One Day in Wanaka, New Zealand
Wanaka is a small town on the South Island of New Zealand located along Lake Wanaka, about an hour outside of Queenstown. With a population of under 10,000 local residents, Wanaka pulls a big crowd of visitors for its size. Popular for its slopes in the winter and hikes in the summer, Wanaka is a destination you don’t want to miss. Check out our one day itinerary below for a list of all the best things to do during your visit!
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1. Hike the Mount Iron Trail
To start your day, we recommend taking a hike up the Mount Iron Trail to see all of the natural beauty that Wanaka has to offer before the sun gets too hot later in the day. The Mount Iron Trail is a three mile loop trail with mild elevation gain that offers beautiful views of both the namesake lake of Wanaka and all of its surrounding mountain ranges.
The trail is free to the public and has a parking lot at the entrance for easy access.
2. Visit the Wanaka Tree
Within the water of Lake Wanaka, there is a small but enduring tree that has become famous to not only the area but the world: the Wanaka Tree. This tree has managed to survive under unlikely circumstances, standing in the middle of the lake surrounded by water, and is now seen as a symbol of hope.
To visit the Wanaka Tree, walk along the beach to the western side of the inlet closest to the town. Due to its popularity and scenic backdrop, the Wanaka Tree is now one of the most photographed spots in Wanaka!
The Wanaka Tree is free to enjoy, but please remember to treat it with care and not to cause damage to the nature during your visit.
3. Enjoy Wanaka Beach
Our next recommendation of things to do in Wanaka is to kick back for a couple of hours and enjoy time at the designated beach clearings around Lake Wanaka. If interested, there are also kayak and paddle board rentals that you can reserve to go further out on the water!
Hourly rentals do not generally need to be reserved in advance (unless you are traveling in a large group), and can just be a last minute decision upon arrival. On a nice day, there should be several vendors lined along the beach to choose from.
4. Visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm
To end your day in Wanaka, we recommend taking a five minute drive outside of town to the famous Wanaka Lavender Farms! These fields span 20 acres of land that is full of flowers, small crops, friendly farm animals, and a cute cafe area.
The Wanaka Lavender Farms are located at 36 Morris Road.
And that’s it! We hope you love your short visit to Wanaka, let us know what your favorite thing to do was in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth it to visit Wanaka? Wanaka is absolutely worth a visit on a road trip through New Zealand. Easy to access and centrally located, Wanaka offers the appeal of being lakeside without all of the hustle and bustle that surrounds Queenstown.
- How much time should you spend in Wanaka? If you are looking to see the sights, one day in Wanaka should be all that you need to see the town. However, if you’re looking for a place to vacation and unwind, Wanaka offers a mellow environment that overlooks scenic water and mountain views and would be perfect for a long weekend.
Where To Stay in Wanaka
Wondering where to stay for your night in Wanaka? Check out our recommendations based on your travel style below!
- Campground Parking: The Hampshire Holiday Parks: Wanaka
- Budget Hostel: Adventure Wanaka Hostel
- Popular Pick: The Edgewater Hotel
- Central Bed & Breakfast: The Te Wanaka Lodge
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
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Ohh I love one day travel guides! We are always on a time pinch so this is SO helpful, thanks!
There are a surprising number of things to do in Wanaka. I loved Mount Iron and it was quite close to me for many seasons although Roy’s Peak has the ultimate views.
I had seen photos of the tree but knew nothing else about Wanaka. Thanks for sharing as I may spend one day in Wanaka soon! It looks beautiful and worth a visit.
Wanaka looks like a lovely place to add to our New Zealand itinerary, thanks for the great post and photos.