3 daysLikely to sell out
Photo: Tom Hall, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsWanaka
Queenstown and the southern lakes
Wanaka is Queenstown's calmer neighbour, an hour away over the Crown Range on the shore of Lake Wanaka. It's famous for a lone willow growing in the lake and for big walks into the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Things to do
- That Wanaka Tree: The willow standing in the lake, best at sunrise.
- Roys Peak: A steep climb to one of New Zealand's most photographed views.
- Rob Roy Glacier Track: A half day walk to a hanging glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park.
- Lake activities: Kayaking, paddle boarding and boat trips to islands.
Tip: Start Roys Peak before dawn in summer: there's little shade, and the summit is busy by mid morning.
Wanaka or Queenstown?
Queenstown has more activities and nightlife; Wanaka is quieter, cheaper and better for walking. Many travellers stay in both.
When to go
Summer for lake swimming and long hikes; autumn for colours and calm mornings at the tree; winter for skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone. Remember that Roys Peak is closed for lambing from 1 October to 10 November.
Getting there
- From Queenstown: About 1 hour over the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest main road.
- From Mount Cook: About 2.5 hours.
- From Franz Josef: About 4.5 hours over the Haast Pass.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Wanaka
Every tour here includes Wanaka in its itinerary. Best rated first.
3 daysLikely to sell out
2 daysDunedin & The Otago Peninsula
2 Days Queenstown Wanaka Private Tours from Dunedin
NewFree cancellation
from$1,387
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Wanaka: questions
How many days do you need in Wanaka?
Two nights: time for the tree, a lakeside walk and Roys Peak or the Rob Roy Glacier Track.
Is Wanaka better than Queenstown?
It's quieter and more relaxed; Queenstown has more to do. Both are worth a visit.
When is Roys Peak closed?
From 1 October to 10 November each year for lambing.