There is so much to see and do in Wanaka and its neighbouring towns.
We’ve put together this guide book to help you navigate the area and offer suggestions for great places to eat, drink and visit.
Feel free to email us at bookings@woodstays.com.au with any of your recommendations and we will be sure to add it to the list!
You can barely go wrong in Wanaka, but these are our favourite places:
Tucked in a laneway at 47 Helwick Street, locals go here for the best coffee in town.
Great spot across from the lake, beautiful views and excellent coffee
Set back from the lake with a scandi vibe we recommend you try the cheese scones.
Great coffee and food in a large open plan space that would suit families.
Renowned for tasty salads and slow cooked meats. Great lunch spot!
Visit the many food trucks on Brownston Street for tasty international food, excellent coffee and New Zealand’s famous cheese muffins!
Traditional Italian restaurant with fabulous pasta and pizza.
Great family pub food in Wanaka.
Beautiful views opposite the lake, generous, delicious banquet menus. Try the masala poppadoms!
This restaurant is a great place to enjoy fish & chips with a view of the lake.
Cozy Indian restaurant and lounge, with authentic flavours.
Showcasing seasonal produce, complemented by handcrafted cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Fabulous French cuisine within the grounds of Maude’s Winery. Make sure to book ahead
Modern asian cuisine with flair. Absolutely delicious experience.
Really cool venue serving cocktails and tapas.
Bar & restaurant serving seasonal dishes
Set either a little out of town or a further drive from Wanaka, but well worth the visit
Fabulous French cuisine within the grounds of Maude’s Winery. Make sure to book ahead.
Enjoy this healthy and unique experience of tasty regional flavours.
Have the hazelnut chocolate ice cream. It is the best!
Famous pastries and sweet treats – enjoy as a stop on a trip to Lake Hawea.
With plenty of stunning natural scenery to explore there are loads of outdoor activities and adventures
Drop in to The Wanaka isite Visitor Information Centre on the lafefront for information and bookings.
Do a day trip and visit historic Arrowtown for cafes, shopping and maybe a spot of gold panning… You never know your luck! Remember to book at The Dishery for lunch.
Take a spectacular drive along Haast pass to the rugged western coast of NZ.
Take a stroll around Lake Wanaka, go as far or close as you want, ride a bike, go jet boating, jet skiing. Do a cruise with Lake Wanaka Cruises.
Enjoy a drive or bike to the scenic Lake Hāwea. Remember to grab a danish at Pembrokes Patisserie on the way!
Plan a beautiful hike at Mount Aspiring National Park, on the doorstep of Wanaka. Our favourite day hike is the Rob Roy Glacier Track. Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls and Diamond Lake are also great options.
Other things to do include jet boating, canyoning, ccenic flights, mountain biking and Parasailing. The Original Siberia Experience, a fly, walk & jet boat combo with Southern Alps Air is highly recommended.
Turret House is only twenty minutes from the base of Cardrona Mountain and is our absolute favourite. This ski area is best for families with an absolutely fabulous ski school. Book ahead though!
In Queenstown, this is the easiest ski area to get to. Buses leave from Queenstown and take around 20 minutes. Given it is the closest to Queenstown, it is pretty busy. In peak season, for something different, give night skiing a go (check it is on beforehand)
Snow Farm offers activities for all ages from a snow play area where you can build a snowman, make snow angles and throw snowballs to activities such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing
The road to the Remarkables can be a little hairy but it is is a fun, slightly smaller mountain with plenty of great facilities
Around 30 minutes to the base of Treble Cone, this is the fun mountain to challenge the more adventurous. Not usually as crowded as the others, it has spectacular scenery, awesome runs and the famous keas!
For the latest updates on snow conditions across the ski resorts.
A boutique vineyard, try their pinot and chardonnay.
Famous for its sparkling and pinot, make a booking and enjoy a tasting at this popular winery. Note that tastings cost $15 per head (deductible after purchases over a certain value).
Probably best to make an appointment at this winery, renowned for its biodynamic wines and marvellous lake views, it is a family run business just outside town.
If you can’t decide where to go, enlist the help of Wanaka Wine Tours and enjoy a tour of the local wineries without the hassle…
Discover more Things to Do, from creative endeavours, to tours and classes.
Discover small to large events and happenings around Wanaka to help you plan your trip.
Discover more Things to Do, from creative endeavours, to tours and classes.
Turret House is a proud supporter of local businesses
Turret House is a holiday rental in Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand. While close to the ski fields, Wanaka is a beautiful holiday destination for any time of the year. We look forward to welcoming you here soon!
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