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Wānaka Wonders: Top 5 things to do in Wānaka

  • Writer: Barbara
    Barbara
  • Mar 10
  • 3 min read

Table of Contents:

After leaving the icy giants of Franz Josef behind, the drive down the Haast Pass toward Wānaka is nothing short of cinematic.
Wānaka is a destination with some of the most unique landscapes in New Zealand. So what to do in Wānaka?

Tree in a serene lake against mountains and blue sky. Text: "Wānaka Wonders: Top 5 Things to Do in Wānaka" with a URL below.
Wānaka is home to a geographical mind-bender. On Mou Waho Island, you can find a small rocky island, inside Arethusa Pool (a lake), which is on Mou Waho (an island), which is in Lake Wānaka (a lake)... on the South Island (an island). Confused? Don’t worry, it’s much prettier than it is dizzying! Mount Mou is also a bird sanctuary, in fact it is free from predators (and people). Here among other birds you can find the Buff Weka, which is extinct on the mainland. A true paradise for bird watching! To get here the best option is to join a cruise to reach Mou Waho: https://www.wanakacruises.co.nz/experiences/cruises/ 

Pro Tip: The best way to experience this "island-ception" is by booking a lake cruise. Wānaka Cruises will get you there and usually include a guided walk to the summit.

  1. ThatWanakaTree

Tree in calm lake with mountains and blue sky. Snowy peaks in the background. Bright green leaves and clear water create a serene mood.
Photo by Max Gray on Unsplash

You can’t visit without saying hello to the most photographed tree in the Southern Hemisphere. ThatWanakaTree is a lonely willow that has spent decades growing partially submerged in the lake. It is a normal willow tree, but in a very beautiful spot, so worth to pass by while walking by the lake

3. Get Lost at Puzzling World

If the weather turns or you just want a break from hiking, Puzzling World is a Wānaka staple. It’s a bizarre and brilliant mix of a massive wooden Great Maze and illusion rooms that will have you questioning gravity. It’s "family-friendly," but let’s be honest, adults have just as much fun trying to find the exit.

  1. Wānaka Lavender Farm

Lavender field under a pink and purple sky at sunset, with distant mountains. Rows of vibrant purple flowers create a serene, peaceful mood.
Photo by Antony BEC on Unsplash

Head to the Wānaka Lavender Farm, to wander through rows of purple blooms, meet the resident farm animals, and play giant garden games. Unfortunately the time we went to Wānaka it was snowing and the lavender were not in bloom.
  • Best time to visit: To see the fields in their full, vibrant purple glory, aim for December to January (peak bloom).

    5. Want more Wānaka? Hike Roys Peak

If you have some energy left in your legs, the hike up to Roys Peak offers the most fantastic view in the country. The hike is 8km to the top, it is recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks. Be warned that the track is closed from 1 October to the 10 November each year for lambing.

Let me know in the comments which Wānaka spot is at the top of your bucket list!


Snowy street lined with buildings and trees, leading to misty mountains in the background. Overcast sky creates a serene and cold mood.
Snowy Wānaka when we arrived



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All recommendations in this article are 100% based on my personal experience and are currently unpaid. I aim to keep my content genuine, but please note that I am open to future collaborations, and any paid partnerships will always be clearly disclosed.


I routinely check my articles. If you spot any outdated information, please contact me so I can update it immediately!


 
 
 

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