Wānaka Holidays

Things to do in and around Wānaka

Wānaka is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Visitors can indulge in thrilling adventure activities, explore scenic landscapes, and enjoy various fun outdoor pursuits. Popular attractions include ski fields for winter sports, vibrant shopping areas, and guided tours showcasing the region's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for exhilarating experiences or leisurely explorations, Wānaka offers a delightful mix of activities for every traveller.

Shopping

In Wānaka, enjoy local shops and boutiques for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Cromwell Shopping Centre, 38.6km away, for a vibrant shopping experience, or head to Remarkables Park Town Centre, 48.3km away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Wānaka Golf Club offers a tranquil golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for relaxation. Crossfire Wānaka provides an invigorating outdoor golfing atmosphere, ideal for both enthusiasts and beginners. For more sports vibes, the Queenstown Event Centre, located 48.3km away, hosts various events and activities in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Puzzling World in Wānaka offers a whimsical maze filled with optical illusions, perfect for family fun. For snow enthusiasts, Snowfarm NZ provides exhilarating skiing experiences. Meanwhile, Basecamp Wānaka Climbing Centre caters to adventure seekers with its indoor climbing walls, fostering a spirited outdoor sports atmosphere.

Nightlife

Wānaka's nightlife is vibrant yet laid-back, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Enjoy craft beers at the Wānaka Brewing Company or dance the night away at the iconic Queenstown's nightlife venues, only a short drive away for more lively options.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Wānaka

Wānaka is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways, featuring stunning scenery and a rich cultural experience. Key points of interest include the transport museum, flower garden, and iconic landmarks. Explore the vibrant town centre, enjoy the beauty of Lake Wānaka, and don’t miss the famous Wanaka Tree. This charming area caters to families and offers a variety of activities for all travellers.

  • That Wānaka Tree: A stunning symbol of resilience, That Wānaka Tree stands elegantly in the waters of Lake Wānaka. With its picturesque backdrop, it offers a serene setting, ideal for photography and reflection, embodying the spirit of the region.
  • Wānaka Lavender Farm: Immerse yourself in the fragrant beauty of Wānaka Lavender Farm, where vibrant lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see. This family-friendly attraction invites visitors to explore its gardens, enjoy lavender-infused products, and partake in seasonal activities.
  • Warbirds & Wheels: A fascinating transport museum, Warbirds & Wheels showcases vintage aircraft and classic cars, celebrating the ingenuity of aviation and automotive history. This engaging venue offers interactive exhibits, perfect for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Best time to go to Wānaka

The best time to visit Wanaka can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Wanaka falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Wanaka falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July35.6°F (2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Wānaka

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Wānaka.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically May to June and October) for more affordable package holidays to Wānaka.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Wānaka

Edgewater

Edgewater

54 Sargood Drive Wanaka
S$256
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Very recommended. The view is beautiful and amazing. The room is nice and clean."

Reviewed on 11 Aug, 2026

Edgewater
Alpine Resort Wanaka – A THC Hotels and Resorts

Alpine Resort Wanaka – A THC Hotels and Resorts

144-154 Anderson Road Wanaka
S$305
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (854 reviews)
"Nice spa"

Reviewed on 17 Aug, 2026

Alpine Resort Wanaka – A THC Hotels and Resorts
Wanaka Hotel

Wanaka Hotel

71 Ardmore Street Wanaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
S$165
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.2/10 Very good! (765 reviews)
"Great stay good views close to waterfront excellent overall."

Reviewed on 17 Aug, 2026

Wanaka Hotel
See all 612 properties in Wānaka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Wānaka attractions

A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Rippon Vineyard

9.0/10 (92 reviews)
Rippon Vineyard showcases Central Otago's oldest vines on the shores of Lake Wānaka with panoramic alpine views. Sample their biodynamic wines during an intimate tasting experience, where terroir truly shines.
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A golf course with a mountainous backdrop.

Wānaka Golf Club

8.0/10 (25 reviews)
Nestled among mature trees, Wānaka Golf Club offers spectacular views of Lake Wānaka and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a round on the meticulously maintained fairways before unwinding at the clubhouse café.
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A tilted sign for the Leaning Tower of Wanaka, New Zealand, with a person sitting nearby.

Puzzling World

9.0/10 (276 reviews)
Step into a world of mind-bending optical illusions at Puzzling World, where perception meets playful deception. Challenge your senses in the tilted rooms and test your navigation skills in the Great Maze.
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A gravel path leading to a farm gate with a sign reading "Wanaka Lavender Farm."

Wānaka Lavender Farm

9.0/10 (111 reviews)
Wander through 20 acres of fragrant purple blooms at this picturesque alpine farm. Savour lavender-infused ice cream while watching alpacas graze against New Zealand's mountain backdrop.
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A town nestled in a valley with mountains in the background.

Mount Iron Lookout

9.4/10 (52 reviews)
This glacier-carved knoll offers a rewarding 360-degree panorama of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Hike the 1.5-hour loop track at sunrise for spectacular golden light across the Upper Clutha Basin.
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A park with a paved path, trees, a lake, and mountains in the background.

Pembroke Park

8.4/10 (40 reviews)
This expansive green space offers stunning views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along scenic pathways or bring a picnic to savour amid the breathtaking mountain backdrop.
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A building with a sign reading "Transport & Toy Museum".

National Transport & Toy Museum

9.0/10 (25 reviews)
Discover one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest private collections of vintage vehicles and nostalgic toys. Explore interactive exhibits with aircraft cockpits and marvel at over 100,000 unique collectibles.
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Snowfarm NZ

7.6/10 (12 reviews)
New Zealand's premier cross-country ski destination with 55km of groomed trails in the stunning Southern Alps. Glide through pristine snow landscapes or book a night in a backcountry hut for a true alpine experience.
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What to do in Wānaka

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

S$104
per adult
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

S$97
per adult
Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails
Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range

Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range

S$10
per traveller
Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range
See all activities in Wānaka

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Wanaka holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Wanaka break. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will determine how much your holiday to Wanaka costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Wanaka?
July, August and September are the best times to search for cheap Wanaka holiday packages. Opting to travel in less busy periods means you can usually find reduced prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Wanaka?
Usually, a handful of days is enough to see the major attractions during your Wanaka holiday. But if you'd like to have more time to kick back or take day tours, think about extending your itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Wanaka?
Wanaka has everything you need for an amazing break — nature, festivals and watersports are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out sights like Wanaka Lavender Farm and Wanaka Golf Club, or venture off the beaten track, there's plenty to do on your Wanaka holiday.
How to find the best Wanaka package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to find some fabulous Wanaka package deals. When you start your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your trip for midweek, or search for Wanaka package deals in the off-peak season. Switch up your travel dates and you may land even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Wanaka holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Wanaka retreat by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then select your travel dates and destination to see the best hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Wanaka?
If you've got your Wanaka travel dates finalized, book as early as you can to snap up some unbeatable deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spontaneous trips? Our last-minute deals are great for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Wanaka?
  1. Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you like can all influence your decision on when to visit Wanaka.
  2. Budget wisely: Besides the cost of your stay, you should consider other expenses. These include food, transportation and flights. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may arise during your trip to Wanaka.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you're more familiar with Wanaka, you can work out the right length of your break. Pull together a rough plan and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Bundle your flights and hotel: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to pick a Wanaka holiday package that brings all your bookings together.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.