Wanaka is a small, lovely town surrounded by the Southern Alps. As a journey lover’s paradise, there are lots of enjoyable things to do in Wanaka. From hill hauling down the really high Cardrona hill to jet boating the lengthiest river in New Zealand– I can guarantee you, you will not obtain tired in Wanaka.

Wanaka is wacky, trendy, as well as undeniably stunning. Actually, I ‘d live in Wanaka in a heart beat (yet do not tell Queenstown!).

They state the best points come in little bundles, and the village of Wanaka absolutely provides on that particular front. I attempt you to read this write-up completely as well as not intend to go to Wanaka at the end.

1. Hike Roy’s Optimal.

Except the weak, this well known hike has conveniently the most well-known viewpoint in all of New Zealand near its summit. Roy’s Top Track is a preferred with Instagram-lovers as a result of the incredible sight of the Southern Alps from the renowned viewpoint. This view makes it one of the best hikes on the South Island and also conveniently among the most preferred points to do in New Zealand. Yet do not be deceived by its appeal, you need to work for that sight!

Roy’s Height is a 16-kilometer (10 miles) travel that takes around 7 hrs to finish. The walking itself is mainly uphill with the weird viewpoint along the road, but for most of the walking, there isn’t a great deal to see. For such a steep walking, the track is vast and well-trodden– so, that’s a plus.

Make certain to bring plenty of water and also snacks with you, as like most of the popular hikes in New Zealand, there’s no shop or coffee shop at the summit or on the way up. You’ll locate the trailhead just 5 minutes out of Wanaka on Wanaka Mt Aspiring Road.

Crucial: Roy’s Optimal is closed from 1st of October to the 10th of November every year for lambing period.

2. Explore the Wanaka Lavender Farm.

Lavender is, in my point of view, the globe’s most photogenic blossom. So, as you can picture the photo ops at the Wanaka Lavender Ranch are limitless. Spread across 20 acres, the ranch is also home to yummy lavender ice-cream in addition to Lakes Honey. And if you’re taking a trip with children, there’s an on-site stroking zoo to maintain them occupied.

The most effective time to check out is from November through to the start of March when the lavender is blooming. Entry fees to the Wanaka Lavender Farm are $5 NZD per grownup in the winter season and $10 in the summer season.

Associated read: The Wanaka Lavender Ranch is one of the best quits on the picturesque drive from Wanaka to Mount Cook in addition to the drive from Wanaka to Christchurch– figure out what the other finest quits remain in my blog.

3. Browse through #ThatWanakaTree.

However the tree has actually lost a few branches considering that this picture. The most awful part is that it was vandalized!

#ThatWanakaTree, a tree so popular it has its very own hashtag. This single willow tree is the most photographed tree in New Zealand as well as going to is just one of the most effective cost-free things to do in Wanaka.

That Wanaka Tree is situated a short walk from Wanaka town facility along the lakefront to Roy’s Bay. Just keep an eye out for the crowds collected on the edge of the lake as well as you’ve most likely located it.

The most effective times to visit are for dawn or sundown for that lovely glow on Lake Wanaka and also the Southern Alps behind the tree. This spot is just one of the reasons Wanaka is taken into consideration among the most enchanting getaways in NZ. At sunset however, be planned for a large crowd!

4. Go Winter Sports at Cardrona.

Did you know– Cardrona Ski Hotel invites one of the most skiers of any kind of ski field in New Zealand. Cardrona is excellent for novices with its wide and open terrain, however it’s also preferred with intermediate skiers and also the more advanced.

Cardrona has a gondola in addition to 2 high-speed quad chair lifts and also great deals of runs ranging from eco-friendly to black. Understand, over the Australian and New Zealand school holiday duration in late June to very early July, Cardrona obtains actually active. Additionally worth keeping in mind is a lot of the snow on Cardrona is industrial. This might be frustrating for skiers that have previously skied in Canada, the U.S.A., and parts of Europe.

If you have youngsters, the Ski College Program on the hill is exceptional. Cardrona additionally has childcare facilities if you want to ski child-free.

The access road to Cardrona Ski Field, is winding and for the most part– a gravel roadway so be extremely careful driving up as well as down. Conversely, shuttle buses are readily available from both Wanaka as well as Queenstown for about $20 NZD for a return ride.

If you really love snowboarding after that you can check out more ski fields than merely just Cardrona. As a matter of fact, there are 4 ski fields near Wanaka that are all under a 40-minute drive. Beg Treble Cone Ski Area, the Snow Ranch (for cross-country skiing), or Soho Container for an unique snowcat winter sports experience.

 

5. Have a look at the Cardrona Bras.

There are many bras!

A saucy stop along Crown Variety Roadway that links Queenstown to Wanaka is the Cardrona Bras! The bras are located beside Cardrona Distillery simply in the future from the Cardona Hotel.

The reason for some conflict locally, it is thought the initial bras showed up on the fence here in late 1998. Today, Cardrona’s population of bras has turned into thousands as well as the donation box at the website has increased thousands for cancer research. The stop has actually become so popular with travelers that the town of Cardrona has actually gained the saucy nickname ‘Bradrona’.

6. Absorb the views on Rob Roy Glacier Track.

A fairly very easy hike an hour drive from Wanaka, Rob Roy Glacier Track is a fave of mine. As the name suggests, the major drawcard of this hike is the chance to see energetic glaciers.

The drive to the trailhead of the Rob Roy Walking is equally as spectacular as it brings you along the Matukituki Valley.

This 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) hike takes concerning half a day to finish (so, enable as much as 4 hrs). The track lies within Mount Aspiring National Park as well as it’s genuinely spectacular with glaciers, falls, and also high mountain peaks! As discussed, the active glaciers here are the flavor of the day on this walking. From the seeing points on the path, you can listen for avalanches and also other indicators of movement within the glaciers.

This is a reasonably simple walking, with a progressive slope towards the glacier viewing factor. Worth noting is that unlike Roy’s Height, this walk has great deals to see along the hike itself– so, be prepared to quit and also take images continuously.

7. Walk Ruby Lake Track.

Among the most effective walks in Wanaka, as well as one of the very best points to do, is hiking Ruby Lake Track. This simple 7-kilometer loop track is ranked as simple, and also as such, can obtain pretty hectic especially throughout the summer months.

On your method up I recommend heading East (to the right) and taking the Rocky Mountain Track to Rocky Optimal Top. In the process, you will be awarded with stunning 360-degree sights of Mount Aspiring, Roy’s Height, as well as Treble Cone ski field in the distance. After that, boil down the other side and also loop back to your beginning factor.

An additional suggestion is to put on hiking boots for this track, or waterproof footwear with good soles as it can be really slippery and also muddy partly.

8. Drive the Crown Range.

Drive the greatest highway in all of New Zealand! A road trip from Queenstown to Wanaka on Crown Array Road is a staple on nearly every Queenstown plan. Full of narrow weaves, this drive is not just one of the most effective points to do in Queenstown however Wanaka likewise!

You’ll absolutely want to quit at a few of the viewpoints in the process– among one of the most preferred is the viewpoint halfway up capital called Arrow Joint Hunt after you take the turn-off near Lake Hayes in Queenstown. This perspective has a remarkable view of Arrowtown and Lake Hayes. After that, at the extremely top of the hill is another viewpoint and also from there you can walk to the Crown Array Summit. So, park your automobile and also proceed along the slim track for an equally great view of the valley.

If you plan on driving the Crown Range during the cold weather (especially in between May and September) make certain to bring snow chains as this road can get particularly snowy and closures are common. In wintertime, you need to constantly examine Crown Array Road conditions prior to you set off.

Related read: For another impressive journey, take a look at the picturesque drive from Queenstown to Mount Chef. Along this route, there are plenty of things to do and also see.

Things To Do In Wanaka

Wanaka is a small, lovely town surrounded by the Southern Alps. As a journey lover’s paradise, there are lots of enjoyable things to do in Wanaka. From hill hauling down the really high Cardrona hill to jet boating the lengthiest river in New Zealand– I can guarantee you, you will not obtain tired in Wanaka.

Wanaka is wacky, trendy, as well as undeniably stunning. Actually, I ‘d live in Wanaka in a heart beat (yet do not tell Queenstown!).

They state the best points come in little bundles, and the village of Wanaka absolutely provides on that particular front. I attempt you to read this write-up completely as well as not intend to go to Wanaka at the end.

1. Hike Roy’s Optimal.

Except the weak, this well known hike has conveniently the most well-known viewpoint in all of New Zealand near its summit. Roy’s Top Track is a preferred with Instagram-lovers as a result of the incredible sight of the Southern Alps from the renowned viewpoint. This view makes it one of the best hikes on the South Island and also conveniently among the most preferred points to do in New Zealand. Yet do not be deceived by its appeal, you need to work for that sight!

Roy’s Height is a 16-kilometer (10 miles) travel that takes around 7 hrs to finish. The walking itself is mainly uphill with the weird viewpoint along the road, but for most of the walking, there isn’t a great deal to see. For such a steep walking, the track is vast and well-trodden– so, that’s a plus.

Make certain to bring plenty of water and also snacks with you, as like most of the popular hikes in New Zealand, there’s no shop or coffee shop at the summit or on the way up. You’ll locate the trailhead just 5 minutes out of Wanaka on Wanaka Mt Aspiring Road.

Crucial: Roy’s Optimal is closed from 1st of October to the 10th of November every year for lambing period.

2. Explore the Wanaka Lavender Farm.

Lavender is, in my point of view, the globe’s most photogenic blossom. So, as you can picture the photo ops at the Wanaka Lavender Ranch are limitless. Spread across 20 acres, the ranch is also home to yummy lavender ice-cream in addition to Lakes Honey. And if you’re taking a trip with children, there’s an on-site stroking zoo to maintain them occupied.

The most effective time to check out is from November through to the start of March when the lavender is blooming. Entry fees to the Wanaka Lavender Farm are $5 NZD per grownup in the winter season and $10 in the summer season.

Associated read: The Wanaka Lavender Ranch is one of the best quits on the picturesque drive from Wanaka to Mount Cook in addition to the drive from Wanaka to Christchurch– figure out what the other finest quits remain in my blog.

3. Browse through #ThatWanakaTree.

However the tree has actually lost a few branches considering that this picture. The most awful part is that it was vandalized!

#ThatWanakaTree, a tree so popular it has its very own hashtag. This single willow tree is the most photographed tree in New Zealand as well as going to is just one of the most effective cost-free things to do in Wanaka.

That Wanaka Tree is situated a short walk from Wanaka town facility along the lakefront to Roy’s Bay. Just keep an eye out for the crowds collected on the edge of the lake as well as you’ve most likely located it.

The most effective times to visit are for dawn or sundown for that lovely glow on Lake Wanaka and also the Southern Alps behind the tree. This spot is just one of the reasons Wanaka is taken into consideration among the most enchanting getaways in NZ. At sunset however, be planned for a large crowd!

4. Go Winter Sports at Cardrona.

Did you know– Cardrona Ski Hotel invites one of the most skiers of any kind of ski field in New Zealand. Cardrona is excellent for novices with its wide and open terrain, however it’s also preferred with intermediate skiers and also the more advanced.

Cardrona has a gondola in addition to 2 high-speed quad chair lifts and also great deals of runs ranging from eco-friendly to black. Understand, over the Australian and New Zealand school holiday duration in late June to very early July, Cardrona obtains actually active. Additionally worth keeping in mind is a lot of the snow on Cardrona is industrial. This might be frustrating for skiers that have previously skied in Canada, the U.S.A., and parts of Europe.

If you have youngsters, the Ski College Program on the hill is exceptional. Cardrona additionally has childcare facilities if you want to ski child-free.

The access road to Cardrona Ski Field, is winding and for the most part– a gravel roadway so be extremely careful driving up as well as down. Conversely, shuttle buses are readily available from both Wanaka as well as Queenstown for about $20 NZD for a return ride.

If you really love snowboarding after that you can check out more ski fields than merely just Cardrona. As a matter of fact, there are 4 ski fields near Wanaka that are all under a 40-minute drive. Beg Treble Cone Ski Area, the Snow Ranch (for cross-country skiing), or Soho Container for an unique snowcat winter sports experience.

5. Have a look at the Cardrona Bras.

There are many bras!

A saucy stop along Crown Variety Roadway that links Queenstown to Wanaka is the Cardrona Bras! The bras are located beside Cardrona Distillery simply in the future from the Cardona Hotel.

The reason for some conflict locally, it is thought the initial bras showed up on the fence here in late 1998. Today, Cardrona’s population of bras has turned into thousands as well as the donation box at the website has increased thousands for cancer research. The stop has actually become so popular with travelers that the town of Cardrona has actually gained the saucy nickname ‘Bradrona’.

6. Absorb the views on Rob Roy Glacier Track.

A fairly very easy hike an hour drive from Wanaka, Rob Roy Glacier Track is a fave of mine. As the name suggests, the major drawcard of this hike is the chance to see energetic glaciers.

The drive to the trailhead of the Rob Roy Walking is equally as spectacular as it brings you along the Matukituki Valley.

This 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) hike takes concerning half a day to finish (so, enable as much as 4 hrs). The track lies within Mount Aspiring National Park as well as it’s genuinely spectacular with glaciers, falls, and also high mountain peaks! As discussed, the active glaciers here are the flavor of the day on this walking. From the seeing points on the path, you can listen for avalanches and also other indicators of movement within the glaciers.

This is a reasonably simple walking, with a progressive slope towards the glacier viewing factor. Worth noting is that unlike Roy’s Height, this walk has great deals to see along the hike itself– so, be prepared to quit and also take images continuously.

7. Walk Ruby Lake Track.

Among the most effective walks in Wanaka, as well as one of the very best points to do, is hiking Ruby Lake Track. This simple 7-kilometer loop track is ranked as simple, and also as such, can obtain pretty hectic especially throughout the summer months.

On your method up I recommend heading East (to the right) and taking the Rocky Mountain Track to Rocky Optimal Top. In the process, you will be awarded with stunning 360-degree sights of Mount Aspiring, Roy’s Height, as well as Treble Cone ski field in the distance. After that, boil down the other side and also loop back to your beginning factor.

An additional suggestion is to put on hiking boots for this track, or waterproof footwear with good soles as it can be really slippery and also muddy partly.

8. Drive the Crown Range.

Drive the greatest highway in all of New Zealand! A road trip from Queenstown to Wanaka on Crown Array Road is a staple on nearly every Queenstown plan. Full of narrow weaves, this drive is not just one of the most effective points to do in Queenstown however Wanaka likewise!

You’ll absolutely want to quit at a few of the viewpoints in the process– among one of the most preferred is the viewpoint halfway up capital called Arrow Joint Hunt after you take the turn-off near Lake Hayes in Queenstown. This perspective has a remarkable view of Arrowtown and Lake Hayes. After that, at the extremely top of the hill is another viewpoint and also from there you can walk to the Crown Array Summit. So, park your automobile and also proceed along the slim track for an equally great view of the valley.

If you plan on driving the Crown Range during the cold weather (especially in between May and September) make certain to bring snow chains as this road can get particularly snowy and closures are common. In wintertime, you need to constantly examine Crown Array Road conditions prior to you set off.

Related read: For another impressive journey, take a look at the picturesque drive from Queenstown to Mount Chef. Along this route, there are plenty of things to do and also see.