Top Wanaka Outdoor Activities - page 2

Those wishing to experience Wanaka’s natural beauty will love this scenic bike tour. This easy grade, guided bike ride takes visitors along one of Wanaka’s beautiful rivers where they can take in the crystal blue waters and endless mountain vistas. This is a great opportunity to take in the sites of Wanaka while enjoying some gentle exercise.

Experience Wānaka from another angle with a cruise across Lake Wānaka to remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Make an eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret: another lake, nestled atop the island, with panoramic views of Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

On this small group tour, we'll pick you up anywhere in Wanaka at your preferred time. We've created this trip due to high demand for an easy e-bike ride with a focus on wine and food. After a quick 20-minute orientation on the e-bike, you're ready to roll. We've got your back with first aid kits, maps, and a spare bike. While it's not guided, we're nearby if you need help. Explore food and drink options, enjoy the flat, wide trail – great for beginners. It's a 6-hour trip, with about 2 hours of easy biking. We take care of the driving so you can savor the wine in style. Just a short 35-minute ride from Wanaka takes you to the unique Bannockburn landscape and their superb Pinot Noirs.

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.

Ride on possibly the best 1-day bike ride in New Zealand with our exclusive Hawea River Track adventure. We've crafted a unique experience by combining three different tracks, inventing a great ride that others now emulate. This leisurely exploration of Wanaka's scenic wonders offers stunning views along the gentle riverside track, showcasing the Upper Clutha's natural beauty. Join us for a pickup at 9 am, 11 am, or 2 pm from your accommodation. A 15-minute drive takes you to the wild and beautiful Lake Hawea, where you'll cruise along the Hawea River Track on an easy 30 km ride back to Wanaka town. A year-round delight, this classic Wanaka ride includes a strategic stop at Wanaka's best bakery for coffee and pastries. Once back in Wanaka town, just let us know, and we'll ensure you get a safe ride home. Experience the pinnacle of New Zealand's biking adventures, combining innovation and breathtaking landscapes for a day to remember

3 Hour guided kayak on Lake Wanaka Includes optional Ruby Island walk Fun, scenic, and accessible for all paddlers approx 7km

Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions, producing well-respected reds and whites in alpine vineyards, but it’s risky to sample wines and drive around the region. On this afternoon tour, visit four boutique wineries and taste some of their award-winning offerings. Learn the secrets behind the wines from the winemakers themselves, and enjoy a platter lunch matched with award-winning wines. The small-group tour provides an intimate atmosphere.

Adventurous travelers will love this moderately challenging waterfall climb up towering waterfalls, with epic views along the way and from the top. Climb steel ladders and cross high, narrow bridges. Enjoy a sandwich and sweet treat lunch beside beautiful falls. While no experience is required and full safety briefings are given, this trip is best suited to active travelers who are sure-footed and unafraid of heights.

For a full day of adventure and nature, join this pack-rafting experience. Set on the mighty Matukituki River, just a short drive from Wānaka, you’ll start by walking to a waterfall and then gearing up for your paddle. Learn the basics of paddling before climbing aboard your lightweight, stable, two-person rafts and taking in the mountains and glaciers of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. All guests must be able to swim to participate.

Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea are home to diverse fish species, including brown and rainbow trout, as well as salmon, catering to anglers of all skill levels. Guided by seasoned experts, these charters provide valuable insights into the best fishing spots and techniques, enhancing the overall experience. This combination of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and professional guidance makes Wanaka fishing charters a unique and memorable adventure.

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.

Join us for a 3-hour fishing adventure on the peaceful waters of Lake Hāwea, surrounded by stunning mountain views. With clear, deep water and plenty of fish, it’s the perfect place to catch trout or salmon. You’ll learn and use great fishing techniques like trolling and using the downriggers, with help from a friendly, expert skipper. Our boat runs on a quiet electric motor, so you can enjoy a smooth, eco-friendly ride while staying close to nature. With small groups (max 6 people), you’ll have plenty of space to fish and relax. We’ll provide all the gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks—you just bring your excitement and enjoy the thrill of the catch in one of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

This is a cutting edge experience that everyone over 10 can enjoy. Not just Gamers. No experience required, take a leap and see what the future of entertainment will become. This is the largest dedicated Virtual Reality experience in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest Infinity Platform establishment currently in the world. We recommend groups of up to four but some games can take 6, 8, 10 or even 12!

There’s something unforgettable about spending a full day on Lake Hāwea—a place where the mountains meet crystal-clear waters, and the only sounds are the hum of the reel and the splash of a fish breaking the surface. On this 6-hour fishing adventure, you’ll go beyond the usual hotspots and explore remote corners of the lake that most never see. With expert guidance and top-quality gear, you’ll try your hand at a range of techniques—trolling, spinning, jigging, harling, and downrigging—to target trout and salmon where they thrive. The boat’s electric trolling motor keeps the journey quiet and eco-friendly, so you stay immersed in the calm, wild beauty of the landscape. As you drift beneath Isthmus Peak and the Southern Alps, the experience becomes about more than just the catch—it’s about the stillness, the views, and the stories you’ll take home. This isn’t just a fishing trip—it’s a true escape. Fewer people, more time, better spots, and memories that last a lifetime.

Join us for an exhilarating craft beer adventure, exploring Wanaka's top-notch breweries with delectable food pairings on our self-guided e-Bike tours. Immerse yourself in a safe, personalised, and enjoyable journey, giving you the freedom to uncover Wanaka's vibrant craft beer scene and culinary delights at your own pace. Embark on our specialized Hawea River Track adventure, a gem among Wanaka bike trails. This unique tour spans Wanaka's natural wonders, from the serene Lake Hawea John's Creek Trail to the thrilling Hawea River Track and Outlet track. As the only locally owned company offering the full Lake Hawea to Wanaka bike ride, we've ingeniously combined three tracks to craft the ultimate 1-day craft beer tour in New Zealand. Why settle for a standard bike rental and a big brand beer label when you can enjoy a craft beer exploration along the picturesque Lake Hawea to Wanaka bike trail?

Adventurous travelers will love the chance to try lead climbing in Wānaka. If you have some climbing experience already, this is a great next step. The instructor-to-client ratio is a maximum of 1:4, so you get help when you need it. Get a great workout while enjoying mountain views and fresh air and learning new skills.

Climb your way up to some otherwise-inaccessible views of Lake Wānaka and Mt. Aspiring National Park on this full-day private rock climbing trip in the Matukituki Valley. If you’re new to climbing, learn from your qualified instructor without competing for attention on a private tour. More experienced climbers will find challenging routes suited to their skills and opportunities to develop their skills further in a beautiful setting.

Soar high above Wānaka and take in breathtaking views of the stunning landscape on this winter scenic flight. The 25-minute journey offers an unforgettable alpine snow landing at 1200m, where you can admire the beauty of Lake Wanaka and the township below, along with glimpses of the majestic Mount Roy Peak and Mount Aspiring. This family-friendly flight is ideal for those short on time but eager to experience the region's winter charm and scenic splendor. - 25-minute scenic flight on Mt Alpha showcasing Wānaka's winter beauty - Alpine landing at 1200m with panoramic views - Family-friendly adventure suitable for all ages - Snow landing subject to snowfall and weather conditions

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.

Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mt. Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views.

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

Immerse yourself in the environment and truly connect with nature Learn climbing and canyoning in one tour Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views. Get up close and personal with waterfalls Feel an adrenaline rush as you rappel down 6 waterfalls

Wānaka is surrounded by rolling alpine farmland, but most of it is privately owned and inaccessible. This small-group half-day tour opens the gate to one of those farms, the massive West Wānaka Station. Explore the Central Otago backcountry in a rugged 4-wheel-drive vehicle, stopping for astonishing photo opportunities against the backdrop of Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps, and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Learn how to climb or improve your skills on a rock-climbing tour in the Matukituki Valley from Wanaka. You'll have the chance to experience this popular outdoor activity under the guidance of an instructor, who helps you maximize your climbing time and provides safety and technical tips. This is designed for first-time climbers or those who've only climbed on an indoor wall.