All Wanaka Tours & Excursions in 2026

It’s our pleasure to present to you Wanaka, a popular New Zealand resort town that welcomes visitors in any season of the year. Situated on the shores of scenic Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, this picturesque town is surrounded by mountains and is a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps.

A carefree holiday destination perfect for families, couples, or a friends trip, Wanaka is known for outdoor adventure. In the summer, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and activities on the lake are common, while attention shifts to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Wanaka is also home to several wineries and has starred as the setting in several internationally acclaimed films such as Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and A Wrinkle in Time.

Top three things to do in Wanaka

Behold the beauty of Lake Wanaka

Life in this town centers around the stunning Lake Wanaka. As New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake, it’s no surprise that Lake Wanaka is a popular place for water sports and activities such as sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. It’s also home to one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand, the Wanaka Willow standing alone in the middle of the lake’s calm waters.

Visit the nearby wineries and vineyards

There are several award-winning wineries and vineyards surrounding Wanaka and, unsurprisingly, wine is always on the menu. Sample a glass of pinot noir while you soak in the stunning landscapes of the wine region. If you’d prefer to savour wine in town, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Wanaka for you to choose from.

Engage your brain at Puzzling World

Not far from town, you’ll find the Puzzling World. This amusing, family-run tourist attraction is open to all ages and will engage your mind with a multi-level outdoor maze, optical illusion rooms, a unique sculpture gallery, and much more.