13 BEST things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand in summer (Adventure travel edition!)

Wanaka has that laid-back, effortlessly cool outdoorsy energy that makes you feel like you accidentally stumbled into a movie. It’s all big views, hikes, lake swims, and slow afternoons at breweries—without the chaos of Queenstown.

I spent a few weeks here getting shown around by a local friend (the ultimate cheat code), and it completely defied how I think most people see Wanaka. It’s not just a “stop on your South Island itinerary”—it’s the kind of place you start considering rearranging your life for.

If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Wanaka, this guide covers my top summer activities, from hiking Roy’s Peak to gorgeous wineries to swimming in a lake on an island in a lake on another island (I’d never seen anything like this before!).

These are the exact things I’d add to an adventure-focused Wanaka itinerary, tips for having the best time doing them, and a local’s recommendations on the best eats, cool shops, and what to hit or skip. Let’s plan your trip!

Top things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand in summer

What I love about Wanaka is that it isn’t trying to impress you. Fairy tale rivers run through this little town fringed by mountains, and when you get to the buzzy downtown lakefront, you’ll be dying to get out of your car and swim in the glacial lakes, try some alpine hikes, poke around the hipster shops and coffee carts, and have a glass of wine (or two).

Here are some of my personal favorite things to do in Wanaka:

• Hike Roy’s Peak
• Swim, paddle board, or kayak on Lake Wanaka
• Visit Mou Waho Island
• Mountain bike the trails on the Clutha river
• Relax at the wineries
• Explore Mount Aspiring National Park (Blue Pools and Rob Roy Glacier)
• Visit the Lavender Farm
• Drive the Crown Range Road
• Grab some local bites
• Check out the local shops

Free things to do in Wanaka

• Hike Roy’s Peak or Isthmus Peak
• Swim in Lake Wanaka
• Visit the Wanaka Tree
• Float the Clutha River
• Check out Mount Aspiring National Park

Best adventure activities in Wanaka (Hikes, water, & views)

Hike Roy’s Peak (Best hike in Wanaka for views)

Roy’s Peak is the hike you’ve seen all over Instagram—and while the view is that good, it’s a straight-up grind: 8 miles round trip, constant incline, zero shade, and you’ll want to be up and hiking before sunrise for fewer people and the best views.

Logistically, parking for Roy’s Peak is about 10 minutes outside of Wanaka and it’s easy to snag at the Roys Peak Track car park on Mount Aspiring Road if you’re there before sunrise. Otherwise, it fills up by 8-9AM in peak season!

Swimming in Lake Wanaka (kayaking, paddle boarding)

On a hot day, the buzz of being at the lakefront is infectious! There will be tons of happy outdoorsy folks out with paddle boards and kayaks, having picnics, and heading out on their boats.

The water is chilly even in summer, but once you’re in, it’s addictive! There’s a little boardwalk to jump off of right off the beach, as well as gear rentals and launch spots right on the beach.

The lake is vodka-clear, surrounded by mountains, if you don’t want to soak up the buzz in town, you can easy go a few minutes around the horseshoe-shaped downtown area to find a more remote spot to enjoy. One day we took mountain bikes 15 minutes or so away from the quaint downtown and hopped in away from the energy.

Visit Mou Waho Island

Remember that natural pool on an island inside a lake I mentioned before? That’s the Arethusa Pool, a natural pool on Mou Waho Island in Lake Wanaka! It’s only accessible by boat, and is one of my favorite places in Wanaka!

After a scenic boat road over to the island, you’ll do a short hike up to the pools. We had a blast jumping off the rocks and swimming around after the short (maybe 30 minutes) but steep hike, and stopped to check out some of the viewpoints as well. Make the most of it by packing a little picnic (we brought some of New Zealand’s famous Sanga steak and cheese hand pies from downtown, fruit, and drinks). Have it after your swim and this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon!

Explore Mount Aspiring National Park

This Mt. Aspiring National Park is all about the landscapes, and it’s where you’ll find 2 of the best things to do near Wanaka (both in my top 10 favorite nature spots on New Zealand’s South island!).

• Blue Pools Track: This is a really scenic, easy (3km out and back) hike that brings you to clear blue pools nestled between rock faces! They’re beautiful, but I saw so much gorgeous blue glacier water in New Zealand that I’m starting to think this is just the norm here! Plan for about an hour on this track depending on how much time you spend at the pools, and don’t forget to check if the track is open before you go.
• Rob Roy Glacier Track: This is a longer hike (~10km) that starts about an hour outside of Wanaka at the Raspberry Creek car park. It took us about 3 and a half hours, and other than the suspension bridges, waterfalls, streams through a mossy beech forest, the real reward is the Rob Roy glacier views! Hang out and watch the glacier for a while—if you listen, you can hear it crackling and shifting!

Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings here—the kea (alpine parrots!) are around and they’re little thieves!

Wineries in Wanaka

Central Otago is a world famous wine-growing region, so there are quite a few vineyards and tasting rooms in and around Wanaka!

• Rippon is probably the most iconic winery in Wanaka and sits right on the edge of Lake Wanaka, giving gorgeous views and refreshing, crispy wines!
• I also enjoyed the smaller, less crowded Nanny Goat Vineyard just outside of town. Be sure to make a reservation for a tasting in advance though!

Bike the Wanaka trails (Easy + scenic adventure)

Some of my favorite days in Wanaka were on the mountain bike! I’d actually never tried mountain biking before this trip, so if you’re a newbie, it’s totally suitable for all levels.

The trails are well-maintained, winding along a gorgeous river (perfect for taking breaks to hop off and swim), beech forests, and not overly intense. I did have to walk the bike up a couple of steep bits, but otherwise I couldn’t have enjoyed this more.

Be sure to wear a helmet and be super aware of your surroundings though, because the trails are a bit narrow and people are often walking them as well! Before you head out, ask the local bike shops what the etiquette and rules are for mountain biking and get some tips if you’re new like I was.

Lavender Farm Wanaka

The Wanaka Lavender Farm has beautiful flower fields, gardens, and games if you’re looking for something a little more chill or for a non-adventurous outdoor day. I don’t know why we all love a lavender field so much, but it really is stunning. Be sure to check the seasonality on their website because the lavender only blooms in summer (but other florals are in bloom in other parts of the year!).

Drive the Crown Range Road (Most scenic drive near Wanaka)

This drive between Wanaka and Queenstown is ridiculous. It’s the highest main road in New Zealand, and the views the entire way are mountains, valleys, and switchbacks.

This isn’t a “get there fast” kind of drive, and along with driving slowly and carefully, you’ll probably stop over and over at scenic viewpoints and pull-offs.

Visit the Wanaka Tree

I personally don’t understand the hype, but the Wanaka Tree is an “internet thing.” Even our local friend who’s lived in Wanaka for his entire life wasn’t able to tell us exactly why the tree is special or became an Instagram spot, but if you’re someone who likes to see the things you see on Instagram in real life just for the sake of seeing them, the Wanaka Tree is for you!

I don’t count this part of my “best of” list, but you might!

Where to eat in Wanaka after a day of adventure

You’re probably not coming to Wanaka for fine dining—you’re coming here to eat well after doing something hard. That said, there are some fantastic eats around town!

Best casual spots to eat for a morning bite or a relaxed dinner

• We kept going back to Pembroke Patisserie, which has better French pastries than I’ve had anywhere in Europe (including France)! We literally went every day, and the sausage rolls, croissants, and cardamom buns are to die for.
• Grab a beer and a bite at Kai Whaka Pai, where you have great views of Lake Wanaka (get the katsu fried chicken and grilled corn ribs and thank me later!). We loved coming here to relax after mountain biking or swimming!
• I already mentioned Sanga pies, but I’m obsessed with this filling, delicious grab-and-go option. We probably ate one of these a day on our campervan trip of the South Island. You’ll find Sanga pies in Four Square stores around the South Island.

Looking for a New Zealand summer road trip itinerary? Here’s mine! New Zealand South Island campervan itinerary: 10–14 day route!

While you’re relaxing in town, you’ll find a ton of cute little shops, outdoor apparel stores, and Wanaka sheep wool sweaters. Whether you’re a shopper or not, I recommend stopping by Heatwave for an awesome selection of boutique outdoor apparel and a coffee! It has a retro atmosphere and is a tiny shop with lovely, helpful owners and a great selection of quality, hard-to-find outdoor brands.

Tips for visiting Wanaka, New Zealand in summer

• Start hikes early, especially Rob Roy if you want to get a parking spot and not be overwhelmed by the crowd
• The UV index is high because of where New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere. So even if it doesn’t feel that hot, wear your sunscreen!
• Book activities in advance—this never hurts, so unless you’re committed to playing things by ear, it’s a good idea to make reservations for things like the boat to Mou Waho island and tasting rooms at the wineries
• Weather changes quickly, so don’t forget to pack for chilly mornings/evenings and wind as well as gorgeous summer sun!

Grab my New Zealand summer packing list for women: Adventure travel edition right here!

Is Wanaka worth visiting in summer?

If I didn’t make it obvious, I absolutely love Wanaka and think it’s worth visiting. When you’re visiting the South Island you can get swallowed up by the scale and honestly, majesty, of the nature. It might actually make you feel a bit lonely, and Wanaka is a lovely antidote to that without losing the outdoorsy feeling.

It’s a small town, but the buzz is fun, the locals are friendly, and there’s a ton to do!

The way I see it, Wanaka is for everyone, but you may want to skip it if:

• You are super tight on time and are only hitting the TripAdvisor highlights (please don’t do this! New Zealand’s south island has so much to offer and the jet boat in Queenstown is not the “best thing to do” by any stretch of the imagination)
• You want total disconnection and are doing a nature-only trip (Wanaka has plenty of nature, but it also has energy, locals, and other travelers)

FAQs about things to do in Wanaka