Things to Do in Wanaka

Take a Water Taxi and explore Mou Waho Island. Discover a hidden lake which contains its own island, forming a Russian doll of islands and lakes. Meet the Weka, an adorable and curious bird that is partial to meeting humans.

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world. Our Level 1 climb involves approximately 45mins of physical climbing and 4 bridge crossings. Our Via ferrata tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. It is suitable for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness. No experience required. Your tour starts at the waterfall where your friendly guide will fit your safety gear and teach you how to use the equipment before starting the climb. You will be climbing on steel ladder rungs and crossing wire bridges to finish at a beautiful picnic spot. We then walk down a mountain trail and back to the base.   If you are more adventurous and are looking to explore more in this incredible vertical world, we recommend our intermediate Level 2 climb.

Experience a truly thrilling freefall over incredible natural beauty on this skydiving activity in Wanaka. See New Zealand from a totally unique perspective.

Relax with a glass of local wine or beer and bask in the evening light on a happy hour cruise on Lake Wanaka. Take in amazing views of the lake, enjoy some snacks, and have fun with fellow travelers.

Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.

With this boat trip on Lake Wanaka, you'll drink in its stunning landscapes and take a walk around either Ruby, Stevensons, or Mou Wah Island. You choose!

Experience a unique climbing adventure that will take you into the heart of a waterfall exposing hidden pools, spectacular mountain views, and thrilling suspension bridge crossings.

Welcome to a Wine Lover's Paradise! Join us as we embark on a wine tasting - sightseeing adventure like no other visiting wineries around Wanaka - Pisa - Cromwell - Bannockburn - Bendigo. It is a day full of new mates, scenic beauty, a beautiful gourmet lunch platter and some seriously good wine. Meet the winemakers who are pouring their passions and get an insider's look into everything that is involved in creating the perfect glass of wine from vineyard to bottle. Living the Dream Tours is a wine tour company that encourages guests to unwind for an unforgettable day and let us do all the work. It's not just a tour; it's a connection with the artisans who make the magic happen.

Discover one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand's South Island with this boat trip on the stunning Lake Wanaka.

Experience the most stunning bike ride in Wānaka. Meander along the river trails from Hāwea and follow both the Hāwea and Clutha rivers all the way to Wānaka. Grade 1-2, family friendly riding.

Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your fishing adventure. 2. Diverse Fish Species: The lake is home to a variety of fish, including brown and rainbow trout, and salmon making it an attractive destination for anglers of all skill levels. 3. Experienced Guides: charters provide an experienced fishing guide who knows the lake well and can offer valuable tips and insights to enhance your fishing experience. 4. Wildlife Sightings: In addition to fishing, you may have the chance to see local wildlife like birds and perhaps even glimpses of the elusive native bird, the takahe. 6. Relaxing Environment: Lake Wanaka provides a serene and tranquil environment, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely day of fishing, relaxation, and appreciation of nature.

Experience the awe-inspiring glacial landscapes at your own pace with your bike rental and enjoy convenient transportation from Wanaka!

Enjoy a 35min Scenic helicopter flight including a 10min glacier/snow landing and spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Flights confirm with a minimum of 2 paying adults.

tart your journey on the calm waters of Lake Wānaka, where mist lingers on the surface and the mountains rise all around you. In just three hours, you’ll cast your line into some of the most scenic fishing waters in New Zealand. With expert guidance and top-quality gear, you’ll learn proven techniques like trolling and downrigging to target trout and salmon. Our boat is powered by a quiet electric trolling motor, letting you glide silently through the water—perfect for sneaking up on fish and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. As you fish beneath the peaks of Roys Peak, Mount Aspiring, and Treble Cone, you’ll feel far from the crowds, fully immersed in nature. With small groups (max 6 people), snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks included, this trip is designed for comfort, focus, and the thrill of the catch. It’s not just a fishing trip—it’s a moment of calm, a burst of excitement, and a memory made in one of the world’s most beautiful places.

Visit one of the most special places in Wanaka with this excursion to Mou Waho Island. Some of the most beautiful views of South Island await you.

Fly from Treble Cone with a professional tandem paragliding pilot. Admire stunning views of Mt Aspiring, the twin waterfalls, and the Wanaka lakes.

If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a unique and special memory to include in your wedding day. Because it is personalised we can discuss what best suits your needs, from experience it is ideally suited prior to the Bride, Groom and Wedding party entering the reception, or at a gathering with all guests and family prior to the wedding day itself. The Bridge and Groom get a bone carving and the guests and wedding party get an experience they will remember in your wedding forever.

With our travel insurance, you can travel with peace of mind and focus solely on unwinding and enjoying your holiday. Don't let anything spoil your trip!

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery as a backdrop. Marvel at the power and remarkable maneuverability of a high-speed jet boat.

In other parts of the world, it may take several days to trek to places as beautiful as the Rob Roy Glacier, but we offer this experience in a World Heritage Area, in just one day! Our experienced local guides are with you from pick-up to drop-off, offering their knowledge of the area, it's history, flaura & fauna. The day begins with a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley. After driving through several fords, we arrive at Raspberry Hut. From here, this guided hike begins along the banks of the Matukituki River. We enter Mt Aspiring National Park via a swing bridge, crossing the river. The walk steadily climbs through New Zealand Beech Rainforest with a wide variety of flaura & fauna. After walking for 2.5 hours, the forest drops away and we enter open ground. Here the beauty of Rob Roy Glacier unfolds. Take time to relax and enjoy one of the best views Mother Nature offers, whilst enjoying a gourmet packed lunch!

Skydive in New Zealand from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet! See six lakes, the Southern Alps, and Mount Cook. Enjoy 25-60 seconds of freefall at speeds up to 200kph for an unforgettable experience.

A lovely, easy grade guided bike ride following another one of Wanaka’s beautiful rivers. Crystal blue water, endless mountain vistas and easy pedalling, make this a great trip for people wanting some gentle exercise. A great trip for the whole family. We'll provide all the necessary equipment, transport, and friendly, qualified, local guide.

Check out the iconic, unique, and award-winning attraction that has fascinated all ages since 1973. Engage in a fun, challenging, and sensory experience at Wanaka's world-famous Puzzling World.

This is the Wānaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high into the mountains of West Wānaka Station. The perfect mix of wide open walking trails, alpine meadows, jaw-dropping scenery, and high country farming life. You’ll love helping out and learning about our predator control conservation project along the way too. A relaxed picnic lunch awaits atop Lookout Hill. Don’t feel up to walking all day? No problem, we provide 4WD support so jump in any time and enjoy the view and friendly banter with your guide. A safe, fun and active day of classic kiwi adventure the whole family can enjoy together.

An Official NZ Great Ride - 42km of purpose built trail. Bike, E-bike or Gravel Bike from Cromwell to historic Clyde, meet the shuttle and return back to Cromwell in our luxury Shuttle.

A fully hosted day where your Guest Experience Manager (who you will have a direct phone number for) will ensure you are set up to have a great ride and experience. The Lake Dunstan Trail is one an Official NZ Great Ride and possibly the best one-day NZ Great Ride in New Zealand. nzbiketrails is a Qualmark Gold accredited company - meaning that we a provider delivering within the top 10% of New Zealand Experiences. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional levels of Guest services which is represented by our reviews. Our aim is to help guests see the beauty of New Zealand, on great bikes, led by passionate trail riders who love what they do. We also aim to 'do good' in the communities that we operate in.

Discover Stevensons Island on Lake Wanaka on a shared cruise and a guided nature walk. See some of Wanaka's most spectacular views and benefit from outstanding photo opportunities.

Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

Discover the Blue Pools on a guided hike through native forest to crystal-clear glacial waters.

Immerse yourself in the environment and truly connect with nature Learn climbing and canyoning in one tour Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views. Get up close and personal with waterfalls Feel an adrenaline rush as you rappel down 6 waterfalls

Enjoy a cruise on the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. See some of Wanaka's most spectacular views and benefit from outstanding photo opportunities.

Join us for an exhilarating craft beer adventure, exploring Wanaka's top-notch breweries with delectable food pairings on our self-guided e-Bike tours. Immerse yourself in a safe, personalised, and enjoyable journey, giving you the freedom to uncover Wanaka's vibrant craft beer scene and culinary delights at your own pace. Embark on our specialized Hawea River Track adventure, a gem among Wanaka bike trails. This unique tour spans Wanaka's natural wonders, from the serene Lake Hawea John's Creek Trail to the thrilling Hawea River Track and Outlet track. As the only locally owned company offering the full Lake Hawea to Wanaka bike ride, we've ingeniously combined three tracks to craft the ultimate 1-day craft beer tour in New Zealand. Why settle for a standard bike rental and a big brand beer label when you can enjoy a craft beer exploration along the picturesque Lake Hawea to Wanaka bike trail?

Explore the beautiful and famous West Coast via Wanaka on a fully guided small group tour from Franz Josef. There is no better way to see the area.

The ‘Introduction To Rock Climbing’ is our most popular trip. You get the opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing in a safe and fun way, focusing on maximum time actually climbing, whilst learning safe practices and good technique along the way. It is ideal for those who have never climbed before, or only on an indoor wall. The climbing can range from easy to challenging and we keep the group sizes small to ensure everyone has a great time and is challenged at their own level. Our qualified instructors/guides will take you to the most suitable venue in the beautiful Matukituki Valley near Wanaka.

Embark on a scenic adventure from Franz Joseph to Queenstown via Wanaka with our fully guided tour.

Join us for a 3-hour fishing adventure on the peaceful waters of Lake Hāwea, surrounded by stunning mountain views. With clear, deep water and plenty of fish, it’s the perfect place to catch trout or salmon. You’ll learn and use great fishing techniques like trolling and using the downriggers, with help from a friendly, expert skipper. Our boat runs on a quiet electric motor, so you can enjoy a smooth, eco-friendly ride while staying close to nature. With small groups (max 6 people), you’ll have plenty of space to fish and relax. We’ll provide all the gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks—you just bring your excitement and enjoy the thrill of the catch in one of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this boat and 4x4 tour of Wanaka. See views from both the lake and land. From start to finish, journey off the beaten path.

Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea are home to diverse fish species, including brown and rainbow trout, as well as salmon, catering to anglers of all skill levels. Guided by seasoned experts, these charters provide valuable insights into the best fishing spots and techniques, enhancing the overall experience. This combination of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and professional guidance makes Wanaka fishing charters a unique and memorable adventure.

Experience unparalleled aerial views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Admire the spectacle that is Mount Cook plus three of the country's most spectacular glaciers, all in one breathtaking flight.

There’s something unforgettable about spending a full day on Lake Hāwea—a place where the mountains meet crystal-clear waters, and the only sounds are the hum of the reel and the splash of a fish breaking the surface. On this 6-hour fishing adventure, you’ll go beyond the usual hotspots and explore remote corners of the lake that most never see. With expert guidance and top-quality gear, you’ll try your hand at a range of techniques—trolling, spinning, jigging, harling, and downrigging—to target trout and salmon where they thrive. The boat’s electric trolling motor keeps the journey quiet and eco-friendly, so you stay immersed in the calm, wild beauty of the landscape. As you drift beneath Isthmus Peak and the Southern Alps, the experience becomes about more than just the catch—it’s about the stillness, the views, and the stories you’ll take home. This isn’t just a fishing trip—it’s a true escape. Fewer people, more time, better spots, and memories that last a lifetime.

Take a shuttle from Wānaka to Hāwea and bike back to Wānaka. Ride along the Gladstone Track, running along the front of Lake Hāwea, followed by the river trails all the way back to Wānaka.

Off the beaten track, with great views, gentle terrain and the feeling of being remote,  What more could you ask for? This is a real snow adventure in a true Alpine environment. The Pisa Range offers fantastic terrain to explore and experience the snow. Our trips are suitable for all people of any age (7+) and most fitness levels, we keep our groups small so its ideal if you are seeking a rewarding scenic snow experience away from the crowds. The Alpine Guided Snowshoe is achievable by anybody.

Explore Wanaka's alpine beauty with our exclusive quad bike tours. Yamaha 350-450cc Quad bikes offer safety and comfort for all skill levels.

This self-guided audio driving tour takes you on a stunning, two-hour journey from Wānaka to Queenstown via the scenic Crown Range and historic Arrowtown. It is a trip through natural drama, rich gold-rush history, and quirky landmarks. Key highlights of the tour include: Driving New Zealand’s highest sealed alpine road, the Crown Range. Visiting iconic landmarks like That Wānaka Tree and the historic Cardrona Hotel. Passing by the famous and quirky Cardrona Bra Fence. Exploring the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown. Hearing stories of Māori trailblazers, explorers, and skiing pioneers. This tour can be combined with the 'Queenstown to Wānaka' tour for a complete circular route. Would you like me to find out more details about either of the mentioned tours?

View beautiful Wanaka from above on a scenic hot air balloon ride. Float over Wanaka's stunning landscape including Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, with 360-degree views surrounded by the Southern Alps.

Guests love the balance of excellent wine, local stories, stunning scenery and easygoing fun, plus thoughtful touches like a curated charcuterie board. With door-to-door Wanaka pickup and a friendly, social vibe, it feels less like a tour and more like being shown around by a local friend who truly loves the region. This half-day tour is hosted by a passionate local guide with international wine-tour experience, offering a relaxed, personal feel from start to finish. Unlike larger operators, this tour runs in small groups, allowing real conversations with winemakers, unhurried tastings, and flexibility to adapt the day to the group’s interests. Wineries are carefully selected boutique producers, chosen for their quality, character and welcoming atmosphere rather than volume or commercial scale.

Explore the world's highest waterfall cable climb on a guided adventure at Lake Wanaka. Climb 320 meters up cascading waterfalls, admire spectacular mountains, and cross unique suspension bridges.

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass, and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Fly to Milford Sound through two of New Zealand’s most picturesque National Parks. View alpine lakes nestled amongst soaring snow-capped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers.

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world together. Our intermediate climb involves approximately 3hrs of climbing steel ladder rungs and crossing 6 bridges next to a spectacular waterfall and finishes with approximatley 45 minutes walk down a mountainside trail. This tour is perfect for active adventurers who love the exploring outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. You will be climbing next to vertical waterfalls and being happy with heights helps! Stay dry. No experience required. If you are hesitant or just want a smaller taste, we recommend our Level 1 / Beginner climb.