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Things to Do in Wanaka New Zealand

In summer, Wanaka is all about water sports, fishing, and beaches. As the snow falls in winter, the town becomes a base for skiers and snowboarders. After dark, the bars and restaurants are the place to share the day’s stories.

Things to Do in Wanaka New Zealand, Photo Credit: Ray Tiddy

Things to Do in Wanaka New Zealand: Lake Wanaka offers a choice between the thrill of snow-clad mountains and the allure of clear waters that invite you to shed your inhibitions and take a dip in the icy blue abyss. Despite its name, Lake Wanaka is not just home to New Zealand’s fourth largest inland lake, but also to Mount Aspiring, which towers at an impressive height of 3,027 meters. The mountain is nestled within the country’s largest national parks, making the Lake Wanaka region a winter sports destination that is truly a gem.

For downhill skiers, the slopes of Cardrona and Treble Cone offer the best in classic skiing experiences. Alternatively, if climbing doesn’t appeal to you, you can try heli-skiing on the slopes of Harris Mountain. Nordic skiing is also available at the snow farm, so there’s no shortage of options. The Lake Wanaka region in New Zealand has Australasia’s largest skiing area, and the winters are sunny and crisp during the day, with sub-zero temperatures at night.

On the plains, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawae offer a different kind of adventure. The depths of these lakes have been shaped over centuries by glacial action, and they offer exciting activities for those who are looking for a change of pace. If you can’t get enough of mountain biking and scraped knees, you can glide majestically over the hills and lakes. You can even choose to hike and carve out your trail. But one thing you won’t want to miss is the opportunity to sail or jetboard over one of the largest bodies of water around. Though the gold rush is long gone, the treasure trove of Lake Wanaka still beckons, with endless land and water adventures to be had.

Experience the Wanaka Region

  • Mount Aspiring National Park – Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area,
  • Dramatic alpine landscape of rainforest, glaciers, and waterfalls…
  • Lake Wanaka & Lake Hawea,
  • Unique museums in Wanaka
  • Mountain biking – over 750 kilometers of MTB tracks & trails
  • Skiing and snowboarding in winter

 

You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…

  • Hike Mount Aspiring National Park & spend a night (or several) under the Southern stars,
  • Half-day walks Rob Roy Glacier Track – one of New Zealand’s,
  • Visit the Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World

 

Things to Do in Wanaka New Zealand

The Best Tours & Day Trips from/in Wanaka NZ

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Dart River Wilderness Safari

 

The 'Wilderness Safari' is a diverse adventure exploring spectacular 'World Heritage' wilderness within Mt Aspiring National Park through a combination of exhilarating wilderness jet boating, informative guided ancient forest walk and back-country 4WD safari vehicle. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and mysterious hidden valleys shrouded in native Beech forest, your specialist guides will bring to life the variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife within this unique area, as well the captivating stories of the original Maori and early pioneers. The highlights of the Wilderness Safari include: • Exhilarating wilderness jet boating along the Dart River • Informative guided walk through ancient native beech forest • Back-country 4WD through spectacular scener ....
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Wanaka Highlights Safari

 

Come with us for an insight into Wanaka’s “must see” highlights. Included is a visit to a 30000 acre sheep cattle and deer farm, exclusive hill-top views over Lake Wanaka and beyond to snow-capped mountains. Enjoy refreshments then a stroll in an alpine meadow. This journey offers Wanaka’s best scenic locations and an unique insight into Wanaka’s rich history, heritage and modern-day farming life. A must if your time in Wanaka is limited, perfect family adventure and photographers dream! Dates of Operation: Sept - April – Winter months on demand and subject to weather. Departure: 8:30am, 1pm and 5pm ex Wanaka, Duration: Allow 2.5hrs Included: Wanaka accommodation pick-up, 4WD Landrover tranportation. Private farm access, local guide, interpretation of local fauna and flora and Maori and European history and optional nature walk. Morning or afternoon tea.....
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