Together with Queenstown, Wanaka for an exciting Mecca for outdoor sports of New Zealand's South Island. This inviting resort town's proximity to Lake Wanaka's southern shore creates endless year-round tourism opportunities, with hiking (tramping) being especially popular.Wanaka also serves as an important gateway to the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park and when the country's winter months arrive, then tourists flock next door, where the snowy Cardrona, Harris Mountains, Pisa Range and Treble Cone have all become acclaimed ski resorts in New Zealand. Up-to-date information about these recreational activities and more is available when you arrive, at the centrally located Lake Wanaka Visitors Centre, on Ardmore Street, next to the lake itself and alongside Pembroke Park.
Wanaka Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights
The many tourist attractions of Wanaka tend to be highly seasonal and relate to New Zealand's 'Great Outdoors'. Those with a taste for adventure will enjoy white-water rafting or kayaking along the Clutha River, or even rock climbing and abseiling down waterfalls. If you have the time and money, then sightseeing flights from Wanaka Airport are highly recommended, as is an afternoon at the rather unexpected Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World, where a fun three-dimensional maze awaits. More information about Wanaka Tourist Attractions.
There are a couple of museums in Wanaka that warrant a mention. The New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum also goes by the name of the Wanaka Warbirds and is where you will find a rather impressive collection of military aircraft, as well as state-of-the-art computer simulations. For a little nostalgia, the vintage cars and games at the Transport and Toy Museum offer plenty of information about bygone days, while several commercial art galleries can also be found within the town centre, showcasing the works of artists from Otago and all over New Zealand's islands. More information about Wanaka Museums and Wanaka Art Galleries.
Surrounding Wanaka are almost endless opportunities to get out and about, and enjoy the spectacular natural scenery and recreational offerings. Fiordland National Park lies directly to the south-west of Wanaka and is always popular with tourists, as are the bushwalks in Makarora and the self-guided tours of Cromwell. For a taster of New Zealand's famous gold rush days, Alexandra is the place to head and is ideal for a day trip, being just over an hour away. More information about Wanaka Attractions Nearby.More Wanaka Information / Fast Facts and Orientation
- Country: New Zealand
- Location: South Island / Central Otago / southern shore of Lake Wanaka
- Status: town / resort
- Population: approximately 5,500
- Language: English
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Time zone: GMT - 5 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
- Country dialling code: +64
- Telephone area code: 03
- Average daily Wanaka January temperature: 23°C / 73°F
- Average daily Wanaka July temperature: 8°C / 46°F
