rotating exhibitions by regional artists showcasing themes of landscape and identity. In the evenings, enjoy live folk music at The Old Oak Bar, a beloved local pub that hosts community gatherings and showcases emerging musicians from the South Island.

Wanaka Lakeview Cottage is a standout lakeside guesthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Lake Wanaka, perfect for capturing sunrise and sunset reflections. Housed in a restored farm cottage, it retains original timber beams and handmade furnishings, plus a private sauna and hot tub. Another gem is The Willows at Lake Wanaka, nestled in a private forest setting with standalone cabins featuring kitchenettes and decks. Both properties offer complimentary shuttles to town and ski resorts, and prioritize sustainability with solar power and rainwater harvesting systems.

To immerse yourself in local life, visit the Wanaka Market every Saturday morning, where residents gather to buy fresh produce, artisan bread, and organic dairy. Engage with vendors to learn about seasonal farming practices. Spend an afternoon at Wanaka Library Café, a community hub hosting book clubs, craft fairs, and local art displays. Join the Lake Wanaka Runners Club for a casual morning jog along the shoreline—many locals participate, offering a warm welcome and great conversation.

During winter, stay at Mount Aspiring Alpine Lodge, a mountain-side cabin with a wood-burning fireplace, snow-viewing deck, and welcome hot soup. From here, you can hike to the Egmont Track or take a cable car to Mount Aspiring Ski Area. Some lodges offer guided snowmobile tours and aurora viewing trips (rare but possible at high altitudes). Many properties host traditional Maori Hāngi ceremonies, where food like lamb and root vegetables is cooked underground using heated stones—a unique way to taste South Island heritage.

Lake Wanaka Hotel is a favorite among photographers, with its glass façade reflecting the lake and surrounding mountains—especially magical at dawn. The Overlook at Wanaka features a cantilevered viewing platform offering panoramic shots of Lake Wanaka and distant alpine peaks. Wanaka Tree Inn, famous for its iconic Lone Tree, provides a built-in photo backdrop and even offers custom photo sessions with professional lighting and staging. All featured hotels support bespoke photography packages, including drone footage and time-lapse shoots.

Spring (September–November) brings vibrant wildflowers to Wanaka. Join guided Wildflower Walks through the subalpine meadows near the Southern Alps, where you’ll see native silver ferns and alpine lilies. Attend the Wanaka Beer Festival in September, featuring local brews from Wanaka Brewing Co. and limited-edition tastings. Book a lakeside yoga session at sunrise, combining mindfulness with breathtaking views of mist rising over the water—an unforgettable start to the day.

Yes, Wanaka is highly accessible for self-drive travelers. Car rental services like Hertz and Avis are available in town, offering compact and 4WD vehicles. It’s about 1 hour from Queenstown and 3.5 hours from Christchurch, with scenic drives through Lake Tekapo and the Mount Aspiring Highway. Road signs are clear, and many trails and attractions are well-connected by designated routes. Most hotels provide free parking and concierge assistance, making it easy to navigate the region independently.

For couples, Wanaka Skyline Lodge offers a glass-walled cabin perched on a cliff, complete with a private hot tub and 360-degree lake and mountain views—ideal for stargazing. The lodge arranges intimate candlelit dinners with locally sourced ingredients and wine pairings. Alternatively, The Lakehouse at Wanaka provides a fully private lakeside villa with a Jacuzzi, fireplace, and private dock. Couples can enjoy a guided paddle-boat tour on the calm lake, followed by a surprise rose bouquet and handwritten love note delivered at check-in.