Things to Do in Wānaka

Visit One of the Most Picturesque Lakes in the World

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Top Tours & Activities in Wanaka

Lake Wanaka Jet Boat
1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Likely to Sell Out
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lake Wanaka Jet Boat
5(21)
330+ booked
fromAUD $110.83
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hawea and wanaka cycle trails
3 Hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
Wanaka and Hawea Trails - E-Bike Hire and Shuttle
4(1)
200+ booked
fromAUD $135.46
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Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail Package: E-Bike Hire + Return Transfers to Cromwell
6 Hours
Likely to Sell Out
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail Package: E-Bike Hire + Return Transfers to Cromwell
200+ booked
fromAUD $147.78
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All Activities in Wanaka

The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Experience| E-bike Hire from Cromwell + Return from Clyde via Dunstan Explorer Boat
6 Hours
Likely to Sell Out
Wanaka, New Zealand
The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Experience| E-bike Hire from Cromwell + Return from Clyde via Dunstan Explorer Boat
5(2)
200+ booked
fromAUD $217.56
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heli.jpg
Full day
Bucketlist Ticker
Queenstown, New Zealand
Heli Ski Classic | 7 Runs, 1 Day (Intermediate and Advanced Ability)
200+ booked
fromAUD $1,576.30
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Happy Hour Cruise Wanaka Waterfront
1 hour
Wanaka, New Zealand
Happy Hour Cruise Wanaka Waterfront
4.96(24)
510+ booked
fromAUD $56.65
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CRW 2 25 (1).jpg
3 hrs
Wanaka, New Zealand
Skydive Lake Wanaka
4.88(8)
410+ booked
fromAUD $294.74
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Ruby island cruise discounts
1 hour
Wanaka, New Zealand
Ruby Island Cruise & Scenic Walk
4.91(22)
330+ booked
fromAUD $45.98
Arrowtown Wanaka Highlights Tour
6 hours
Queenstown, New Zealand
Arrowtown Wanaka Highlights Tour
4.95(22)
280+ booked
fromAUD $155.17
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Canyoning Wanaka Deals
5 hrs
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lord of the Rungs Waterfall Climb from Wanaka | Level 2
5(21)
260+ booked
fromAUD $319.37
Get $30
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Canyoning Wanaka Deals
3 hrs
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lord of the Rungs Waterfall Climb from Wanaka | Level 1
5(20)
250+ booked
fromAUD $168.30
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Canyoning Wanaka Waterfall Climb
7 hrs
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lord of the Rungs Waterfall Climb from Wanaka | Level 3
5(20)
230+ booked
fromAUD $631.34
Get $50
 Cashback
lake wanaka catamaran
3 hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
Stevensons Island Cruise & Nature Walk
5(20)
220+ booked
fromAUD $73.07
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Lake Wanaka Jet Boat
1 Hours and 30 Minutes
Wanaka, New Zealand
1 Hour Jet Ski Tour Lake Wanaka
5(21)
220+ booked
fromAUD $192.93
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Kayak Hire (Double & Single) | Lake Wanaka
1 Hours - 3 Hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
Kayak Hire (Double & Single) | Lake Wanaka
200+ booked
fromAUD $28.73
Twin Falls Climb & Canyon
5 Hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
Twin Falls Climb & Canyon
200+ booked
fromAUD $307.87
Get $30
 Cashback
Wanaka Kayak/Paddleboard & Cruise from Ruby Island
3 Hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
Wanaka Kayak/Paddleboard & Cruise from Ruby Island
4(1)
200+ booked
fromAUD $81.28
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Lake Wanaka deals
3 Hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lake Wanaka Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk
200+ booked
fromAUD $110.83
Get $10
 Cashback
Heli Ski Experience | 4 Runs, 1 Day (Intermediate and Advanced Ability)
Full day
Queenstown, New Zealand
Heli Ski Experience | 4 Runs, 1 Day (Intermediate and Advanced Ability)
200+ booked
fromAUD $1,325.90
Get $90
 Cashback
Lake dustan cycleway E-bike hire
Wanaka, New Zealand
Lake Dunstan Cycleway - e-bike hire and 0830hrs luxury shuttle from Wanaka
240+ booked
fromAUD $172.41
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 Cashback
Wanaka Kayak Tour Deals
4 Hours
Wanaka, New Zealand
The Mission - Half-Day Wanaka Kayak Adventure
5(1)
230+ booked
fromAUD $122.33
Get $10
 Cashback

More Activities in Wānaka

Looking for even more things to do in Wānaka? Whether you’re up for a quick half-day trip or an exciting full-day adventure, we’ve got a range of unique tours and activities that will make your time here unforgettable. Take a look through our most popular Wānaka activities below and find your next experience online today!

Adventure

Cruise & Sailing

Day Trips & Excursions

Adrenaline

Walking & Biking Tours

Our Team’s Top Picks for Wānaka

If you’re looking for the best Wānaka travel guide, look no further! As an avid team of adventurers, we’re more than familiar with Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island and know all the best things to do in Wānaka. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences here so you can plan the adventure of a lifetime. Check out our top picks below and find the perfect experiences for your trip with Backpacker Deals today!
Adventure Tours: Wānaka is a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering a range of thrilling tours that showcase everything that makes this region so iconic. From guided kayaking trips on the pristine Lake Wānaka to exploring hidden valleys and alpine lakes, these adventure tours provide an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty and charm. Whether you're trekking through the snowy mountains or discovering secret waterfalls, each adventure promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views.
Walking and Biking Tours: Wānaka boasts a network of walking and biking trails that cater to all ages and fitness levels. The Hawea River Track and the Millennium (Glendhu Bay) Track offer scenic routes along the water's edge, while the Rob Roy Glacier Track provides a more challenging hike with rewarding glacier views. Cyclists can hire an e-bike and tackle the Lake Dunstan Cycleway or enjoy a family-friendly ride along one of Wānaka and Hawea's many picturesque trails.
Scenic Cruises: Experience the beauty of Wānaka from the water with a scenic cruise along its serene lake. These tours offer a relaxing way to see Wānaka's stunning alpine scenery, with options to simply cruise along the waterfront or venture further afield to explore the remote islands nearby. As you glide across the crystal-clear waters, you'll have the opportunity to see native wildlife, learn about the area's history, and capture stunning photos of the surrounding mountains.
Adrenaline Activities: Wānaka is a true playground for adrenaline seekers, offering a variety of heart-pounding activities that cater to thrill enthusiasts. Skydiving over Lake Wānaka provides a bird's-eye view of the area's breathtaking landscapes, while rock climbing beside thundering waterfalls promises an exhilarating adventure. Whatever you choose, these activities provide plenty of ways to get your adrenaline fix while visiting Wānaka.
Wine Tours: Explore the flavours of Central Otago with a wine tour in Wānaka and discover world-class vineyards that boast delightful beverages and stunning views. These tours typically include visits to several boutique wineries, where you can sample Wānaka's award-winning Pinot Noir as well as various other varietals. Sample delectable wines, enjoy gourmet food pairings, and learn all about the winemaking process as you taste your way through the region and soak up the beautiful vineyard vistas.

Top Bucket List Activities to Do in Wānaka in 2026

1. Lake Wānaka Jet Boat Tour

Feel the thrill of adventure wash over you as you speed across the waters of Lake Wānaka and down the Clutha River on this exhilarating jet boat ride.

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2. Boutique Wānaka Wine Tour

Spend a leisurely afternoon sampling the delightful flavours of Central Otago with a boutique wine tour through Wānaka’s best vineyards and cellar doors.

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3. Skydive over Lake Wānaka

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a tandem skydive over Lake Wānaka and witness the South Island’s most awe-inspiring landscapes from above.

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4. Arrowtown and Wānaka Highlights Tour

Immerse yourself in Aotearoa New Zealand’s small-town charm and explore the rich history of Arrowtown and the scenic beauty of Wānaka on this half-day tour.

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5. Wānaka Easy Bike Tour

Cycle down well-maintained biking trails along the Hawea River and discover the beauty of Wānaka with a leisurely bike tour that the whole family can enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wānaka is a year-round destination! For warm weather and vibrant outdoor activities, we’d definitely recommend visiting in the summer months (December to February). Alternatively, if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, the winter months (June to August) provide perfect snowy weather and incredible views of the surrounding Alps.

Absolutely! The lake is perfect for a refreshing swim, especially in the summer. Just find a spot, dive in, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and stunning views around you.

Wānaka is a walkable town, and many people enjoy exploring by foot, as there are several scenic trails to discover. However, renting a bike or hiring a car can help you explore scenic locations further afield, such as the small neighbouring town of Lake Hawea.

Yes! You’ll find a range of family-friendly things to do in Wānaka that promise incredible experiences for all ages. Cycle along picturesque biking trails, discover gorgeous flowers, delicious lavender-flavoured ice cream, and friendly farm animals at Wānaka Lavender Farm, or enjoy a weird and wonderful day out at Puzzling World. 

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