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Wanaka Travel Guide

Wanaka accommodation, Wanaka activities and attractions, Wanaka maps, transportation to and around Wanaka - the Jasons Wanaka Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Wanaka.

Nestled beside Lake Wanaka and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Wanaka is a favourite with travellers who come to enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquillity of the Southern Lakes area. Wanaka is a lovely place to be at any time of the year with fresh white snow on the mountains in winter, a riot of blossom in spring and long, hot, summer days followed by the stunning golds and russets of autumn. Cruises visit the various arms, bays and islands around the southern end of the Lake Wanaka, and the long list of outdoor activities includes fishing, waterskiing, hiking, horse trekking, winery tours, golf and goldpanning. There is flighteeing and skydiving at Wanaka airport, or try your hand at kayaking, jetboating, canyoning, whitewater sledging and rafting on the region's swift-flowing rivers.

In winter, Wanaka's ski areas draw the crowds for skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Park NZ and Snow Farm NZ. Be sure to get into the hills surrounding Wanaka area and enjoy the great collection of half-Southern South Island Route Plannerday walks. Across the stunning Crown Range Road, the adventure resort of Queenstown is just a 50 minute drive away. Wanaka is also the gateway to the rugged Mount Aspiring National Park World Heritage area, with its magnificent glaciers, hiking and climbing. To the south, you can discover the historic goldmining towns of Central Otago.

Order your free copy of Jasons Southern South Island RoutePlanner

Population

3500

Climate

Summer: up to 30°C
Winter: an average of 8°C
Average rainfall: 680mm/year

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Find Wanaka Accommodation
  • Benbrae Cardrona Valley Resort, Wanaka Resorts
    Benbrae Cardrona Valley Resort
    30 apartments, serviced daily, interconnecting rooms: 14 studios sleep 2; 6x2brm sleep 4; 10x3brm sleep 6. Kitchenette, microwave, bath, king size beds, in-room wireless internet, Sky TV, DVD. 24hr reception, swimming pool, spa...
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  • Wanaka Edge Apartments, Wanaka Apartments
    Wanaka Edge Apartments
    24x1brm apartments sleep 2; 2brm apartments sleep 4, all non-smoking, 2 apartments with access facilities. Fully equipped kitchen, stove, hot plates, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, underfloor heating and heated towel rails...
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  • Archway Motels, Wanaka Motels & Motor Lodges
    Archway Motels
    Archway Motels is a Qualmark 3-star plus Self-contained & Serviced rated motel in Wanaka. It has 15 self-contained ground floor non-smoking studios, chalets and family units. Wanaka is located in the Southern Alps in Otago....
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