Wānaka
Wānaka is Queenstown's laid-back alpine cousin. Set on a glorious lake beneath the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park, it pairs the same jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor adventure with a calmer, more relaxed pace. Hike a ridge for an epic view, photograph a lone willow in the water, sip lakeside wine, and ski in winter. Here's how to enjoy this alpine gem.
Lake Wānaka & #ThatWānakaTree
The town wraps around Lake Wānaka, with a lovely lakefront to stroll and swim. Its most famous resident is the lone willow standing in the shallows — #ThatWānakaTree, one of the most photographed trees in the world, especially at sunrise. Hire a bike, take a scenic cruise, or simply relax by the water framed by mountains. See our South Island tours.
Roys Peak, Cardrona & adventure
Wānaka is a playground. Climb Roys Peak for its world-famous ridge-line view over the lake, explore Mount Aspiring National Park, and in winter ski Cardrona and Treble Cone. Back in town, the quirky Puzzling World delights families and the lakeside Rippon vineyard pours a scenic glass. It's adventure at an easy pace. See our skiing & snowboarding page.
Wānaka: your questions
Wānaka, on its beautiful lake beneath Mount Aspiring National Park, is a relaxed alpine town. Photograph the famous #ThatWānakaTree in the lake, hike Roys Peak for its epic view, taste wine at lakeside Rippon, puzzle through Puzzling World, and ski Cardrona and Treble Cone in winter. It's a laid-back alternative to nearby Queenstown. See our hiking & Great Walks page.
Wānaka is about an hour from Queenstown — either the direct route or the spectacular Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest sealed road, past historic Cardrona. Its relaxed pace makes it a lovely base or a scenic detour on a Queenstown trip. See our Queenstown guide.
The Roys Peak Track is a challenging but hugely rewarding day hike — a steady climb to a famous ridge-line viewpoint over Lake Wānaka and the surrounding peaks, one of the most photographed vistas in the country. Allow 5–6 hours return and go prepared; there's an easier lookout partway if you prefer. See our hiking & Great Walks page.
Yes — Wānaka is a top winter base, close to the Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields (roughly June–October), with great terrain for all levels. Après-ski in town is relaxed and welcoming. See our skiing & snowboarding page.
Many travellers love both. Wānaka offers the same stunning alpine-lake scenery and outdoor adventure as Queenstown but at a quieter, more laid-back pace — ideal if you want beauty and hikes without the bustle. Staying a night or two lets you enjoy the lake and the mountains at leisure. See our itineraries guide.