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Lake Wanaka, South Island

Visit Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

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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'.

Flight over Mount Aspiring National Park, Siberia Experience, WanakaThe ‘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!

Speak to someone
who's been there

Audley Travel specialist Tay

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lake Wanaka by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists

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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.

Map of Lake Wanaka

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Lake Wanaka

    Photos of Lake Wanaka

    • 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.

    • King Room at Wanaka Springs B&B

      Wanaka Springs Lodge

      Medium

      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.

    • Copper Beech Wanaka, Wanaka

      Copper Beech Wanaka

      First Class

      Located near the alpine town of Wanaka, this contemporary and comfortable b&b is named after the tree that adorns its sweeping front lawn.

    • View from Weka Cottage, Mahu Whenua

      Mahu Whenua

      Opulent

      A mountainous luxury property that offers a homey stay and has sweeping mountain views, fine food, and a range of activities.

    • Wanaka Alpine Lodge

      Wanaka Alpine Lodge

      First Class

      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.

    • Wanaka Haven, Wanaka

      Wanaka Haven

      First Class

      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, Wanaka

      The Moorings

      Medium

      The Moorings enjoys spectacular lake and mountain views and is a great base from which to explore this beautiful, unspoilt area.

    • Lakeside Serviced Apartments,Wanaka

      Lakeside Serviced Apartments

      First Class

      Lakeside Service Apartments offers spacious and stylish apartments with uninterrupted vistas across the lake to the snow-capped mountains beyond.

    • Maple Lodge,Wanaka

      Maple Lodge

      First Class

      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, Wanaka

      Edgewater

      Medium

      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.

    • Jet boat, Siberia Experience

      The Siberia Experience

      Lake Wanaka

      The Siberia Experience offers you a selection of New Zealand's best adventurous activities all in one day.