Top 20 Experiences in Wanaka
Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka
Fly further and see more when you fly with us from Wanaka. Fly to Milford Sound through two of New Zealand’s most picturesque national parks. View alpine lakes nestled amongst snowcapped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers, with vast rain forest and cascading waterfalls visible from every seat! Locally owned with an excellent safety record. Mount Cook + Fox Franz & Tasman Glaciers and Mount Aspiring & Glaciers are other options available, giving you the opportunity to view huge, untouched vistas of land.
Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board
Relax with a glass of chilled local wine as you bask in the evening light on the lake! This one hour cruise has one local wine or beer included in the ticket and is a great way to see the lake scenery before your evening meal. The cruise is fully licensed so further drinks can be purchased on board for just $6.
Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka
Come deep into the Matukituki Valley on the most exciting 4-hour jet boating adventure in New Zealand, beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers and Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, stopping in deep pools to breathe in the magic of the landscape & hear stories of our land from your local guides. Deep in the mountains, off the beaten track, enjoy a 50-minute guided walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams in an area so special you won't want to leave. For those looking for even more of an adventure then check out our new Packraft Wanaka Tripadvisor listing!!!
Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka
Explore the remarkable vineyards and stunning scenery throughout Central Otago and Wanaka. You will taste gorgeous award winning wines from the little gems that are quietly making a big name for themselves while meeting some of the numerous characters that produce these wines. You will be able to chat with the vineyard owners and wine makers. Your wine tour includes tastings at 4 vineyards, a gourmet mid-afternoon platter, and a knowledgeable friendly guide. This tour is for everyone whether you are a complete wine novice, or a dedicated wine connoisseur.
ebike tour lake Hawea river track to Wanaka
Ride on possibly the best 1-day bike ride in New Zealand with our exclusive Hawea River Track adventure. We've crafted a unique experience by combining three different tracks, inventing a great ride that others now emulate. This leisurely exploration of Wanaka's scenic wonders offers stunning views along the gentle riverside track, showcasing the Upper Clutha's natural beauty. Join us for a pickup at 9 am, 11 am, or 2 pm from your accommodation. A 15-minute drive takes you to the wild and beautiful Lake Hawea, where you'll cruise along the Hawea River Track on an easy 30 km ride back to Wanaka town. A year-round delight, this classic Wanaka ride includes a strategic stop at Wanaka's best bakery for coffee and pastries. Once back in Wanaka town, just let us know, and we'll ensure you get a safe ride home. Experience the pinnacle of New Zealand's biking adventures, combining innovation and breathtaking landscapes for a day to remember
Skydive Wanaka
Enjoy a 20-minute scenic ride to altitude on this 3-hour sky diving adventure from Wanaka. Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and soar over the stunning Southern Alps. You will have amazing views over the snow capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and the South island's longest River, the Clutha. Skydiving is one of life's must do's and Wanaka is one of the most stunning places to tick off your bucket list. Free transport from central Wanaka is included.
Wine Tasting Adventure Wanaka and Beyond
Welcome to a Wine Lover's Paradise! Join us as we embark on a wine tasting - sightseeing adventure like no other visiting wineries around Wanaka - Pisa - Cromwell - Bannockburn - Bendigo. It is a day full of new mates, scenic beauty, a beautiful gourmet lunch platter and some seriously good wine. Meet the winemakers who are pouring their passions and get an insider's look into everything that is involved in creating the perfect glass of wine from vineyard to bottle. Living the Dream Tours is a wine tour company that encourages guests to unwind for an unforgettable day and let us do all the work. It's not just a tour; it's a connection with the artisans who make the magic happen.
Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails
A brilliant way to explore the area and see the beauty all around. You will ride across plateaus, surrounded by mountains on relatively easy grade 1-2 family friendly trails. The recommended route follows trails all the way from Hawea, alongside the Hawea river, through Albert Town and then follows the Clutha river to Wanaka. On your way there are lots of interesting places to visit including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree and the Edgewater Hotel garden bar.
Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River
Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars, through rapids and around rocks at speeds in excess of 80 kph, now picture doing this down New Zealand’s swiftest river with no seat belt and no brakes; that’s one way to get your adrenaline levels through the roof. Our trip makes the best of blood pumping adrenaline along with some of the world’s best scenery in the background.
Packraft Wanaka
This is an adventure like no other, paddling one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain rivers in our fun, inflatable packrafts. Start your action packed day with a scenic shuttle drive beneath the towering mountains, glaciers and waterfalls of the Matukituki Valley. After refreshments its gear-on, safety brief and paddle tuition before heading down-river on our stable and strong packrafts. Ride the wave trains, paddle into calm eddies and float with the river flow. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the river bank and play in turquoise swimming holes as you continue paddling down river. By the time the day is done your guide will have you paddling like a pro. You'll be accompanied by one of our friendly 'shuttle support' dogs on the drive, please let us know if this might be an issue for you and we can arrange otherwise.
'Express' Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka
Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.
Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka
Enjoy a 2 hour small group cruise and nature walk to Stevensons island. Once aboard the luxury catamaran, guests will relax in comfort and enjoy a 45 minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery followed by a guided tour to the island summit with outstanding photo opportunities. Once back to your vessel enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits while you cruise back to Wanaka. Licensed bar with happy hour prices available as well.
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breathtaking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks. Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters. Trip includes a 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island. Note: Christmas Day Mou Waho Island Tour includes a Xmas picnic and will run a bit longer so we can all celebrate together.
Wild Hills Off Road Safari
Explore by 4WD the private backroads of West Wanaka Station an iconic alpine mountain farm high in the mountains surrounding Lake Wanaka. Pass herds of Red Deer, Angus Cattle and sheep grazing in their natural environment. Climb Wanaka's very own "road to heaven" to our exclusive alpine cafe for refreshments and jaw-dropping panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and beyond to Mt Aspiring National Park. Our expert local guides provide in-depth knowledge on Wanaka's history and farming life. Off-road adventures do not come more authentic than this.
Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka
Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to a natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our fast lake cruiser, guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a 30 minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery with commentary on local history, geology and culture. Once you reach the island you will take a guided walk to the island summit and outstanding photo opportunities.
Wanaka High Country Walk
You won’t find this once-in-a-lifetime hike on any map or tour guide. Walk the high road into our dramatic mountain range and tower over the deep blues of Lake Wanaka. Explore the spectacular scenery, succumb to the comforts of our four-wheel drive and let our expert guide pass on tips and tales of our local flora and fauna. This exclusive hike is suitable for all ages and abilities, but on these wide-open private trails the only passers-by will be of the four-legged variety.
Half-Day Level 2 Waterfall Climbing from Wanaka
Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world together. Our intermediate climb involves approximately 3hrs of climbing steel ladder rungs and crossing 6 bridges next to a spectacular waterfall and finishes with approximatley 45 minutes walk down a mountainside trail. This tour is perfect for active adventurers who love the exploring outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. You will be climbing next to vertical waterfalls and being happy with heights helps! Stay dry. No experience required. If you are hesitant or just want a smaller taste, we recommend our Level 1 / Beginner climb.
Level 1 Waterfall Climb from Wanaka (3 hours return)
Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world together. Our beginner climb involves approximately 1-hr of climbing and 4 bridge crossings. Our Via ferrata tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. This tour is suitable for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness. No experience required. Your tour starts at the waterfall where your friendly guide will fit your safety gear and teach you how to use the equipment before starting the climb. You will be climbing on steel ladder rungs and crossing wire bridges to finish at a beautiful picnic spot. We then walk down a mountain trail and back to the base. If you are more adventurous and are looking to explore more in this incredible vertical world, we recommend our intermediate climb.
COMBO Admission: Puzzling World, Wanaka
Enjoy this iconic, unique attraction that since 1973 has fascinated people of all ages keen to engage in a fun, challenging and sensory experience. Encouraging problem solving and entertainment try the world’s first multi-storied Great Maze and the huge Puzzle Café where you can try your hand at one of many brain-benders at the tables. Mind not boggled? - Visit the six Illusion rooms from brand new, fully immersive ‘glow rooms’, following faces and a shrinking room to one where sculptures defy physics and another where objects glide uphill, your notion of reality will be tested! Just wait until you check out the bathrooms where more visual trickery awaits. Located 2km on the main highway north of Wanaka, this is a must-see attraction on any itinerary.
Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land looking over remote islands and National Parks. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. The best place to enjoy the views and your gourmet picnic! The 4 hour tour departs from the Wanaka Marina and includes a 20 minutes boat ride to and from the base of Mt. Burke where you and your guide board our 4x4.