Things to do in Wānaka: a local guide for every season
Lake swims, Roys Peak, Rob Roy Glacier, wineries and easy walks. Our guide to Wānaka for guests staying a weekend or a week.
Start at the lake
Lake Wānaka is the centre of life in town. In summer you can swim or paddle board straight off the Roys Bay foreshore, or hire a kayak and head out to Ruby Island. The lakefront path is at its best early in the morning and in the evening, when the light turns the mountains gold.
The famous willow everyone photographs, known locally as That Wānaka Tree, stands in the water at the western end of Roys Bay, a short walk from town. Go early if you want it to yourself.
The big walks
Roys Peak is the walk most people come for. It is a long, steady climb of about 16 km return with huge views over the lake and the Southern Alps, so start early, carry plenty of water and check the forecast. The track closes every year from 1 October to 10 November for lambing.
Isthmus Peak, between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, is a quieter alternative with similar views. In Mt Aspiring National Park, the Rob Roy Glacier Track runs about 10 km return through beech forest to a hanging glacier. The road in is gravel with fords, so check conditions before you set off.
Easy outings
For something gentler, the Mt Iron loop takes about an hour and a half and gives you views back over the whole town. The Outlet Track follows the Clutha River from the lake to Albert Town and works well on foot or by bike.
Blue Pools, on the road to Haast Pass, is about an hour's drive and worth it for the clear glacial water and swing bridges. On a wet day, Puzzling World on the edge of town keeps kids busy, and Cinema Paradiso is a local favourite for a film on the couches.
Food and wine
Rippon has one of the best-known vineyard views in the country, looking straight down the lake. Central Otago pinot noir is the local speciality, and there are more cellar doors around Wānaka and a short drive away at Bannockburn.
In town you'll find good coffee, bakeries and relaxed places for dinner within a few minutes' walk of the lake.
Where to stay
Our Wānaka Retreat sits on a quiet cul-de-sac a couple of minutes' walk from the lake, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sheltered courtyard to come back to after a big day outside.
Alberon Property & Accommodation · Mt Eden, Auckland and Landsdown Rd, Wānaka, New Zealand · +64 22 601 0943 · admin@alberon.co.nz