Wanaka, located on the Southern Island of New Zealand, is a ski and summer resort town about an hour away from Queenstown. One day in Wanaka is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the town or you can head here as a day trip from Queenstown. Wanaka is the perfect stop for anyone who loves the outdoors and should be part of any New Zealand itinerary.
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History of Wanaka
Wanaka was once the area the Maori visited to hunt and fish. Later, the town of Wanaka was founded under the name Pembroke during the 1800s gold rush. It officially became Wanaka in 1940. Present-day, it continued to grow and is a popular destination all times of the year.
When to Spend One Day in Wanaka
Spending one day in Wanaka is good at any time of the year, it just depends on what type of activities you are looking to do. If you are looking for the least busy time to visit, April is usually less crowded. For those wanting to ski, you will want to visit from June to October. If you are more interested in hiking, visit between October and May.
How to Get to Wanaka
The closest airport to Wanaka is Queenstown International Airport. Flights arrive here from all over New Zealand and Eastern Australia. Getting here from other countries like the United States will most likely require a connection in Auckland.
From there, it will take about an hour to drive north to Wanaka. While you could opt to take a shuttle or Uber, I recommend renting a car through Economy Bookings as it will search all rental car companies for you.
Transportation in Wanaka
It is easy to walk around the main part of Wanaka. If you would like to go to some of the sites right outside of Wanaka or do some hiking or skiing, you will need to rent a car or it may be possible to Uber there.
Where to Stay in Wanaka
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. You can find a range of hotels in Wanaka, but most are on the lower end. These are a few popular options.
- Edgewater Hotel
- Wanaka Hotel
- Club Wyndham Wanaka
- Alpine Hotel
- Archway Motel and Chalets
- Bella Vista Motel
What to do During One Day in Wanaka
Day 1
The Doughbin
Cost: $
Hours: 6am-5pm
Meat pies are one of the most popular breakfasts in New Zealand. The Doughbin had at least 10 different pies to choose from, and many of them have won awards. There is also a fantastic assortment of baked goods. Thus, you will want to stop here for breakfast during your one day in Wanaka.
Puzzling World
Cost: $20 and up
Hours: 9am-5pm
Start your morning with a stop at Puzzling World. This museum is full of optical illusions and has a super maze for visitors to go through. It is a great stop, especially for those traveling with children! Visitors can opt to spend as little as an hour here or an entire day exploring what Puzzling World has to offer.
Rippon
Cost: Free
Hours: 12pm-5pm
One of the best things to do when spending one day in Wanaka is wine tasting. The Central Otago region is known for some of the best wine in New Zealand. Rippon is a small winery that overlooks Lake Wanaka. It began making wine in 1975. At Rippon’s cellar door, visitors are able to try 5 different varietals of wine. Tastings are free, but in return, there is a box for donations if you do not buy any bottles.
That Wanaka Tree
Cost: Free
Hours: 24 hours
That Wanaka Tree is a unique willow tree that lies in the water of Lake Wanaka. It stands alone away from the other trees. It has become Insta-famous over the years due to its picturesque location. Stop by during your one day in Wanaka for a quick picture at this infamous spot.
Wanaka Lavender Farm
Cost: $7+
Hours: 10am-5pm
You cannot spend one day in Wanaka without stopping at a lavender farm. The Wanaka Lavender Farm is 10-acres full of spectacular fields of lavender, several resident farm animals such as donkeys, alpacas, and cows, as well as beehives. There is also a shop where you can sample the honeys made on the property, buy some ice cream, or have a cup of tea. This is a great stop to grab some lavender goods to take home with you.
Bombay Palace Wanaka
Cost: $$
Hours: 12:30pm-3pm, 5:30pm-9:45pm
For dinner during your one day in Wanaka, opt to stop at Bombay Palace Wanaka. This Indian restaurant has spectacular views of Lake Wanaka. The food was also super delicious and the employees were very friendly. It is the perfect stop, especially if it is cold out.
Patagonia Chocolates
Cost: $
Hours: Varies by Location
Patagonia Chocolates is a popular chocolate shop with several locations around the Queenstown area. They also serve breakfast, drinks, and ice cream! It is a wonderful place to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is the perfect place to stop for dessert during one day in Wanaka.
Water Bar Wanaka
Cost: $
Hours: 12pm-Late
Looking for one of the best places for a nightcap during your one day in Wanaka? Then make sure to check out the Water Bar has many different beers on tap as well as an extensive menu. They also host various events throughout the week such as trivia night. You can check out their schedule online or stop by for more information.
More Than One Day in Wanaka?
Mount Aspiring National Park
Cost: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Mount Aspiring National Park is an awesome place to add onto a one day in Wanaka itinerary. Wanaka is the gateway to this amazing National Park. It has some gorgeous sites to see and some spectacular hikes. Easy trails include the Blue Pools walk or visit Fantail fall. The most popular walk is the Rob Roy Glacier Track. The Rob Roy track goes through an area full of glaciers, mountains, and lakes. This hike goes for 10 kilometers and may take 4-5 hours.
Winter Sports
In the winter season, winter sports are a big attraction in Wanaka. The area is home to four ski resorts. If you are into winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and more) you can easily spend a week visiting the different resorts and spending time on the mountain.
Final Tips for One Day in Wanaka
Spending one day in Wanaka is a great addition to a New Zealand itinerary. If you want to spend more time relaxing, opt to spend several days in Wanaka. You can also visit Wanaka as a day trip from Queenstown or stop on your drive between Queenstown and the Fraz Josef area.
