When people think about visiting New Zealand the first town that comes to mind is usually Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. While Queenstown may be great for those who love spending money on tours and excursions, Wanaka was infintley more amazing to visit for us. Wanaka is truly magical. With some of the best nature in the entire country, a small town feel, good food, and dozens of places to go get lost among mountains and lakes, Wanaka may be our favorite place to visit in all of New Zealand.
Here are 5 reasons you must visit Wanaka on your trip to New Zealand…
The winding lakeside road heading into Wanaka
Mind blowing mountains and lakes
The mountains surrounding Wanaka are reminiscent of the mountains in Canada’s Yoho, Glacier, and Banff National Parks. These mountains are a jaw dropping silver color with vertical ridges, waterfalls pouring down them, and neatly groomed grass on the hills beneath them.
Incredible views driving into Wanaka
No two mountains are the same, but they are all equally astonishing. And let’s not forget about the 2 gorgeous lakes in the area. Both are incredibly teal blue and hikes like Isthmus Peak are the best way to experience their glory.
Isthmus Peak
While Roy’s Peak is the much more well known and popular track, it doesn’t compare to Isthmus Peak which will grant you with constant panoramic views of crystal blue lakes reflecting sheer mountain on the lakeshore.
The incredibly blue waters contrast starkly against the green and yellow mountainsides
The hike is a strenuous 5-6 hours roundtrip, but with constant views throughout the hike, every step will be worth it.
Gabi overlooking the lakes of Wanaka from Isthmus Peak
Kidds Bush Campground
This is one of my favorite campgrounds in all of New Zealand. This campground is absolutely beautiful with a nice rocky beach to chill on while taking in the incredible mountains that surround the lake.
There’s a shelter which is really nice for cooking when the weather is bad and it’s a perfect place to camp if you want to hike the nearby Isthmus Peak.
Strolling along the beach at Kidds Bush Campground
Related blog: Tips For Camping in New Zealand
Good Vibes
Wanaka has radical people. Unlike the bustling city of Queenstown, the town of Wanaka has the perfect combination of locals and tourist.
How could you be unhappy when you walk through town with views like this Photo via weatherwatch.co.nz
With locals who walk around Main Street barefoot and carefree travelers who seek stunning nature and know better than to head to Queenstown, the town definitely has a happy, outdoorsy vibe. The town radiates more of a “joie de vivre” than any other town I’ve visited in NZ, except for possibly Raglan.
Related blog: 7 Things to Do in Raglan
Good Food
While Queenstown is known for five star eateries, the hipster in all of us will be far happier at the breweries, bakeries, gelaterias, and chocolate shops in the quaint town of Wanaka.
From cafes to breweries to chocolatiers, there is good food everywhere Wanaka
In Wanaka you won’t be overwhelmed by crowds in the streets and in lines at restaurants.
Find accommodation:
Related:
3 Week New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
7 Stops You Must See on the West Coast
Tips for Planning a Trip to New Zealand: Things People Don’t Tell You
Got questions about visiting Wanaka? Let us know in the comments below or share your favorite place in Wanaka!
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The Best Hikes to Epic Glaciers Around the World • Nomads With A Purpose
Monday 3rd of September 2018
[…] Cool things nearby: Head down to Wanaka to hike above the bluest lakes you’ll ever see. If you could only go to 2 places in New Zealand, it would be Mount Cook and Wanaka. Check out the Best Adventures in Wanaka. […]
Lydia
Monday 28th of May 2018
I haven't been to NZ yet but when I start planning my trip there, Wanaka would be my pick, especially now after reading your post, Gabi. The mountains surrounding Wanaka seems like a perfect climbing destination. Which one would you recommend for rock climbing?
Gabi
Wednesday 30th of May 2018
I hear it's a fantastic climbing destination! We didn't have our climbing gear on this trip because it was so heavy to pac but we had originally planned on bringing it just so we could climb in Wanaka. Mountain Project had pretty good info on climbing there, here is the link if you are interested: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106012059/wanaka
3-Week New Zealand Itinerary • Nomads With A Purpose
Sunday 29th of April 2018
[…] Related blog: 5 Reasons to Visit Wanaka, New Zealand […]
Deanne Hancock
Sunday 22nd of April 2018
Thanks for the great info! We'll be in New Zealand in early 2019 and it's great to hear about good bases. We're not campers or super outdoorsy, but we do love a place with a good vibe and good food that's a bit off the beaten path. Wanaka is definitely on our radar now.
Gabi
Monday 30th of April 2018
How exciting! New Zealand is amazing and you will still love Wanaka! The amount of beauty in the town alone is enough of a reason to visit :)