5 Epic Things to not Miss in Wanaka, New Zealand

While planning our trip to New Zealand’s South Island, the only thing on my radar for Wanaka was its famous solitary willow tree. In all honesty, it took us two days to actually go see it. Why, you may ask. The serene beauty of this lakeside town completely captivated us from the moment we arrived. We got busy exploring the trails right behind our stay, skydiving, and hiking up to the breathtaking Roys Peak. Ironically, the tree ended up being a footnote.

Only an hour away from Queenstown, Wanaka is undeniably one of the most beautiful towns in New Zealand. It invites travellers to hit the brakes on their fast-paced itineraries and slow down in the lap of nature.

And if I were planning your trip to New Zealand, here are the best things to do in Wanaka that I wouldn’t let you miss.

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka is among the first sights that welcome you to town. Gleaming beneath snow-dusted mountain peaks, this glacial lake invites you to take a refreshing dip in the icy water or simply lie flat on the grassy banks and enjoy the sun.

The famous Wanaka Willow Tree stands elegantly on the southern shore of the lake. The 80-year-old willow tree, the mountain backdrop, and the lake come together to form one of the most ethereal landscapes in New Zealand.

One of our favourite things to do in Wanaka was parking our car, grabbing some fruit, and taking in the view from the wooden benches along the shore. It is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the sun go down over the mountains.

⚠️ Even though a sunset picnic at the lake is one the ideal things to do in Wanaka, there is a caveat. Keep in mind that Queenstown Lakes District Council enforces a strict public alcohol ban from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM along the Wanaka lakefront. To avoid a $250 fine, stick to non-alcoholic drinks at sunset or enjoy your wine at one of the nearby lakeside bars!

Sunset Hike to Roys Peak

Roys Peak is the definition of an otherworldly experience. The 8-km (one-way) uphill hike winds through lush green hills and steep switchbacks before leading you to the iconic Roys Peak Lookout. Along the way, herds of grazing, bleating sheep keep you company and never fail to keep things entertaining. From Wanaka town appearing as a tiny dot in the distance to the sweeping panoramic views of Lake Wanaka framed by snow-dusted mountains, the view from the top could easily alter your brain chemistry.

I’d rate the hike as moderate to challenging. It takes about 2-3 hours of steep uphill climb but completely doable if you pace yourself. The hike takes a total of 5-6 hours to complete, and it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Wanaka.

Hot Take on Roys Peak Hike

While most travellers opt for a sunrise hike, we decided to chase the sunset instead. It was the best decision we made. By the time we started, the sun had softened and moved to the western sky, letting us hike mostly in the shade and avoid the harsh midday heat.

We reached the lookout right on time, unpacked our snack box of oatmeal and fruit, and enjoyed the view in pure peace. It was just the two of us at the main viewpoint, with a couple of other hikers quietly taking it all in nearby.

⚠️ Most travellers who’d embarked on a sunrise chase later complained about the glaring sun rays and the consequent sunburn.

Quick Hiking Tips

1. Wear hiking shoes: Make sure you don’t embark on this journey without your hiking boots. The steep climb gets easier with ankle-supporting grip shoes.
2. Carry snacks and water: There is no shop or kiosk on the top of the summit. The hike will leave you hungry and thirsty. We packed a big box of oatmeal with yogurt, topped with lots of fruits to enjoy with the sunset. Finally, we also loaded our bag with 2 water bottles.
3. Sunset Climb Starting Time: Begin at least 3-4 hours before the sunset time to give yourself enough time to pace it out. Moreover, this will also allow you plenty of time to enjoy the sunset peacefully at the top.
   Alternatively for a sunrise hike, begin the ascent by 3 AM.
4. Operational months: The Roys Peak track crosses private land. Therefore, the hike is not operational in the peak breeding season, i.e., 1 October to 10 November every year.
5. Walking track fee: There is a small fee of $2 NZD per person. It is an honesty-system fee.
6. Parking: There is free parking for cars and vans available at the starting point of the hike.

Wanaka Food Trucks

One of the most enjoyable memories from our trip to Wanaka was grabbing meals at the Wanaka Street Food Market. It’s easily one of the most unique food truck setups we’ve ever seen. Nestled inside a beautifully landscaped garden with a babbling stream running right through it and ducks paddling nearby, we ended up grabbing all our meals there.

We loved grabbing bagels and coffee from Curbside Bagels & Coffee. I highly recommend their Smoked Salmon bagel and Reuben bagel.

Lunch was devoured at Burrito Craft and dinner was unsurprisingly at Mowgli, Wanaka. The “Better” Chicken Rice Bowl at Mowgli cured all our homesickness in one go. No wonder it gets sold out by early dinner hours.

Rob Roy Glacier Track

The Rob Roy Glacier Track is frequently hailed as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. Although we couldn’t squeeze this hike into our schedule after conquering Roys Peak, it remains at the absolute top of our list for next time. After all, there should always be a reason to return.

Located within Mount Aspiring National Park, this 10-kilometer return trail leads you past aqua-blue glacial streams, gushing waterfalls, and sheer rock cliffs. Surely it doesn’t offer the same sweeping lake views like Roys Peak. However, it compensates over and above with breathtaking landscapes, tumbling waterfalls fed directly by a hanging glacier, and so much more.

Getting There & Trail Overview

The trailhead begins at Raspberry Creek Car Park, which is roughly 54 km west of Wānaka. The drive takes about an hour, with the last 30 km winding along an unsealed gravel road. 

The hike from the starting point is 10 km out-and-back and takes roughly 3-4 hours return, including photo and snack breaks,

Along the way, you’ll cross a picturesque swing bridge over the West Matukituki River before climbing through lush beech forest and open alpine valleys.

Highlights Along the Way

Wishbone Falls: Keep an eye out along Mount Aspiring Road for this stunning roadside waterfall cascading down the cliffside. It is the perfect photo spot that arrives even before you reach the trailhead.

Matukituki Swing Bridge: Crossing the roaring turquoise river about 15 minutes into the walk feels straight out of entering the world of The Lord of the Rings.

Lower Lookout: This viewpoint with a wooden bench gives you a tantalising teaser of the glacier. If weather conditions are poor or avalanche warnings are active, this is the recommended point to turn around.

Upper Lookout: However, if conditions are clear, continuing another 15-20 minutes uphill brings you to the grand finale of the hike. A giant natural amphitheater surrounded by sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls (including Bridal Veil Falls), and the Rob Roy Glacier hovering right above you.

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Quick Hiking Tips

1. Check Weather & Avalanche Alerts: Sections of the trail between the lower and upper lookouts cross active avalanche paths. As a result, avalanche risks are heightened from May to November. 
   Always check Department of Conservation (DOC) alerts before setting off.
2. Prepare for Rough Driving Conditions: The final 10 km of the drive includes 8 to 10 ford crossings that rise after rainfall. A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended. Check your car rental fine print. A few companies prohibit driving on unsealed roads or through river fords.
3. Bring Proper Hiking Gear: The trail can get muddy and slick on wet days. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, and consider using trekking poles for extra stability on the climb.
4. Best time to visit: Set off early in the morning to avoid harsh sunlight and crowds.

Skydiving in Wanaka

Imagine jumping out of a plane at 15,000 ft and free-falling at speeds of roughly 200 km/h, all while taking in breathtaking views of up to six glacial lakes, the mighty Southern Alps, and Mount Cook. Skydiving in Wanaka is easily one of the most exhilarating adventures in New Zealand. Don’t be surprised if the freefall feels blissfully endless. That pure adrenaline rush is precisely what makes it an unmissable highlight!

This was actually our second tandem skydive, having completed our first over Interlaken, Switzerland. The bar was set incredibly high, yet skydiving in Wānaka took the crown by a significant margin.

Kiwis are a famously adventurous bunch, so they know how to take extreme sports up a notch. However, safety is never compromised. Wanaka is considered one of the safest skydiving hubs in the world. If you’ve been looking to gift yourself a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will genuinely alter your brain chemistry, this is it.

How to Book the Experience

We booked our experience through GetYourGuide with Skydive Wanaka. You can book with them directly here, or use our code ESCAPETOLANDSCAPES5 on the GetYourGuide app to get a flat 5% discount on all activities. Or click here to book now.

Quick Tips

1. Book a morning jump: Mornings are mostly clear and calm. It is the best of the day to do a skydive.
2. Wear comfortable clothes: The team provides a jumper-suit and skydiving gear for you to wear. However, it gets really cold, and it is advisable to wear a layer of warm, comfortable clothes underneath.

Final Thoughts

I may sound like a broken record, but Wanaka is one of the most beautiful lakeside towns in New Zealand. With a perfect blend of nature and charm, it draws you in to soak its beauty without the rush and hurry often related to Queenstown.

One of our favourite things to do in Wanaka was starting on Brownston Street to grab breakfast at Curbside Coffee & Bagels and check out cute collectibles and souvenirs at The Workroom. This would inevitably morph into plenty of window-shopping, as Wanaka is filled with amazing home goods boutiques and outdoor sports shops. Finally, walking along Helwick Street, we would make our way down to Lake Wanaka to soak in the sun and views.

If you have a few extra days to spend in Wanaka, I highly recommend cycling or even walking along the Clutha River Seat. Our Airbnb host generously lent us bikes, so we packed a box of fresh sashimi picked up from Lake Pukaki, a box of strawberries, and rode all the way to Upper Clutha River Track. Vibrant pink and purple lupins were blooming along the trail, swaying gently in the wind. We leaned our bikes against a tree, sat by the river, and enjoyed our ultimate scenic breakfast in New Zealand.