Discover why all New Zealanders wish they lived in Wānaka with these bucket list activities.
There's no shortage of excursions for the serious or casual adventurer – from the spires of the Minarets to the World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. The jewel in the crown is the Routeburn Track, a Great Walk taking you over the Southern Alps' Main Divide to Fiordland National Park. The park's other popular multi-day tramps are the Greenstone and Caples Tracks(opens in new window) and the Rees-Dart Track(opens in new window) – all offer spectacular scenery. For an easy all-year-round day walk, the Mount Iron Track(opens in new window) is a great choice. This popular loop walk offers excellent panoramic views from the summit.
Treble Cone tends to be the ski field of choice for advanced skiers and snowboarders, offering the longest vertical rise and the longest run in the region. There’s some beginner terrain, but it is smaller than the other fields, with only 10% dedicated to learners. Cardrona Alpine Resort is a favourite for all levels, known for its consistent snow due to its higher elevation. The resort also features extensive park and pipe facilities, along with excellent kids' skiing areas and childcare facilities.
Wānaka River Journeys(opens in new window) takes you up the Matukituki River into glacier country. This unique experience combines jet boating with a guided wilderness walk and optional glacier helicopter flight. For a fresh perspective, take a scenic flight. Wānaka Helicopters(opens in new window), Southern Alps Air, and Aspiring Helicopters offer a variety of scenic flights, including glacier landings and tours over Mount Aspiring National Park. Insider tip: The Southern Alps are at their most awe-inspiring in winter (June to August) when they are covered in snow.
Wildwire Wānaka(opens in new window) runs the world's highest waterfall cable climb, and best of all, you don't need any climbing experience to tackle it. On the way up, you'll enjoy magnificent views over Lake Wānaka, climb a waterfall, cross swing bridges, and find hidden pools. There’s also the option of canyoning back down. Explore the remote landscapes of West Wānaka and Mt Aspiring Stations with Ridgeline Adventures. This 4WD adventure offers exclusive access to awe-inspiring locations that aren’t usually open to the public.
Nestled in the picturesque Cardrona Valley, Cardrona Distillery is a craft distillery renowned for producing premium spirits using traditional methods. The distillery creates a range of products, including whisky, vodka, gin, and liqueurs, all crafted with locally foraged ingredients and pure alpine water sourced from Mount Cardrona. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings, learning about the distillation process and sampling the distillery's offerings as they go.
Unique geological features give Wānaka’s vineyards some distinctive characteristics. The surrounding mountain ranges make Wānaka cooler and wetter than its neighbouring districts, producing delicate and vivid wines. For starters, try Rippon Vineyard, Māori Point Wines(opens in new window), and Nanny Goat Vineyard(opens in new window). These wineries are open all year round and offer a great place to hunker down during the cooler months.
If all the fresh air and mountain scenery makes you hungry, head to Kika(opens in new window) for Tapas-style modern Italian. Their “Just Feed Me” option is highly recommended. For a between-meals snack, visit Federal Diner(opens in new window). This is where locals go to fuel up on the diner's superior cheese scones. Or for something a little fancy, head to Bistro Gentil(opens in new window) for modern French cuisine made with fresh seasonal produce from their very own kitchen garden.
