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Rivalling Queenstown with its picture-perfect setting, Wanaka sits on the southern willow-clad shore of Lake Wanaka and is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.
The sheer magnitude of snow-capped surrounding peaks, often reflected on the glacial waters of the lake itself, are on every side, bright with alpine flowers in the summer months and clad in snow and glaciers through the winter, with deep forested valleys, rugged rock faces and secluded flats.
Exploration is by scenic flights, bush walks or jetboats.
The 'Siberia Experience'.
The ‘Siberia Experience’, offered by one tried and trusted local company, takes you by light aircraft for stunning views of Mount Aspiring National Park, drops you in Siberia Valley for a three-hour walk through native beech forest into Wilkin Valley where you then board a jet boat for a thrilling and scenic ride - pure New Zealand!
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lake Wanaka by calling one of our New Zealand specialists on 01993 838 820
Suggested itineraries featuring Lake Wanaka
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Lake Wanaka, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
New Zealand's South Island self-drive
Classic New Zealand self-drive
New Zealand's Food & Wine Trail self-drive
Map of Lake Wanaka
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Lake Wanaka
- Arrowtown 23 miles away
- Queenstown 33 miles away
- Glenorchy 39 miles away
- Haast & Lake Moeraki 57 miles away
- Twizel 57 miles away
- Milford Sound 60 miles away
- Mount Cook National Park 83 miles away
- Lake Tekapo 83 miles away
- Te Anau & Manapouri 86 miles away
- Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers 96 miles away
- Dunedin 106 miles away
- The Otago Peninsula 111 miles away
- Doubtful Sound 114 miles away
- The Catlins 131 miles away
- Hokitika 165 miles away
- Stewart & Ulva Islands 168 miles away
- Arthur's Pass National Park 172 miles away
- Christchurch 192 miles away
- Akaroa & Banks Peninsula 200 miles away
- Punakaiki 211 miles away
- Hanmer Springs 239 miles away
- Kaikoura 278 miles away
Photos of Lake Wanaka
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![Lake Wanaka]()
Lake Wanaka -
![Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka]()
Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka -
![Mount Roy, near Wanaka, New Zealand]()
Mount Roy, near Wanaka, New Zealand -
![Lake Wanaka, New Zealand]()
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand -
![Wanaka, Wanaka]()
Wanaka, Wanaka -
![Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka, via the Haast Pass, Franz Josef Glacier]()
Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka, via the Haast Pass, Franz Josef Glacier -
![Lake Wanaka - Wanaka Tree]()
Lake Wanaka - Wanaka Tree -
![The Famous Lake Wanaka Tree]()
The Famous Lake Wanaka Tree
Accommodation choices for Lake Wanaka
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lake Wanaka. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Wanaka Springs Lodge
Nestled into private, manicured gardens, Wanaka Springs Lodge has spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, and friendly hosts who will ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Wanaka Alpine Lodge
A warm welcome, home baking, great views and spacious rooms make this modern B&B just outside Wanaka a comfortable and quiet base from which to explore the region.
Copper Beech Wanaka
Located near the alpine town of Wanaka, this contemporary and comfortable b&b is named after the tree that adorns its sweeping front lawn.
Mahu Whenua
A mountainous luxury property that offers a homey stay and has sweeping mountain views, fine food, and a range of activities.
Lime Tree Lodge
Offering uninterrupted mountain views, Lime Tree Lodge is a delightful, peaceful getaway with charming hosts. Amenities include a helipad, croquet course, hot tub and swimming pool.
Wanaka Haven
Wanaka Haven is a modern and luxurious property, located five minutes from Lake Wanaka, and ideally placed for exploration of this stunning area.
The Moorings
The Moorings enjoys spectacular lake and mountain views and is a great base from which to explore this beautiful, unspoilt area.
Lakeside Serviced Apartments
Lakeside Service Apartments offers spacious and stylish apartments with uninterrupted vistas across the lake to the snow-capped mountains beyond.
Maple Lodge
Maple Lodge is set in its own private grounds about 10 minutes drive out of the town centre with views across the maple sugar trees to the Cardrona valley.
Edgewater
Surrounded by the magnificent mountains, and uniquely sited for unrestricted access to Lake Wanaka, Edgewater Resort offers stylish accommodation and facilities to cater to the needs of the guests.
Ideas for experiencing Lake Wanaka
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lake Wanaka, and which use the best local guides.
The Siberia Experience
The Siberia Experience offers you a selection of New Zealand's best adventurous activities all in one day.