Top Wanaka Outdoor Activities

Take a break from busy sightseeing and sail around serene Lake Wanaka on this late-afternoon cruise with a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink. Enjoy views of the Southern Alps and local landmarks including the lakeside Lone Tree while relaxing with a cheese and cracker board. Purchase extra drinks from the fully licensed bar, if you wish. The short cruise is easy to fit in before dinner plans in Wanaka.

Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.

The wide, blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this jet boat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps, and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners. This exciting excursion will show you parts of New Zealand’s South Island you can’t get to any other way.

Marvel at the sprawling South Island from the sky on this unique and thrilling sightseeing adventure. Perfect for beginners as well as experts, this skydiving experience will pair you with a certified Tandem Master, your partner for your dive above Wanaka. Take a scenic flight to the jump spot, then take the plunge and take in the landscape, including the rolling Southern Alps, the Twin Lakes and the mighty Clutha and Waiau Rivers.

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through outstanding mountain scenery to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. We are contracted to the Department of Conservation and every guest contributes to funding the conservation work on Mou Waho Island ensuring that it is a predator-free conservation area for our unique native birds and other fauna. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. A two hour self-guided nature walk is included and this will take you up to the natural glacial lake right on top of the island and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and rated among the best Wanaka walks and hikes.

Inject some thrills into your sightseeing as you whip down Central Otago’s Clutha River at high speeds on a thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding river, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans.

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 picnic 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.

All visitors to Wānaka see Lake Wānaka, but fewer visit a lake on an island in the lake. You can be one of them on this morning or afternoon small-group trip to Mou Waho Island. Cruise from Wanaka Marina to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wanaka and walk to the island’s very own lake, the Arethusa Pool. Admire the mountain views, spot wildlife, and learn from your guide.

Explore the idyllic landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, where filming for The Lord of the Rings movies took place, both by land and water, on this action-packed half-day tour from Wanaka. Zip along the pristine waters of the Matukituki River on a jet boat, then get even closer to nature on a guided wilderness walk past forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

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.

Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wānaka. On this short trip—ideal for busy schedules—catch a luxury catamaran from Wānaka and sail out to the island. Upon disembarking, hike with your guide to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake, and the Southern Alps. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the return journey.

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.

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 Twin Falls are two waterfalls in the picturesque Mt. Aspiring National Park, a short drive from Wānaka. Most visitors just see them from the road, but you can get up close on this half-day level 1 climb that’s suitable for beginners. See the national park from a new perspective from the via ferrata route while challenging yourself physically and mentally.

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.

For travelers short on time in Wanaka, this one-hour cruise and walk to Ruby Island is an ideal way to experience the lake and mountains. Glide across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island in comfort on a luxury catamaran. There, enjoy an easy walk to lookout points that are great places from which to take pictures. Families and senior travelers will enjoy this tour as it’s suitable for all levels of mobility.

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!

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.

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.

Saddle up for a horseback ride through the wild landscapes of the Cardrona Valley near Wānaka. Trace the path of the 19th-century gold rush, climb the mountains for a thrilling view over Lake Wānaka, and trot or gallop through the valley plains. Rides can be tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders—state your experience level when booking so you are paired with an appropriate horse.

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.

Take a leisurely 45 minute cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Enjoy some of Wanaka's world famous scenery including Mount Gold which rises majestically into the Northern skyline. The commentary will inform you about Lake Wanaka and the surrounding scenery. Relax in comfort as you cruise to Stevensons Island where Dual Image will make a beach landing. Stevensons Island is an inspiration for photographers - shaped by glaciation and eons of winds that funnel down the arm, rock and twisted trunks meld into a patina of nature's finest backdrops. Your scenic cruise is complete with tea, coffee and cookies or enjoy a $6 drink from the bar as you cruise back to Wanaka. This luxury boat cruise is the most relaxing way to experience the scenery of Lake Wanaka and frequently rates in the top ten things to do in Wanaka!