Wānaka, new zealand

Wānaka is a small town nestled in the Southern Alps on a beautiful lake. It is often described as Queenstown’s cousin, offering the same adventure sport activities and focus on nature, but without the crowds of tourists. It is a quaint, beautiful, and very special place.

For centuries this place has been shaped by a deep connection to whenua (land) and a spirit of learning. With the name Wānaka a South Island variant of the word “wānanga” place of learning.

Spectacular landscapes are an important part of what makes this place so unique and it is the wairua (spirit) created by these ancient landscapes that shapes the experience of being in Wānaka and connects everyone who visits—whether for a few hours, or a lifetime.

No-one who comes to Wānaka can fail to be awed by the sheer beauty and majesty of the place. We think it’s one of the most special places in the world. - Lake Wānaka Tourism

Where to stay

In addition to the properties listed below, there are also many lovely Airbnbs and smaller properties in Wānaka.

If you are exploring NZ via camper van (great idea!), we still recommend getting a hotel room or Airbnb for the night of the 20th so you don’t have to worry about driving to/from a campsite.

The map to the right highlights key locations across Wanaka to keep in mind as you book accommodation, including welcome party location, wedding location, and wedding shuttle pick up/drop off location.

what to do

Wānaka is a beautiful mountain town with lots to do in the summer. It’s the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, which is home to many beautiful hiking trails. In fact, one of NZ’s most famous hikes, Roy’s Peak, is just 5 minutes from town (this is an all-day, very challenging, but very rewarding hike!). For those looking to relax, you can rent a boat to explore Lake Wānaka or lounge on one of the lake’s beaches. Wanaka is also home to great food (Big Fig, Federal Diner, Francesca’s Italian, and the Doughbin Bakery to name a few favorites) and drink (Maude Wines, Rhyme and Reason Brewery, Cork Bar).

Regional attractions:

  • Wanaka is one hour from Queenstown, the adventure capital of NZ where you can bungee jump, sky dive, or shot-over jet

  • Wanaka is 2 hours from Glenorchy, where many LOTR scenes were filmed

  • Wanaka is 3 hours from Mt. Aoraki, the highest mountain in NZ and home to Keas, the only alpine parrot in the world

  • Wanaka is in the Central Otago region, which is home to many stunning wineries that produce some of the world’s best pinot noirs. Check out Felton Road, in Cromwell, for a day of wine tasting

See more local attractions and ideas at the Lake Wanaka Tourism Site and the Trip Planning page!

A special place

An excerpt from an email Amanda sent to friends and family in 2019…

“If you ever get the chance to visit New Zealand, or better yet call it home, DO NOT miss Wanaka. Wanaka is sort of the local's version of Queenstown, but with much better quality of life and lower cost of living. We still get many tourists passing through, but it's not quite as overwhelming as the number of visitors to QT. It's a small town by US standards, but has so much going on. Wanaka has fantastic food, bars, and cultural events. What I loved most were the people and the location itself. Wanaka is less than 3 hours from most major South Island sites and many of the top hikes in NZ are even within a 90 minute drive. The people who call Wanaka home really take advantage of all nature has to offer. They're friendly, always up for an adventure, and take pride in their town.”