You're Going to Love Wanaka
Just an hour's drive from Queenstown is the resort town of Wanaka. Its beautiful mountain ranges and snow-topped slopes have earned it a reputation as being the "Alps" of New Zealand. In fact, the town is often base camp for many trekkers and those who venture on to the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park, where natural wonders like glaciers and alpine lakes still remain unspoiled.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wanaka
1. Go Boating
With Roys Bay right there, how could you not book a few charters and head out on an evening cruise around the coastline and beyond?
2. Tour the Local Wineries
Coming in the summer? It's the perfect time to take a tour of the local wineries - and sample the product too!
3. Skydive over Wanaka
If you've always secretly wanted to try it but have never quite worked up the nerve, there may be no better (or less obstructed) corner of the world to do it in than Wanaka. Skydives are tandem so you're always strapped to a professional.
4. Hit the Slopes!
Most everyone who comes in the winter is here for the freshly powdered runs! Don't miss making your mark at Treble Cone and Cardrona, which is the highest ski field in New Zealand.
5. Check out Cinema Paradiso
Hit Cinema Paradiso and relax in comfy sofas, tuck into great finger food, and enjoy an old-time movie.
When to Visit Wanaka
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Wanaka is different in each season so the best time to come really depends on what you plan to do. If winter slopes are what you're after, come anytime between May to October. Temperatures hover between 32 to 50.
How to Get to Wanaka
Plane
The closest airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN), which is a 60-minute drive from Wanaka. Once there, use a bus to get to Wanaka.
Train
Use the Dunedin Railways to get to Wanaka for a fare of NZ$50. Or, if you're coming in from Queenstown, use the InterCity service to get to Wanaka for NZ$26.
Car
Coming in from Queenstown to Wanaka, use Crown Range Road and Cardrona Valley Road. If you're driving from Dunedin to Wanaka, use State Highway 8.
Bus
Getting to Wanaka from Dunedin or Queenstown, you can use services like Alpine Connexions, Connectabus, and InterCity. Fares start at NZ$35.
Airlines serving Wanaka
Where to stay in popular areas of Wanaka
Most booked hotels in Wanaka
How to Get Around Wanaka
Public Transportation
Wanaka doesn't have a formal public transport system. You can get around on foot or bike, besides using the taxi service.
Taxi
Taxis in Wanaka are metered. Fares start at NZ$3 and it's NZ$1.73 for each mile thereafter.
Car
Hirequip, Rent A Car Wanaka, and Adventure Rental Cars Wanaka are some local companies servicing your Wanaka car rental needs. Book a standard 4-door, compact car for NZ$113.30 per day.
Where to Eat in Wanaka
Check out the dishes at Francesca's Italian Kitchen, an authentic Italian trattoria. Here, you can feast on creative pizzas, comforting pastas, and homemade polenta chips for between NZ$20 - NZ$25.