Our most recommended things to do in Wanaka

Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

1. Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

Set off on a 1-hour cruise on Lake Wanaka to enjoy crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery. The perfect end to a great day or the perfect beginning to a great night. Marvel at the scenic beauty and take pictures while cruising to remember this relaxing experience.  As you cruise along, enjoy a local wine, beer, or soft drink with some cheese. Spend a beautiful evening and meet your fellow travelers while cruising down the waterfalls and other areas.

Wanaka: Tandem Skydive Experience 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000-ft

2. Wanaka: Tandem Skydive Experience 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000-ft

Skydiving is a must-do and Wanaka is the most stunning place to tick it off your bucket list. Admire some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery and picturesque landscapes as you freefall from above at 200kph. Your experience starts when you walk in the door and meet the awesome frontline crew. Receive a full briefing and gear up. Before you know it, you’ll be meeting your tandem instructor and climbing into the plane for the incredible scenic flight to altitude. During your 20-minute flight over the Southern Alps, your instructor will point out Mt. Cook, Mt. Aspiring, the Southern Alps, a number of lakes and the Clutha River. Once you’ve reached your chosen altitude, it’s time to leap. Experience the pure adrenaline rush of freefalling at 200kph above the stunning Central Otago landscape. After 25 to 60-seconds of freefall, catch your breath and enjoy the smooth flight under canopy safely back down to the drop zone. Back on the ground, tears of joy, smiles, hugs and fist pumps are all the norm. Make your way back to the hanger to be de-geared then await your edited video and photos. Once your video is done plug it into the computer, gather around your friends and family and relive the moments all over again.

Wanaka: Combo Entry to Puzzling World

3. Wanaka: Combo Entry to Puzzling World

Welcome to Wanaka's wonderful world of weirdness with an admission ticket to Puzzling World. Upon arrival, be met with the famous Tumbling Towers and The Leaning Tower of Wanaka, which offers great photo opportunities as friends or family appear to hold, push, or rip out the tower, foundations and all. Then, head into the Puzzle Centre, where dozens of puzzles await the curious and a massive kaleidoscope ceiling looks on from above, is a visual treat in itself. Encouraging problem solving, exercise and fun, the modern maze format with over-bridges and underpasses has created the world’s first truly 3-D Great Maze. The Illusion Rooms are sure to challenge reality as 5 unique rooms, along with ever-changing “walls of wonder”, exhibitions and the latest displays will leave you thinking “what the..?!” Outside, The Great Maze encourages problem-solving, exercise, and fun. Puzzling World invented this format, designed to suit all ages with over-bridges and underpasses to create the world’s first 3-dimensional maze. Don’t worry, emergency exits for those with limited time, patience, or energy are also built into the maze. With so many incredible things to see and do here, make sure to allow plenty of time for your unforgettable visit to Puzzling World.

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

4. Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

Embark on a leisurely 40-minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery to Stevensons Peninsula and then into Stevensons Arm, home to the Mount Burke high country sheep station. Rolling green pastures precede Mount Gold and Mount Burke which rise majestically into the Eastern skyline. Relax in comfort as you cruise to Stevensons Island for a beach landing. Your guide will take you ashore via the front loading ramp for a short hike to the summit of the Island. Stevensons Island is an inspiration for photographers. On return, complete your experience with afternoon tea and another 40-minute scenic cruise back to the Wanaka waterfront.

Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

5. Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

Hop aboard a comfortable water taxi and make your way to Mou Waho Island. Along the way, your tour guide will explain the island's unique geology and history. Of the Lake Wanaka’s 5 islands, Mou Waho is the most remote and the most beautiful. Once there, you will have 1.5 hours to yourself to enjoy this special place. Hike 20 minutes to the island’s hidden lake. Created by glacial action thousands of years ago, this secluded lake contains an island itself. This island is known as the “island on a lake, on an island on a lake on an island in the sea.” (Close your eyes and visualize that for a moment). Walk 5 minutes from the hidden lake to reach Tyrwhitt Peak, the highest point on the island. From the top of the peak take in the luscious panorama of lakes and jagged peaks. Witness the diverse bird life of this predator-free nature reserve. See the elegant kereru (wood Pidgeon), the adorable korimako (bellbird), the delightful Tomtit, and the Weka. Wekas are charismatic birds that disappeared from the mainland of New Zealand but were introduced to these islands as a part of a breeding program in 2002. When you spot one, stop and say hello. These birds are particularly charismatic and cheeky characters and are often attracted to human interaction. Relax on the island’s small sheltered beach. Cool off with a swim in the waters of Lake Wanaka before taking the water taxi back to Wanaka.

Wanaka: Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River

6. Wanaka: Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River

Experience the water like never have before on a jet boat adventure in Wanaka. Skim across shallow water, over sand bars, through rapids, and around rocks at speeds in excess of 80 kilometers per hour. Departing from Wanaka’s waterfront, enjoy a short jaunt across the lake taking in stunning snow-capped mountain views, and prepare to enter one of the world’s swiftest-flowing rivers, the Clutha River.  Of course, a jet boat ride wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Hamilton Spin, a high-speed maneuver causing the boat to spin rapidly on the spot. Your expert driver will raise your adrenalin, demonstrating the maneuverability of the jet boat and pushing it to its absolute limits, safely and skillfully navigating you on an unforgettable adventure.

Wanaka: 2-Hour Beginner Waterfall Cable Climb

7. Wanaka: 2-Hour Beginner Waterfall Cable Climb

Enjoy a thrilling 1.5-hour introduction to ‘via ferrata’ or ‘iron road’ climbing. This unique experience uses cable, iron rungs, pegs, bridges, and ladders, allowing you to climb routes that may not have been accessible otherwise.  Your adventure begins at Twin Falls Waterfall, located 20 minutes from Wanaka town. You will meet your guides, grab your helmets and harness and head over to our practive climb for your safety breifing. Once you have mastered the practice route, join an intimate group of no more than 4 people per guide - ensuring your safety throughout the experience. After a short walk up to the cliffs, the real fun begins. On this beginner route, spend approximately 1 hour scaling vertical and horizontal rock climbs, crossing suspension bridges over pools and discovering hidden waterfalls. At the end of this trail, take the opportunity to stop for a small snack and drink, admiring the stunning panoramic views over farmland, mountains, and Lake Wanaka. If you feel like you're climbing journey is over, begin a 15-minute descent back down the mountain to the base of the waterfall.

Wanaka: 4-Hour Intermediate Waterfall Cable Climb

8. Wanaka: 4-Hour Intermediate Waterfall Cable Climb

Enjoy a thrilling 4-hour guided experience at the highest waterfall climb in the world. This unique activity uses cable, iron rungs, pegs, bridges, and ladders, allowing you to climb routes that may not have been accessible otherwise. Meet your guide at Twin Falls Waterfall, after a safety briefing, grab your helmets and harness and prepare for a practice climb over a small rock at the base of the waterfall. Once you have mastered the practice route, join an intimate group of no more than 4 people per guide - ensuring your safety throughout the experience This intermediate route will have you climbing up 350m of vertical cliffs, crossing over blue pools, and braving suspension bridges. Take the opportunity to stop on a bridge next to a huge cascading waterfall for an unforgettable photo. When you reach the summit of the climb, relax at the base of the 60m waterfall for lunch. Enjoy a quick swim or sit back and take in the stunning views over the mountains and farmland surrounding Wanaka. When you’re ready, begin the 45-minute descent down to the starting point.

From Wanaka: Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk

9. From Wanaka: Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk

Take a relaxing cruise out to Ruby Island and enjoy a guided walk of the island with many photo opportunities. The grade is easy, suitable for children and seniors. Your friendly local kiwi guide will take you ashore on Ruby Island. Discover the intriguing history dating back to the days of prohibition. Often called the jewel of Wanaka, Ruby is small but very photogenic. The eclectic mix of exotic and native plants adds a foreground to the colors of the lake and the mountains behind. After your walk, return to the vessel for the short cruise back to the Wanaka waterfront. Please note that if you want a more extensive cruise into the mountain scenery please choose the Stevensons Is cruise or the Mou Waho Is cruise.

New Zealand Super Travel eSIM | High Speed Mobile Data Plans

10. New Zealand Super Travel eSIM | High Speed Mobile Data Plans

Explore New Zealand at your own pace with our Data-Only eSIM Plans. Designed for travelers who crave data flexibility, these eSIMs offer a seamless way to stay connected. Key Features: 🌐 Flexible Data Options: Tailor your data plan to your needs, whether it's 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB. No need to pay for more than you'll use. 📆 Choose Your Validity: Whether you're visiting for a short 14-day or 30 Day trip long adventure, we've got a plan that suits your need. ⏱️ Instant Validity: Your 30-day validity starts upon eSIM download and network connection. 📲 Effortless Activation: Simply scan the QR code to download and activate your eSIM. There's no need for complex registration procedures. 💳 Prepaid & Contract-Free: Enjoy the convenience of a one-time prepaid package with no hidden contracts or auto-renewals. 🚀 High-Speed Data: Get the data you need with full speeds, no daily limits, no throttling and share your connection using a mobile hotspot. 📡 Automatic Network Connectivity: Your eSIM will seamlessly connect to the Vodafone network in New Zealand, ensuring reliable 4G LTE speeds. 📱 Device Compatibility: These eSIMs work with eSIM-ready, carrier-unlocked devices, so you can stay connected on your own terms. Your New Zealand adventure ends with the freedom to explore as you please. There are no contracts, no worries—just unforgettable experiences. You're at the heart of it all, ready to delve into the beauty of New Zealand and make lasting memories. Enjoy your journey!

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What people are saying about Wanaka

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 224 reviews

Took the water taxi from wanaka Marina, cruised for about 40-50 minutes with the gentlemen giving us a great talk about the area, stopping at a few places to tell us the history. Got to Mou Waho island and walked up to the lake, it was steep and took us 30-40 minutes. Got to lake and swam for 30 minutes then back to boat. Cruise home was about 30-40 minutes. It was amazing, book it. We are keen to do it again.

The happy hour wine cruise was great value. We enjoyed a glass of wine and cheese platter sitting enjoying the amazing scenery - were lucky with the weather with a clear sky. We were able to wander around capturing some wonderful photos. The staff were cheerful and friendly. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Booking was a very easy process.

A really enjoyable ride from Lake Hawea to Wanaka with the family. We didn’t use ebikes and some parts were a bit tricky, would definitely recommend ebikes if not fit or experienced riders. The stop at the patisserie was really nice.

Really fantastic. They over delivered on everything! We would recommend this.

Friendly staff, relaxing journey, excellent views and tasty cheese