#Wanaka Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Outdoor Skiing
Towns
Address:
Otago, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 days
Wanaka - Serenity like no other.
Wanaka is a gorgeous skii town in the Otago region of New Zealand. With breathtaking glaciers and a back drop of the Mount Aspiring Alps it's a must visit for any travellers looking for a slice of bliss.
Surrounded by nature walks and rugged hiking trails, there's plenty to do and see for any adventure seekers. With so much untouched natural beauty to look at, its easy to forget the hidden gem that is the Wanaka township and the great community vibes that the whole area brings. Will certainly be coming back next visit to New Zealand! #new Zealand Travel #hiking #naturalpark #tripblazers #snow Mountain
new
hiking
pkarfs
Fall Colours by the Lake
Visit Lake Wanaka during autumn for an immersive fall experience! The vibrant autumn colours are stunning to say the least. Look for the lonely tree, an icon of this gem. No matter where you look, the scenery is gorgeous. Plan this in your itinerary when visiting New Zealand! #passionpassport
passionpassport
tifftan
The Wanaka tree is a bit of a legend on Instagram, even having its own hashtag #thatwanakatree.
lielaine
I regret not staying a night in Wanaka, this is the life I want
😓The thing I regret the most about this family trip to New Zealand is not spending a night in Wanaka. I made the mistake of staying three nights in Queenstown, and I'm really crying over my own stupidity! I hope no one makes the same mistake as me❌
Personally, I'm not very fond of Queenstown. To me, it feels more like a tourist distribution center, quite commercialized. Wanaka, just an hour away, 🥰really made me experience the super chill life of the locals!
🚘The drive starts with many Z-shaped bends, so everyone must be careful! There are many lookouts along the way where you can stop to take photos, the scenery is spectacular, and there's the famous 📍Cardrona Bra Fence to check in at.
🌊Lying flat by the beautiful lake and basking in the sun, I can't imagine how blissful it is! There are more foreigners here, some walking, reading, lying flat, walking dogs, daydreaming... You can also try various activities, such as boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and cycling.
🌟Recommended check-in spots:
✅The Lone Tree🌲: 📍Wanaka tree, a very famous spot, no need to say more! There's plenty of parking 🅿️ nearby!
✅Lakeside Children's Playground: Right next to the Lone Tree, a paradise for kids to play, while parents can watch the lake view 👀!
✅Puzzling World: 📍Puzzling world, a place that combines fun and intelligence, with various mazes, illusion exhibitions, and interactive games, suitable for both adults and children!
✅Family Hiking: 📍Lake Wanaka Outlet Track, about an hour one way, 2-3 hours round trip, with parking at the entrance.
There's a row of restaurants and cafes ☕ by the lakeside in the town, where you can enjoy delicious seafood while admiring the lake view, how wonderful!
🌟🌟🌟Thank you Wanaka, for letting me enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and the leisurely life of the locals, and for an unforgettable family time!
Deontae Halvorson
New Zealand's beauty can heal everything
Fall in love with the wind over this wilderness.
🇳🇿New Zealand, a country known as 'the last piece of oasis on Earth', attracts the gaze of countless travelers; it boasts unparalleled natural beauty🍃 and unique culture, making one feel as if they are in a fairy-tale world
From the North Island to the South Island, every step is a picture-perfect scene, marveling at the natural wonders; whether exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps🏔️ or wandering the mysterious world of glaciers, it brings an unprecedented shock and emotion🌬️
12-day itinerary for the North and South Islands:
❶Auckland FreeDay
❷Auckland > Blue Spring > Hobbiton > Rotorua
❸Rotorua > Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland > Auckland
❹Christchurch FreeDay
❺Christchurch > Oamaru
❻Oamaru > Dunedin > Invercargill
❼Invercargill > Bluff > Te Anau
❽Te Anau > Milford Sound > Queenstown
❾Queenstown > Arrowtown > Wanaka > Queenstown
❶⓪Queenstown FreeDay
❶❶Queenstown > Mount Cook > Tekapo
❶❷Tekapo > Christchurch
Traveling in New Zealand, getting close to nature, and feeling the magic of the world✨ No matter the way, it will make you rediscover the connection between yourself and nature, and feel the beauty and infinite possibilities of life♥️
Daniel Wellington
Life advice! You must take the amazing journey to New Zealand's South Island
Here, you'll be captivated every day by the beauty of the lakes and mountains, snow-capped glaciers, azure seas and skies, and vast grasslands! ❤️
I've just finished a half-month self-drive tour of New Zealand's South Island, and now I'm sharing my 9 favorite places with you all ⬇️
❶ Lake Tekapo
This place is where you'll fall in love at first sight, with the milk blue waters of the lake set against the snow mountains, and the lupins blooming along the shore, so beautiful it moves you to tears 😭 In my heart, this is the ultimate beauty spot of New Zealand!
❷ Dunedin·Tunnel Beach
This is a beautiful coastal walk, somewhat like the White Cliffs of Dover in England, with majestic rocks rising from the sea, spectacular to behold. Sitting on the cliff edge gazing out to sea, enjoying the undisturbed tranquility, is just too pleasant!
❸ Wanaka·The Lone Tree
I absolutely love Wanaka, where life moves at a leisurely pace: strolling by the lake, feeding seagulls, sunbathing, enjoying the gentle breeze, and feeling relaxed and happy, it's just too enjoyable!
❹ Akaroa·Shamarra Alpaca Farm
Located in a French town in the bay, it's very peaceful and pleasant. Even on cloudy days, the sea is a beautiful blue-green. Spend the morning wandering around town, and the afternoon feeding alpacas at the farm, those freshly sheared alpacas look both ugly and cute 🦙
❺ Kaikoura
Here you'll find a magnificent coastline, with snow-capped mountains and the sea complementing each other, the milk blue sea water, the sky full of seagulls, and seals playing along the shore, it's truly unforgettable.
❻ Wanaka·Coromandel Peak
A popular spot for wedding photos in New Zealand, accessible by helicopter, with grand mountain views. Compared to the 16 km hike to Roys Peak, this is more friendly for the lazy.
❼ Mount Cook National Park
Definitely worth the hike in New Zealand, super impressive, and you can get up close to glaciers. Even on cloudy days, it's breathtakingly beautiful.
❽ Queenstown·Deer Park Heights
This is a self-service entry private farm, one of my favorite places. Each car ticket is $55, and you can drive right up to the top of the mountain to overlook the whole of Queenstown. There are many animals and few tourists, so you can play here all day.
❾ Queenstown·Skyline
Take the cable car to the top of the mountain to overlook Queenstown. Although the scenery and value for money are not as good as Deer Park Heights, it's very fun to play on the mountain luge, and taking photos of the cable car and lake together on the mountain is incredibly beautiful.
📌Tips: If it's your first time in New Zealand and you're worried about planning your trip or lack overseas driving experience, I recommend choosing a group tour.
KADEN BALDWIN
New Zealand Citywalk Guide/This little town is just perfect for strolling, eating, and daydreaming
New Zealand, this magical land has such a strong appeal after traveling...
The lakes and mountains, the cloudless sky, everywhere you look could be used as a computer wallpaper. If you're looking for a place to space out and watch the sky, you definitely can't miss the town of Wanaka, it's as beautiful as if it were an exit to another world~
The temperature in Wanaka is very comfortable now
When the morning light spills over the lake, a thin mist arises
That famously solitary tree stands quietly on the shore
The whole town's atmosphere is as quiet and peaceful as the Lonely Tree
While wandering around, I also discovered a treasure of a supermarket
Wanaka Town Chinese Supermarket|A resonance of taste buds from a foreign land
In the past, when traveling abroad, I couldn't get used to the local food and would always bring the ultimate rice accompaniments: pickled vegetables and Lao Gan Ma chili sauce. But here, there's no need for that, the Wanaka Chinese Supermarket meets all your needs, offering food and condiments no different from those in domestic supermarkets. They even have xiaolongbao and dumplings, etc. I got myself a bag of Sister Wang's xiaolongbao, I wonder if it has anything to do with Miss Wang from 'Blossoms'. Hehe~
The products are rich and comprehensive, and they also sell some local specialties. A must-buy that I recommend is the Manuka honey, natural and additive-free, and after comparing prices, it's even cheaper than the duty-free shops at the airport.
The best thing about this place is that you can rent hot pot equipment, buy the hot pot base and ingredients, and you're all set to go. However, the hot pot I must recommend here is the seafood hot pot, the lobsters are huge and very fresh, and the price is much cheaper than in China.
After dinner, you can enjoy a cup of Chinese-style bubble milk tea with your bestie and start the Wanaka stroll-and-shop mode, savoring the leisurely moments of Wanaka~
CuriousAdventurer
Wanaka is so beautiful, it's like an exit to another world! The significance of a live picture
In the early morning sunrise, the sky is still shrouded in a grey mist. However, the afternoon sun finally disperses the clouds, and the sky begins to clear. The distant mountains, under the sunlight, with their thin layer of snow, appear exceptionally dazzling. For people from the south, snow is an obsession, a passion. Even just this little bit of snow can excite us immensely.
By the lake, a gentle breeze blows, carrying a hint of early autumn's chill. Summer is about to end, and this fact brings a touch of melancholy. Now, Wanaka is like a puppy in the awkward phase of shedding, having lost the verdant green of spring and not yet donned the golden yellow of autumn.
However, the leaves by the lake are gradually turning yellow, a sign of autumn. In this transition period, we can only eagerly anticipate, looking forward to the most beautiful autumn. Come on, sisters of New Zealand, get ready to welcome the coming autumn! Remember, warm clothing and thick jackets are all prepared.
JORDYN BENSON
I absolutely love this vibrant vitality!
After spending nearly a month in New Zealand
I truly felt
the meaning of the word 'antidote' to my weary life
.
Find a favorite riverside to bask in the sun
Sit by the river and quietly daydream
Lie down and listen to the sounds of nature
Live peacefully with the small animals of the wild
Let the beautiful scenery of nature heal oneself
I really love this atmosphere!
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Lately, many friends have been asking about the New Zealand trip itinerary
Sharing it with everyone
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🚘【20-Day New Zealand Self-Drive Itinerary Guide】
day1-2: Christchurch, Akaroa (coastline, alpaca farm)
day3-4: Lake Tekapo (Church of the Good Shepherd, mountaintop cafe)
day5-7: Wanaka (That Wanaka Tree, lake cycling, hiking) Omarama (outdoor private baths)
day8-12: Queenstown (Arrowtown, Glenorchy, deer park)
day13-14: Fiordland (Te Anau, Milford Sound)
day15-16: Dunedin (tunnel beach)
day17-18: Kaikoura (sea fishing, whale watching)
day19-20: Auckland
Evelyn.Robinson^18
I love the small town under the Alps more than Queenstown
When it comes to New Zealand, everyone thinks of Queenstown🛖 first
But when you start a self-driving tour of the South Island, you will find
The scenery of the small towns along the way is invaluable
Wanaka is a must-visit small town🏡 for self-driving in New Zealand
It's very small with only 5000+ people, but it's my favorite place!
Actually, Lake Wanaka is very close to Queenstown
It's a 1.5h drive back and forth, and the town and lake of Wanaka under the surrounding peaks
Has the adventurous atmosphere of Queenstown
And a bit of extra leisurely atmosphere
There is a TV show called 'The Free Range Cook'
It's about the legendary New Zealand chef queen Langbein
She turned her life into a poem on the shore of Lake Wanaka
Living an enviable lakeside pastoral life
Because it's not big, I've organized the following ways to play around Lake Wanaka
1、 The Lonely Tree
A lonely tree growing in Lake Wanaka
The background is Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps
Lake Wanaka is really very quiet, the 4th largest lake in New Zealand
The majestic mountains surround Lake Wanaka so purely quiet
2、 The history under the town
Wanaka town only has 1 main road along the lake called Ardmore street
The important historical events of New Zealand are recorded on the trail along the lake
One brick represents one year, try to find the year you were born
3、 Puzzling World
Indoor and outdoor, very suitable for parent-child travel!
A small amusement park that displays mathematics and space technology
There are many special visual effects caused by misplaced space
4、 Bra Fence
Must pass this place on the way from Wanaka to Queenstown
The fence is covered with tens of thousands of women's bras
Originally it was just a whim of 4 women in 1999
Hang their own bras on the wire fence by the road
Later, many people saw it and went to hang it
So there are more and more bras, forming the current bra wall
5、 Arrowtown
There is also a former gold mining town nearby
The main street is Buckingham St
Here is the smallest museum in New Zealand
And it is said to be the oldest post office in New Zealand
Opened in 1863 and still in business
This is also one of the filming locations of 'The Lord of the Rings'
From here, it's only 21 kilometers to Queenstown
If you come to New Zealand, please spend an extra day in Wanaka
Although it's not big, it's very satisfying just to walk by the lake and feed the ducks
Travel tips:
Wanaka town only has 1 main road along the lake called Ardmore street
Restaurants, grocery stores, outdoor/wool shops are all here
The hotel room we stayed in can see Lake Wanaka
The unchanged Chinese taste can also find a Chinese supermarket here
In addition to the necessary Lao Gan Ma abroad, even snail powder is available
We all buy our own ingredients and seasonings and go back to the hotel to make hot pot
And the Manuka honey that must be bought when coming to New Zealand is even cheaper here
Samuel Rodriguez
【Five-Day Tour Guide to South Island, New Zealand】
South Island, New Zealand, a place full of natural beauty and cultural atmosphere. In five days, I will take you around every corner of the South Island to feel the unique charm of this land.
📍Day One: Christchurch-Tekapo
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, where we first feel the pulse of the city. Visit the city's attractions in Christchurch and feel the unique cultural atmosphere of this large city on the South Island. Then, drive to Tekapo, quietly admire the beauty of the Good Shepherd Church, as if in a painting. At night, we will sleep under the stars.
✨Free visit to attractions, feel the charm of Christchurch's modern and ancient intertwined.
📍Day Two: Tekapo-Mount Cook
In the early morning, we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise on the shore of Lake Pukaki. The white clouds and blue sky on the lake form the beauty of the "Blue Milk Lake". Then, we will go to Mount Cook, hike on the Hooker Trail, and feel the majesty of the mountains. At the foot of the mountain, we will also taste local fresh salmon and oysters. In the evening, we will arrive at the small fruit town of Cromwell, buy fresh fruits at the local fruit stand, and take a walk in the rose garden.
✨The beauty of Mount Cook is stunning, making people feel like they are in a fairyland.
📍Day Three: Queenstown-Wanaka
Queenstown, a place full of vitality and food. Here, we can try various exciting experiences such as skydiving, paragliding, boating, cable cars, etc. The old buildings and history of Arrowtown seem to take us back to the gold rush era. The Kawarau Bridge is the birthplace of bungee jumping. Jumping down from here with your loved one will become an unforgettable memory. Finally, we will watch the sunset under the lonely tree of Lake Wanaka.
✨The activities in Queenstown make people's hearts beat faster, while Arrowtown and Kawarau Bridge make people feel the weight and romance of history.
📍Day Four: Fox Glacier Town-Joseph Glacier Town
Today, we will visit the glacier town. The beautiful scenery of Fox Glacier Town is unforgettable, and the crystal clear Lake Matheson is intoxicating. Here, we can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
✨The beauty of the glacier town is amazing, and the power and beauty of nature are perfectly combined here.
📍Day Five: Hokitika-Greymouth-Christchurch
On the last day, we will go to Hokitika to enjoy this beautiful valley fairyland. Here, we will be deeply attracted by the beautiful scenery of the valley. Then, we will go to Castle Hill, where the strange rocks on the hillside form a spectacular castle. On the way back, we will pass through Christchurch, putting a perfect end to this South Island trip.
✨The beauty and magic of the South Island are unforgettable, looking forward to the next journey.
WanderlustPassports*22
Living here should have worries, right?
Spring in New Zealand, I've been looking forward to it for a long time
Wanaka is really too beautiful! Just as beautiful as imagined, it turns out that some people are really living the slow life we dream of, relaxed and free!
·
Leisurely reading by the lake, enjoying the sun
Rent a few bicycles on the street and ride with friends
Or find a quiet place to sit
·
💙Location: Wanaka, Wanaka
Here, it seems that I have no worries
Even if work is busy, you should take time to travel
Zoey.Foster*59
The town of Wanaka is lush with green grass, opening up a romantic holiday for you
The popular New Zealand town of Wanaka is known for its lush natural landscape:
- Under the clear weather, Rolling hills are continuous, with an unlimited view
- The scenery is picturesque, and beautiful photos can be taken everywhere
- Picnicking and taking photos on the green lawn, the warm and romantic atmosphere makes people linger
- Enjoy the scenery with your loved one, spending unforgettable time together
- The lawn changes different colors under the sunset, adding to the romantic atmosphere
The blooming green grass here will give you and your Ta a different romantic memory.
GlobalRoamer
Autumn Story - Golden Wanaka Town
Arrive at 10 o'clock in the morning and go to climb Mt. Iron in the evening. The mountain is not high and easy to climb. From the top of the mountain, you can have a 360-degree view of the beautiful scenery of Wanaka, which is definitely worth a visit. Especially in the autumn days, the trees at the foot of the mountain are red, yellow, and green, which are so beautiful that you can hardly describe them. And Wanaka Lake is even more charming and charming in the sunset, with the pink light of the sun shining down from the horizon, reflecting the colorful houses on the lakeside.
LilyMontgomery59
Hastily passing through Queenstown and Wanaka.
☑️Wanaka landmark - the loneliest tree 🌲 (actually not lonely at all, turn around and the shore is full of trees [chuckles])
☑️Queenstown hotspot - Fergburger 🍔
The weather in New Zealand changes faster than turning pages of a book. I just parked my car and took out my phone to locate the next lookout. When I lowered my head, it was still cloudy, but when I looked up, it was pouring rain. The fog was so thick that I couldn't see the road ahead, so I decided to find a nearby restaurant to eat and avoid the rain. I hadn't decided what to eat yet, but then the sun came out again.
LilySerenewind81
In the afternoon, we arrived in the beautiful town of Wanaka, which is only 100 kilometers away from Queenstown. It is not as impetuous as Queenstown, and it is a quiet.
You can stroll along Lake Wanaka and enjoy the lonely trees of Wanaka. You can also try skydiving and learn to fly or ride on the shores of Lake Wanaka. It is also a good choice.
Wanaka Town is not big, it is more suitable for leisure vacation, you can find a rustic coffee shop to kill time and leave your troubles behind.
We stayed at Lake Wanaka not far away. After we checked in, we went directly to Lake Wanaka and used the perspective of God to see this New Zealand's fourth largest lake, Lake Wanaka. .
Wanaka Lake is located in the eastern foothills of the Southern Alps, at an altitude of 280 meters. The melting snow of the glaciers gathers here to form a beautiful glacier dammed lake. Lake Wanaka is also a great place for extreme sports such as skydiving, surfing, boating and more. The average temperature in summer is more than 20 degrees, which is very suitable for water sports.
Hechenwen.
Although the town of Wanaka is only an hour or so away from Queenstown, it is different from the bustling and lively life of Queenstown. It seems to be a lot of cleanliness, but it also has the excitement of Queenstown, so choose to parachute and fly in Wanaka. It is definitely not to be missed, missed regrets for a lifetime. Arriving in the town of Wanaka, neat rows of houses, blue skies, tranquil Lake Wanaka, and ducks playing in the lake, everything is so peaceful and serene. This is the life I am looking forward to.
Wanaka town is small in size, built around the mountain lake, there is a small road by the lake, the restaurant is across the road, people gather here to chat, drink, walk, sun, feel here is enjoy Where you live, working here is a crime. I walked under the tree and looked up to see the golden eyes on the blue sky. It was really beautiful, so much so that I was a little bit mad. Time is so beautiful here, everyones face is It is filled with ease and joy. At this moment, I feel that I have been integrated here, relaxing as never before, and feeling the surroundings.