Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka
5
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Top ways to experience Lake Wanaka
The area
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Best nearby
Restaurants
95 within 5 kms
Attractions
25 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- JudeeLivermore, California1,593 contributionsLots to do on and around the lake.I was not in Wānaka for too long but I did enjoy a 2 hour bike ride around the lake. The bathroom across from the lake in the big parking lot is very clean and near a playground for children. You can just walk around it, bike, scooter or rent kayaks and other water toys and get in the lake. Yes, you can swim in it too. Tons of restaurants across the street so you can get something to go or bring a picnic and enjoy it at the lake. A beautiful spot for sure and so clean.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 31 January 2024
- YvonneSingapore, Singapore14 contributionsWas a delight.. wish I could live here!Booked a 4 bedroom house overlooking the lake, just 15 min walk from the supermarket and amenities. Just walk down to the lake , walk left towards the village and the Wanaka tree or right side for amazing views with a good part under shade. Beautiful!Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 March 2024
- Ron S21 contributionsDon't miss Wanaka!Truly the Aspen of New Zealand. Upscale, classy, spotless, a wide variety of activities, and everything is maintained carefully. The lake and surroundings are absolutely gorgeous. We liked Wanaka far more than Queensland (which is a bit more commercial). We did bike and wine tours -- truly enjoyable!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,323 reviews
Excellent
1,859
Very good
421
Average
39
Poor
2
Terrible
2
shebe43
Blue Mountains, Australia470 contributions
Jan 2020
Wanaka is much smaller than Queenstown, and doesn't seem to attract the crowds of overseas visitors in the same way. It means the town is more compact, still busy but not so crowded.
It has really lovely shops and cafes.
There is a walk right along the lakeside that you can do, which takes you passed the town down towards "That Wanaka Tree" all along the lake foreshore.
Plenty of parking, toilets, etc. from here you can easily walk into the town in 15 minutes.
The lake is quite shallow, plenty of people swimming in summer. Also paddle boards and kayaks available.
A really lovely place to stop overnight or for lunch or a swim. Recommend.
It has really lovely shops and cafes.
There is a walk right along the lakeside that you can do, which takes you passed the town down towards "That Wanaka Tree" all along the lake foreshore.
Plenty of parking, toilets, etc. from here you can easily walk into the town in 15 minutes.
The lake is quite shallow, plenty of people swimming in summer. Also paddle boards and kayaks available.
A really lovely place to stop overnight or for lunch or a swim. Recommend.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,547 contributions
Oct 2019
Lakes are generally pretty sights. This lake is spectacular for the plethora of walking delights around its shores lined with perfect paths. We went on a 4 hour cruise and a walk on Mou and Waho island with Eco Wanaka adventures
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lopa C
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Wanaka is a beautiful little town. We stopped here for lunch on the way from Haast to Queenstown. There are lots of restaurants by the lake which makes for a gorgeous view while sitting down for a meal. There is a park by the lake for kids to enjoy too. Parking around the lake area can be a challenge, so allow for the time.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pd7
Weymouth, UK544 contributions
Jan 2020
Fabulous long lake that you take a while driving along and around every bend is another amazing view. We stopped lots of times as it was so photogenic. Also, we saw a kind of tornado very prominently in the middle of the lake - quite a sight - no idea if this a common occurrence or not. Made for great photos! With the mountain backdrop this was one of the most scenic of all places in S.I.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matzakiwi
Carterton, New Zealand60 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
The lake has a small playground near the shop end of the lake, funky dinosaur slide. Cafes and eateries across the road as well as retail outlets.
Clean toilets near the park. The Famous " Wanaka Tree " is on the lake as you head out to Queenstown direction. Nice place to have a picnic in summer. Quite bitterly cold and windy with the Southerly wind blowing
Clean toilets near the park. The Famous " Wanaka Tree " is on the lake as you head out to Queenstown direction. Nice place to have a picnic in summer. Quite bitterly cold and windy with the Southerly wind blowing
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WayneAP
City of Greater Geelong, Australia3,546 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Travelling from Haast, Lake Wanaka comes into view pretty early, what is amazing is the size and the clarity of the water. This really is a breathtaking view. There are a number of viewing points along the road all showing the spectacular scenery which showcases nature at its best.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IainR
Whangarei, New Zealand805 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Stayed with a friend who lives on the lakeshore. We enjoyed beautiful views and walks along the lake. We also took our waka out on the lake and paddles 12km across the lake,down to Wanaka for lunch and back home. An amazing place to be with nature!
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivan G
Melbourne, Australia36 contributions
Feb 2020
This natural wonder is so pleasant, families with children can enjoy many water activities by boating, water skiing or just having tasty picnic and feeding local ducks.
Also nearby there is children playground as well. To walk to town takes about 10 minutes where you can get ice cream or cosy lunch or diner. And prices are very moderate.
Also nearby there is children playground as well. To walk to town takes about 10 minutes where you can get ice cream or cosy lunch or diner. And prices are very moderate.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hazel L
Rotorua, New Zealand56 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
So much to see and do a couple of days is not nearly long enough. There is something to suit everyone, Lake Wanaka trips, scenic walking, shops and wine tours, great restaurants and an award winning pie shop. However, having Coeliac disease and also requiring everything be GF there is a far better choice than home in UK so great for all. We had a relaxing time making sure we have left plenty to do on a return trip!
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orrdin
New York976 contributions
Jan 2020
This lake is nothing special unless you hit it at a moment where everything aligns. And that doesn’t happen every day or at all hours. So you probably need to come several times until you luck out. We didn’t...
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Easy but also a bit difficult question ? Depend on your preference of hotel type. Most of the hotels are still at the walking distances from the lake front, where all facilities usually located, restaurants, cafes, shop, convenience stores etc. (in term of less than 1km walk). Our experience with Archway Motel was OK, approx 600m from the water front, but at a quiet suburb, with bonus of BBQ facility. So we can make and enjoy our dinner with meat and satay BBQ at the motel. This is three people in one room style. So for 5 person (or six) you need to book two rooms. Or if you prefer a dormitory type, probably Base Wanaka is the closest to the lake front, but I do not have experience with this hostel. Good luck.
Written 12 July 2018
Dear all, could you please recommend some great scenic spots around Lake Wanaka apart from the lone tree?
Written 17 June 2017
Some great walks and views along the banks of River Clutha and also from Mount Rocky.
Written 17 June 2017
Hi friends,
I am visiting south new Zealand from 14 th march till 22nd march .
I am coming to Christchurch , where I will stay for a night.
Next two nights at frank Josef
One at wanaka
One at te anau
And three at queens town
This is what I have planned so far . But now I have a problem, I heard about the beautiful stargazing ( Milky Way , and aurora australis ! ) at mt John and mt cook !! I don't want to miss this opportunity but since my return flight is from queentown I don't know how to include lake tekapo in my itenary !
Also pls tell if helicopter is worth than hike on the glacier?and
Which is the best most scenic lake on my route for kayaking
Anku
Written 21 February 2017
You might do the stargazing tour at the top of the Skyline Gondola before you leave Queenstown. It is excellent and the telescopes and commentary are first rate. They start at 10PM and go for about an hour and the sky is very dark there at the top of the Skyline, so affords very good visibility.
Written 24 February 2017
Hi! Lovely shots of the Lone tree :)
We'll be in Queenstown for 4 days on our 2 week trip to NZ, do you suggest we visit Wanaka & Arrowtown as a daytrip or is it worth it to spend a night in Wanaka?
We will be visiting in early April
thanks
Written 5 October 2015
Hi, Stay in Wanaka, there are plenty of motels, hotels etc. Go and see the Wanaka Tree in Glendu Bay, the most photographed tree in the world. Boat trips on the lake. You can do a short drive to the Cardrona Hotel, have a lunch or dinner there, more Kodak moments and then another drive to Arrowtown which is stunning in Autumn. It's a short drive once again to Lake Hayes and Queenstown.
Written 7 October 2015
could you please let me know about airport transfers?
Written 2 August 2015
Generally, do we have to pay to visit lakes in NZ?
Written 16 July 2015
No charge for seeing Lake Wanaka, there for everyone to enjoy unless you wish to take a jet boating ride or activities offered on the lake.
Written 17 July 2015
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