Wanaka

If you’re after jaw-dropping scenery and year-round adventure, Lake Wanaka is the place to be. It’s New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake, sitting pretty at 920 feet above sea level and stretching across 74 square miles. Whether it’s summertime water sports or winter alpine fun, this spot has something going on no matter the season. The lake and nearby town get their name from the original Maori word Oanaka, meaning “the place of Anaka,” a respected tribal chief.

Highlights:

• Boating, sailing, and water-skiing in summer
• Ice-skating and cross-country skiing in winter
• Deep-water fishing and ice-fishing
• Year-round hiking with epic mountain views
• Chill lakeside town vibe in Wanaka

Fun Fact:

Lake Wanaka is around 1,000 feet deep and offers one of the best alpine-lake combos in the Southern Hemisphere.

Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Just outside Wanaka, Roy’s Peak rises 5,177 feet and totally delivers on the views. From the top, you’ll get epic panoramas of Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring that are 100% worth the climb. The 10-mile Roy’s Peak Track is the main route up—it’s a steep zigzag most of the way, but the changing landscapes, from open grasslands to alpine scrub, keep things interesting.

Highlights:

• Iconic views over Lake Wanaka and Southern Alps
• Challenging 10-mile round-trip hike
• Diverse terrain from grasslands to alpine zones
• Perfect photo ops at the summit ridge
• Closed during lambing season (Oct–Nov)

Pro Tip:

Hit the trail early for sunrise—it’s a tough hike, but the golden light at the top is unforgettable.

Roys Peak, Otago, 9381, New Zealand

For amazing wine with even better views, you’ve got to check out Rippon Vineyard. It’s Wanaka’s oldest vineyard and seriously one of the most scenic spots to sip a glass—think lakefront views and mountain backdrops. This place has been in the Mills family since 1913 and is known for making top-notch biodynamic wines, especially their signature Pinot Noir.

Highlights:

• Stunning lakeside location with vineyard views
• Biodynamic wine production
• Varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling & Gewürztraminer
• Family-owned for five generations
• Wine tastings and private events available daily

Wine Tip:

Don’t miss their Pinot Noir—it’s what they’re known for, and it pairs perfectly with the view.

246 Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka, 9381, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-80-84

Recommended Activities for Families

If you’re up for a little adventure, hop on a boat to Mou Waho Island. Tucked away on Lake Wanaka, this remote nature reserve is a total hidden gem. The name means “Outer Island,” and it’s one of just four pest-free sanctuaries in the lake, so native plants and animals thrive here. You’ll find scenic walking tracks, cool rock formations, and rare wildlife—including the flightless Buff Weka, which you won’t see many other places.

Highlights:

• Only accessible by boat—makes it feel like a secret spot
• Rare wildlife like Buff Weka, geckos, and bellbirds
• Forest trails with epic lake and mountain views
• Pest-free nature reserve status helps protect native species
• Home to a lake... on an island... in a lake

Fun Fact:

Mou Waho has its own hidden lake—Arethusa Pool—on top of the island, so you can stand by a lake on an island in a lake.

Cattle Flat, Otago, 9382, New Zealand

If you’re into classic cars, vintage planes, or just cool retro vibes, you’ve got to swing by the Warbirds & Wheels Museum at Wanaka Airport.

This spot mixes high-powered history with a killer collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and military aircraft—including a legit Skyhawk. There’s even a 1950s-style American diner on-site, so you can grab a coffee while soaking up the nostalgia.

Highlights:

• Impressive vintage car collection spanning 100 years
• Military aircraft from WWI and WWII
• Stories of local aviation hero Sir Tim Wallis
• Retro 1950s American diner
• Great mix of art, history, and engineering

Fun Fact:

The Skyhawk on display was once part of New Zealand’s air force fleet—now it’s parked where you can actually get up close and check it out.

11 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wanaka, 9343, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-70-10

Got a soft spot for vintage cars or childhood throwbacks? The National Transport and Toy Museum is one of Wanaka’s quirkiest must-sees. Family-owned and massive, this place is packed with over 650 vehicles, 60,000+ toys, and all kinds of nostalgic gems. Spread across four huge buildings on 16 acres, it’s a wild mix of classic cars, old-school fire engines, rare aircraft, and toys you probably forgot even existed.

Highlights:

• 300+ vintage and classic motor vehicles
• Military and civilian aircraft on display
• Massive toy collection—think teddy bears, Lego, Meccano & more
• Retro relics, musical instruments, and dolls
• Family-friendly and full of surprises

Fun Fact:

The museum’s toy stash is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere—there’s something for every generation to geek out over.

891 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, RD 2 Wanaka, 9382, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-87-65

For a movie night with serious charm, Cinema Paradiso is the coziest little theater in town. It’s got a quirky, vintage vibe—think retro décor, squashy sofas, and even an old Morris Minor car parked inside one of the screens. This three-screen boutique cinema shows the latest blockbusters, but the real star might be the freshly baked cookies and homemade ice cream served at intermission. Bonus: the friendly host’s Celtic accent is worth the ticket alone.

Highlights:

• Comfy couches and vintage seats
• Delicious warm cookies and homemade ice cream
• Light meals and drinks available pre- and post-show
• Retro charm with a Morris Minor car inside
• Personal film introductions with a Celtic twist

Pro Tip:

Don’t skip the cookies—they’re famous for a reason, and they’re best enjoyed mid-movie during intermission.

72 Brownston Street, Wanaka, 9434, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-15-05

Unique Attractions

If you’re up for some mind-bending fun, Puzzling World is an absolute must. This quirky, family-friendly spot has been blowing minds for over 45 years with its optical illusions, crazy architecture, and interactive puzzles. Spread over seven acres, it’s home to the world’s first 3D super maze, trippy illusion rooms, and wild features like the Leaning Tower and Tilted House. It’s fun, weird, and seriously unforgettable.

Highlights:

• World’s first 3D super maze
• Optical illusion rooms that mess with your head (in the best way)
• Leaning & Tumbling Towers and Hall of Following Faces
• Sculptillusion Gallery with interactive art
• Puzzle Café with a giant Kaleidoscope ceiling

Pro Tip:

Don’t rush the maze—getting lost is half the fun. And the Roman-style bathrooms? Just trust us—you’ll want a selfie.

188 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, Wanaka, 9382, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-74-89

Looking for a peaceful little escape? Wanaka Lavender Farm is your go-to for chill vibes and sweet smells. Spread across 10 acres, this place has gorgeous lavender fields, cute farm animals, and plenty of space to just slow down. You can sample their delicious organic honey, sip herbal teas, and try their famous homemade lavender ice cream. It’s as relaxing as it sounds.

Highlights:

• 10 acres of blooming lavender and garden trails
• Friendly farm animals to meet and feed
• On-site honey tasting from farm-raised bees
• Lavender tea, ice cream, and snacks in the tearoom
• Shop full of locally made lavender goodies

Pro Tip:

Time your visit for peak bloom in summer (Dec–Feb) for that perfect lavender field photo op.

36 Morris Road, Wanaka, 9382, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-63-59

Craving some seriously good Italian? Francesca’s Italian Kitchen is one of Wanaka’s go-to spots for cozy vibes and crave-worthy eats. This place has been serving up handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and fresh Mediterranean flavors for years, and locals can’t get enough. Whether you’re into hearty meat dishes, organic veggie plates, or a fresh seafood special, they’ve got something delicious for everyone—plus a solid wine list with both Italian and Kiwi picks.

Highlights:

• Fresh handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza
• Hearty meat and seafood dishes
• Organic vegetarian options and crispy salads
• Great selection of Italian and New Zealand wines
• Open daily for lunch and dinner

Pro Tip:

Grab a table outside on a sunny day—it’s perfect with a glass of Pinot Gris and a slice of margherita.

93 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Otago, 9305, New Zealand
Phone: +64-34-43-55-99