NZ · Otago · 44.70°S 169.15°E

wanaka

A lakeside town with mountain walks, autumn colour and winter ski fields nearby.

Best time
December–March is warmest for the lake and walking, and April brings golden autumn poplars. July–August is ski season. Roys Peak closes for lambing from 1 October to 10 November.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly to Queenstown with one stop, usually via Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland, about 13–16 hours all in. Wanaka is about an hour's drive over the Crown Range, or a little longer via Cromwell. New Zealand is 4 hours ahead of KL, 5 during daylight saving (late September to early April).
Save postcard
NZ · Otagowanaka44.70°S 169.15°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A lakeside town with mountain walks, autumn colour and winter ski fields nearby.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingWanakaNZ, Otago
KLwanaka
≈ 8,506 km from KL, as the crow flies
Lake Wānaka

Photo: Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר · CC BY-SA 4.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Wanaka is a lakeside town under the Southern Alps, smaller and slower than Queenstown. Lake walks, cafés and a famous lone willow fill the easy days, with big hikes and ski fields for the rest.

Makan

  1. Central Otago fruitCherries, apricots and peaches from the orchards around Cromwell in summer.Map ↗
  2. Café breakfastA long breakfast by the lake is how Wanaka starts the day.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Lake Wanaka foreshorePebble beaches, mountain views and That Wanaka Tree, a willow growing out of the water.Map ↗
  2. Roys PeakA long, steep climb to the ridge for the famous view over the lake's arms.Map ↗
  3. Mount IronA short hill walk with a view all round the town and lake.Map ↗
  4. Puzzling WorldLeaning towers, illusion rooms and a big outdoor maze, good with kids.Map ↗
  5. Cardrona and Treble ConeTwo ski fields about 30–40 minutes away: Cardrona for beginners and families, Treble Cone for steeper runs.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The Crown Range road can need chains or close in winter; the Cromwell route is lower and easier.
  • Halal food is limited in Wanaka, so stock up in Queenstown before the drive.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.