Wanaka in New Zealand: more than just that one famous tree!

Are you traveling around the South Island of New Zealand? Then Wanaka is one of those places you’ll almost certainly pass through. This cozy town lies on the shores of Lake Wanaka and is surrounded by mountains, hikes and plenty of adventure. Whether you want to relax with a glass of wine by the lake, take on a challenging mountain hike or jump out of a plane with sweaty palms: Wanaka is a great stop on your road trip through New Zealand!

That Wānaka Tree

You’ve probably seen it on Instagram before: the famous tree in Lake Wanaka, simply known as That Wānaka Tree. It might be a bit cliché, but secretly it’s still fun to take your own photo. Especially at sunrise or sunset, this is the ultimate Wanaka shot. But…

That famous tree in the water… yes, That Wānaka Tree. It’s iconic, but the tree also has a sad story. In 2020, branches were deliberately cut off. Just like that, on purpose. Many locals and photographers were stunned. Luckily, it’s still alive, but it’s recovering slowly. So if your experience looks different from photos you’ve seen online… that’s correct! The photo in this blog may look a little barer than what you’ve seen in other travel stories or on social media.

Hikes with a view

Wanaka is (just like the rest of New Zealand) popular for the well-known Roy’s Peak hike. Here’s a list of the most beautiful hikes. Feel free to look them up on AllTrails to get a good idea of what to expect!

• Roy’s Peak: One of the most famous hikes in New Zealand. Challenging (16 km return), but the view over Lake Wanaka is truly world-class. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for this hike (so we’ll just have to come back), because we chose to go skydiving instead.
• Isthmus Peak: a quieter alternative to Roy’s Peak, with views over both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
• Mount Iron Track: a short walk (1.5 hours return) close to the town center, ideal if you’re short on time.
• Rocky Mountain: a great sunrise hike near Diamond Lake, less crowded than Roy’s Peak and absolutely worth it.

Adventure for adrenaline seekers: skydiving

Queenstown is known as the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, but Wanaka certainly holds its own. How about skydiving in New Zealand?

We chose to go skydiving in Wanaka, and how amazing was that! Wanaka is surrounded by some of the most famous mountains in New Zealand, but with slightly better weather than places like Franz Josef. That makes skydiving here very popular: it simply runs more often than in other well-known spots in New Zealand.

Beforehand, you’ll watch an instruction video: how does a jump like this actually work? After that, you’re thoroughly checked before being allowed into the plane. You usually do this together with others, which might actually add to the excitement. When it’s finally your turn? Well… that moment of jumping out of the plane hits you hard! If you manage to stay calm, you can see everything: from the beautiful lakes around you to Mount Cook, perhaps the most famous mountain in New Zealand. Can’t stay calm? No problem. Your parachute opens, and you still have several minutes to enjoy the stunning views!

And a tip from me: you’ll never be able to take photos like the ones I’ve used above yourself. Luckily, all the skydive companies here offer great photo and video packages. We booked one package together. That way, we could also shock our parents back home with what we had done. And we gained an incredible memory, complete with photos and videos.

These are the most beautiful skydive locations in New Zealand (including Wanaka!)

4. Relaxing by Lake Wanaka

After all that hiking and adventure, it’s wonderful to just sit by the lake. A picnic, a swim or renting a SUP board: anything goes. Want to do something special? Then book a happy hour cruise with drinks and snacks while the sun sets. You’ll probably need a warm jacket.

Unique outings in the area

• Mou Waho Island: an island in Lake Wanaka where, after a short hike, you discover a lake on an island. How special is that?
• Lavender Farm: stroll through purple flower fields and taste local honey or ice cream. Photogenic and relaxed.
• Puzzling World: a bizarre and fun park full of optical illusions, a maze and a leaning tower. Perfect for a rainy day.
• Cardrona Distillery: is it pouring with rain? Then a tour with tasting at this distillery is an excellent alternative.

Wanaka as a town

Wanaka itself is a lovely town to unwind for a while. The center is located directly on the lake, with cozy terraces, cafés and small shops. Everything feels more relaxed than in Queenstown, yet you still have everything you need: from a supermarket to outdoor stores. It’s a touch of civilization, and that can be very welcome during your road trip through New Zealand.

Food, drinks and atmosphere

Wanaka has a cozy, laid-back vibe with plenty of places to enjoy good food or coffee. A few recommendations:

• Alchemy Café: for breakfast and lunch with lake views.
• Muttonbird: modern cuisine with local ingredients.
• Rhyme & Reason Brewery: craft beer in a laid-back setting.

Campsites in Wanaka

• Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park: one of the best-known campsites, with good facilities and beautiful views. Perfect for campervans and families.
• Glendhu Bay Motor Camp: just outside the center, directly on Lake Wanaka. Ideal if you want to wake up with views over the water.
• Albert Town Campground: a simple DOC campsite (Department of Conservation), affordable and back-to-basic, but close to the river.

Hotels & unique stays

• Edgewater Hotel: right on the lake, with rooms overlooking Lake Wanaka. Great for those looking for a bit of luxury.
• Cross Hill Lodge & Domes: glamping in stylish domes in the middle of nature. Very romantic and unique.
• Wanaka Hotel: more affordable and right in the center, ideal if you want to do everything on foot.

Whether you come for the famous tree (good luck getting that perfect shot like everyone else!), a sunrise from Roy’s Peak or a skydive (like we did): Wanaka is a great stop on the South Island. The drive to and from Wanaka is fantastic, and the town itself has all the facilities you need to stock up again.