Top Wanaka How to Get Around in 2026

Central Otago is one of the world’s southernmost wine-making regions, known for its pinot noirs and stunning high-altitude wineries. On this day-long tour around the distinctive wine region, taste a wide range of wines—including pinot noirs and chardonnays—at up to six of the region’s boutique vineyards. Wine samples are included; refuel with a delicious multi-course banquet lunch. Extra wine is also available to purchase.

Take in the stunning vistas of Lake Wānaka and its surroundings from the sky. Beginning at Wānaka Airport, enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride that soars above the shimmering waters and rugged ridgelines of Roy Peak, culminating in an alpine landing at an impressive 1,200 meters on Mt Alpha. Here, you can step out and soak in 360-degree views that encompass the majestic Southern Alps and the expansive lake below. This scenic flight, available year-round, offers breathtaking perspectives, whether under summer's golden light or winter's crisp snow. A perfect choice for families and travellers looking to experience the beauty of New Zealand's South Island in a short time.

On this half-day tour, experience two unique sides of the Wanaka area: the wine made from grapes grown in the whenua (land), and the culture of the tangata whenua themselves—the indigenous Māori who live on the land. Visit four boutique wineries in Wanaka, Tarras, and Cromwell, sampling various wines and a platter of local produce. Receive the manaaki (hospitality) of the local Māori community and experience a stirring live haka.

Leave the crowds behind and discover a hidden side of Lake Wānaka on this scenic, 5km, self-guided walk with Wanaka Water Taxi. Enjoy a 20-minute cruise across the lake to the remote shores of Stevenson’s Arm - a privately accessed area only reachable by boat and not open to the public. From the shoreline, follow a gentle lakeside farm track beneath Mount Burke before turning onto a narrow uphill bush trail through mānuka. The walk leads to two scenic lookouts with sweeping views across Lake Wānaka, Mou Waho Island, and the surrounding alpine ranges. The track then descends to a secluded bay where you’ll have time to relax, picnic, or swim before your return water taxi ride back to Wānaka. This self-guided experience lets you explore at your own pace along historic trails once used by shepherds on Mount Burke Station.

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and designed for comfort, making stops at iconic sites like the historic Cardrona Hotel and the breathtaking Crowne Range lookout. Your passionate guide will share insightful stories along the way, creating a memorable experience. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibus with a small group. Visit the historic Cardrona Hotel and enjoy the scenic Crowne Range Lookout.

Small group island tour on Lake Wanaka, max 6 guests, with owner Austin as your skipper and guide. 9am: Mou Waho Island. Cruise past The Wanaka Tree, Glendhu Bay and Mou Tapu Island to Mou Waho, a DOC reserve, for about 2 hours ashore. Walk 2.6 km return (170 m climb) through native bush to Arethusa Pool, a lake on an island on a lake. Look for buff weka. 2pm: Stevensons and Ruby Islands. Round Eely Point, past the Clutha River outlet, to Stevensons Island, then Ruby Island, about an hour ashore on each. Afternoon north-westerlies can make the Mou Waho run rough, so this trip visits the sheltered islands. Swim in Arethusa Pool or off island beaches. Tea, coffee and baked goods on the heated McLay 651 hardtop. Views to Roys Peak, Treble Cone and, from Mou Waho, Mount Aspiring National Park. Austin is a Maritime NZ SRL skipper with 8 seasons on the lake. Adventure Mark certified. DOC concession holder. Part of every booking supports WAI Wānaka and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust.

A fully hosted day where your Guest Experience Manager (who you will have a direct phone number for) will ensure you are set up to have a great ride and experience. The Lake Dunstan Trail is one an Official NZ Great Ride and possibly the best one-day NZ Great Ride in New Zealand. nzbiketrails is a Qualmark Gold accredited company - meaning that we a provider delivering within the top 10% of New Zealand Experiences. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional levels of Guest services which is represented by our reviews. Our aim is to help guests see the beauty of New Zealand, on great bikes, led by passionate trail riders who love what they do. We also aim to 'do good' in the communities that we operate in.

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for those who appreciate exercise and scenery.  Participants need to be able to ride a bike on loose sand and gravel, and up and down (moderate) hills. A medium level of fitness is required. The length of the ride is 12kms.

The pōwhiri, or welcome, is an important ritual in New Zealand’s Māori culture, inviting visitors as they arrive on their whenua (land). Experience a full pōwhiri, including the challenge and mihi whakatau (welcome speech), first-hand in Wānaka. Connect with Māori traditions in a way that you simply can’t through guidebooks and museums; learn more about the local iwi (tribe) and their responsibilities as custodians of the land.

Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

This self-guided audio driving tour takes you on a stunning, two-hour journey from Wānaka to Queenstown via the scenic Crown Range and historic Arrowtown. It is a trip through natural drama, rich gold-rush history, and quirky landmarks. Key highlights of the tour include: Driving New Zealand’s highest sealed alpine road, the Crown Range. Visiting iconic landmarks like That Wānaka Tree and the historic Cardrona Hotel. Passing by the famous and quirky Cardrona Bra Fence. Exploring the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown. Hearing stories of Māori trailblazers, explorers, and skiing pioneers. This tour can be combined with the 'Queenstown to Wānaka' tour for a complete circular route. Would you like me to find out more details about either of the mentioned tours?

This once in a lifetime hike takes visitors into the dramatic mountain range through the high road, allowing them spectacular views of the surrounding vistas and of Lake Wanaka. Succumb to the comforts of the four-wheel drive and learn expert knowledge of the local flora and fauna from a professional guide.

Experience the best of Wanaka’s beautiful nature in a single day trip via four-wheel drive, lake cruise, and island walk. Gain exclusive access to private roads on the 4WD safari, and spot rare bird life on Mou Wahou Island, in the middle of Lake Wanaka, with the help of your expert guide. This is two action-packed tours in one, for maximum fun.

Discover the beauty of Lake Wanaka with a full-day tour that takes you to the stunning islands of Mou Waho, Ruby Island, and Stevenson Island. Spend seven hours on the water exploring remote bays, enjoying guided island walks, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. A delicious packed lunch is included, ensuring a relaxing day amid breathtaking scenery. Ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking tranquility away from the busy shoreline. - Full-day tour exploring three islands on Lake Wanaka - Includes island walks, swimming opportunities, and onboard lunch - Maximum group size of 6 for a personal experience - Suitable for all ages and no prior experience needed

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass, and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

You choose the trail you wish to Bike, and we pick you, and your group up for a Private Tour which we aim to be a highlight of your holiday. We ride every day during the year (except Christmas Day and Anzac Day). Whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter/Ski Season your family will enjoy a brilliant experience. Our Guest Experience Manager will host your day, share a little history with you on the way, brief you on the trail/bikes, make sure that you are comfortable before you ride off with your seats at the right height. Your actual ride is 'Self-Guided'. You will have a direct company mobile number to your Guest Experience Manager for any support required and on many trails you will see them along the way. If any of the group get tired, we can arrange additional pickups and take them to meet you at the next location if possible. Our company is a Qualmark Gold accredited tourism operator, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences

Your boat, your plan! Lake Wānaka's islands, hidden bays and trout-filled waters are yours to explore on a fully private charter built entirely around your group. Drop a line for trout and salmon, step ashore on one of the lake's islands, or cruise to a secluded beach for a picnic surrounded by mountains. Can't decide? Do a bit of everything. Whether it's a family day out, a corporate escape or a celebration worth remembering, choose 3 hours or a full day (6 hours) for up to 6 guests, and leave the rest to your local skipper. - The whole boat to yourselves, for up to 6 guests - Fish, explore the islands, find a quiet beach, or do it all - Sweeping alpine views and local wildlife along the way - A local skipper who knows the lake inside out - Premium catering from a local Wānaka café

Embark on a private guided day walk to the stunning Rob Roy Glacier, located in New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park. Experience a unique blend of lush rainforest and breathtaking alpine vistas as you trek through diverse landscapes to witness an active hanging glacier cascading from dramatic cliffs. This intermediate hike is perfect for families with older children and adventure seekers alike, offering personalized insights from your expert guide about the region's ecology and history. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, ensuring a day filled with unforgettable moments. Private tour with an expert guide for an intimate experience Scenic 40km drive through the Matukituki Valley to the trailhead Picnic lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks included Suitable for intermediate hikers, with an approximate duration from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Wānaka is a pristine alpine village where mountains blend into crystal-clear waters in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. On self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover Wānaka’s remarkable transformation from remote settlement to beloved lakeside destination. The tour begins at the Wānaka War Memorial, with its commanding view over the township and lake. From there, you’ll meander through the charming village center with its cafés and galleries, follow the spring-fed Bullock Creek, and stroll along the scenic lakefront boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll learn how the town evolved from a frontier outpost called Pembroke, and a hub for gold miners and high-country farmers, to the adventure hub it is today. The tour ends in the peaceful Wānaka Station Park, once part of a vast sheep station established in the 1860s, where you can relax amongst its collection of mature exotic trees planted by early settlers.

Saddle up and explore New Zealand’s rugged wilderness on this half-day Cardrona High Country Pub Trail horse-riding trek. Learn about historical locales along the winding mountain trails from your guide. Pass through a working cattle farm, traverse choppy rivers, and enjoy panoramic views. Stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink, then return to base along the Cardrona River. Best suited to riders with at least intermediate-level experience.

Embark on the Aspiring Snow Special, a one-hour helicopter adventure into New Zealand’s most remote and spectacular alpine landscapes. This unforgettable experience features a stunning glacier or snow landing in the heart of the Southern Alps, followed by a scenic local landing near the shores of Lake Wānaka. Soar above rugged mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls, sheer rock faces, and pristine alpine terrain, with lush native forests providing a striking contrast to the dramatic high-country scenery. Touch down on an alpine glacier or snowfield and step into a world of untouched wilderness before concluding your journey with a breathtaking second landing overlooking Lake Wānaka. Available year-round, the Aspiring Snow Special is a truly memorable experience and a standout highlight of any Wānaka holiday - offering remarkable views, rare access to remote landscapes, and moments you’ll never forget.

The Milford Flyover is an ideal option for those looking to experience some of New Zealand's most iconic and diverse landscapes in a short amount of time. This scenic flight takes you over the Southern Lakes region, offering a stunning aerial view of Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Fiordland National Park, including the world-famous Milford Sound. You'll soar over the majestic Clutha River and Lake Wanaka, before crossing into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park and then continuing to the jaw-dropping beauty of Fiordland. Fly past towering peaks, lush valleys, and magnificent fjords, including the dramatic Mitre Peak in Milford Sound. The flight includes an alpine landing overlooking Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu, offering a chance to take in the grandeur of this remote, pristine area. As you head back, you’ll fly over the stunning Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Queenstown Lakes area, offering sweeping views before returning to Wanaka.