Wanaka hotels & places to stay

Discovering the Best of Wanaka: Fun Facts and Travel Tips

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, Wanaka is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This charming alpine town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. But did you know that Wanaka is also home to some fascinating cultural and historical landmarks? For instance, the town's Maori name "Whanaka" means "the place of Anaka," a legendary figure who is said to have discovered the area. Visitors can learn more about Wanaka's rich heritage by visiting the National Transport and Toy Museum, the Wanaka Beerworks, or the Wanaka Lavender Farm. When it comes to travel tips, Wanaka is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. Summer (December to February) is the busiest time of the year, with warm weather, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Autumn (March to May) is a quieter season, but it's also a great time to see the fall foliage and attend the Wanaka A&P Show, a traditional agricultural fair. Winter (June to August) is the ski season, with four world-class ski resorts within easy reach of Wanaka. Finally, spring (September to November) is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, with blooming wildflowers, newborn lambs, and the Wanaka Festival of Colour, a biennial arts and culture event.

Why Wanaka Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Wanaka is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture buff, you'll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this town. One of the top reasons to visit Wanaka is its stunning natural beauty. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, which is the fourth-largest lake in New Zealand and a popular spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking. The lake is also home to the famous "That Wanaka Tree," a solitary willow tree that has become an iconic symbol of the town. Another reason to visit Wanaka is its diverse range of outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by three national parks (Mount Aspiring, Fiordland, and Westland Tai Poutini), which offer endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and more. Wanaka is also known for its world-class golf courses, such as the Jack's Point Golf Course and the Wanaka Golf Course, both of which offer spectacular views of the mountains and the lake. If you're a foodie, Wanaka won't disappoint you either. The town has a thriving food and wine scene, with many local restaurants, cafes, and wineries offering fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes in Wanaka include the venison, lamb, salmon, and trout, as well as the local craft beer and wine. Finally, Wanaka is a destination that is easy to get to and easy to navigate. The town is located only an hour's drive from Queenstown, which has an international airport and many direct flights from major cities around the world. Once you're in Wanaka, you can explore the town on foot, by bike, or by car, as the town is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

Getting to Wanaka: A Guide to Hassle-Free Travel

Getting to Wanaka is easier than you might think. The town is located in the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand's South Island, and it's easily accessible by air, road, or bus. If you're flying to Wanaka, the nearest airport is Queenstown Airport, which is located about an hour's drive away. Queenstown Airport has direct flights from many major cities in New Zealand and Australia, as well as some international destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney. Once you arrive at Queenstown Airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or book a private transfer to Wanaka. If you're driving to Wanaka, you can take State Highway 6, which connects the town with other major cities in the South Island such as Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. The drive from Christchurch to Wanaka takes about six hours, while the drive from Dunedin to Wanaka takes about four hours. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most scenic landscapes in New Zealand, such as the Southern Alps, the Haast Pass, and the Clutha River. If you're taking a bus to Wanaka, there are several bus companies that operate daily services between Wanaka and other major cities in the South Island. The most popular bus companies are Intercity, Nakedbus, and Atomic Shuttles. The bus journey from Queenstown to Wanaka takes about an hour, while the bus journey from Christchurch to Wanaka takes about eight hours.

Top 5 Fun Things to Do in Wanaka for Adventure Seekers

Wanaka is a playground for adventure seekers, with endless opportunities for outdoor activities and adrenaline-fueled experiences. Here are the top 5 fun things to do in Wanaka for adventure seekers: 1. Hiking: Wanaka is surrounded by some of the most spectacular hiking trails in New Zealand, such as the Roy's Peak Track, the Diamond Lake Track, and the Rob Roy Glacier Track. These trails offer breathtaking views of the mountains, the lakes, and the forests, and they range from easy walks to challenging treks. 2. Skiing: Wanaka is home to four world-class ski resorts: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone Ski Area, Snow Farm NZ, and Soho Basin. These resorts offer a wide range of skiing and snowboarding terrain, as well as other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. 3. Skydiving: Wanaka is one of the best places in New Zealand to go skydiving, thanks to its stunning scenery and clear skies. You can choose to do a tandem skydive with a professional instructor, or a solo skydive if you're an experienced skydiver. 4. Jet boating: Wanaka is also known for its thrilling jet boat rides, which take you through narrow canyons, braided rivers, and rapids at high speeds. Some of the most popular jet boat operators in Wanaka are Wanaka River Journeys and Jetboat Wanaka. 5. Rock climbing: Wanaka has some of the best rock climbing spots in New Zealand, such as the Hospital Flat area, the Diamond Lake area, and the Matukituki Valley. These spots offer a variety of rock types and difficulty levels, and they're suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.

Booking Your Dream Hotel in Wanaka with Agoda.com

When it comes to booking a hotel in Wanaka, Agoda.com is your go-to website for hassle-free and affordable accommodations. Agoda.com offers a wide range of hotels, apartments, lodges, and resorts in Wanaka, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury properties. Some of the most popular hotels in Wanaka on Agoda.com include the Alpine Motel, the Golfcourse Road Chalets and Lodge, the Te Wanaka Lodge, the Moorings Motel and Apartments, and the Altamont Lodge. These hotels offer comfortable rooms, friendly service, and convenient locations, as well as amenities such as free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. Booking your dream hotel in Wanaka with Agoda.com is easy and secure. You can search for hotels based on your budget, location, and preferences, and you can read reviews and ratings from other travelers to help you make an informed decision. Agoda.com also offers 24/7 customer service and a Best Price Guarantee, so you can book with confidence.

The Best Time to Visit Wanaka: A Seasonal Guide

Wanaka is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences. Here's a seasonal guide to help you plan your trip: Summer (December to February): Summer is the busiest time of the year in Wanaka, with warm weather, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is also a popular spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking. However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a quieter season in Wanaka, but it's also a great time to see the fall foliage and attend the Wanaka A&P Show, a traditional agricultural fair. The weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Autumn is also a good time to go hiking and biking, as the trails are less crowded. Winter (June to August): Winter is the ski season in Wanaka, with four world-class ski resorts within easy reach of the town. Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone Ski Area, Snow Farm NZ, and Soho Basin offer a wide range of skiing and snowboarding terrain, as well as other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. Winter is also a good time to soak in the hot pools and enjoy the après-ski scene. Spring (September to November): Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation in Wanaka, with blooming wildflowers, newborn lambs, and the Wanaka Festival of Colour, a biennial arts and culture event. The weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Spring is also a good time to go hiking and biking, as the trails are less muddy than in autumn.

Traveling to Wanaka: Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Trip

Traveling to Wanaka can be a memorable experience if you plan ahead and follow these tips and tricks: 1. Pack for all seasons: Wanaka's weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack for all seasons, even if you're visiting in summer. Bring warm layers, waterproof jackets, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 2. Rent a car: Renting a car is the best way to explore Wanaka and its surroundings, as public transportation is limited. You can rent a car at Queenstown Airport or in Wanaka town center. Make sure you have a valid driver's license and insurance. 3. Book activities in advance: Wanaka's popular activities such as skydiving, jet boating, and skiing can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Make sure you book your activities in advance to avoid disappointment. 4. Respect the environment: Wanaka is a pristine natural environment, so make sure you respect it by following the "leave no trace" principles. Don't litter, don't disturb wildlife, and don't damage the trails or the vegetation. 5. Try local cuisine: Wanaka has a thriving food and wine scene, so make sure you try some of the local dishes and drinks. Some of the must-try dishes include the venison, lamb, salmon, and trout, as well as the local craft beer and wine.

Where to Stay in Wanaka: A Guide to the Best Accommodations

Wanaka has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences, from budget-friendly motels to luxury lodges. Here's a guide to the best accommodations in Wanaka: 1. Alpine Motel: This budget-friendly motel is located in the heart of Wanaka town center, within walking distance of the lake, the shops, and the restaurants. The motel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. 2. Golfcourse Road Chalets and Lodge: This mid-range lodge is located in a quiet residential area, only a short drive from Wanaka town center. The lodge offers spacious chalets and studios, a garden, and a barbecue area. 3. Te Wanaka Lodge: This boutique lodge is located on the edge of Lake Wanaka, with stunning views of the lake and the mountains. The lodge offers stylish rooms, a lounge, a hot tub, and a breakfast buffet. 4. The Moorings Motel and Apartments: This family-friendly motel is located on the shores of Lake Wanaka, within walking distance of the town center. The motel offers comfortable rooms and apartments, a garden, and a barbecue area. 5. Altamont Lodge: This luxury lodge is located on a hilltop, with panoramic views of Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The lodge offers spacious rooms and suites, a spa, a sauna, and a gourmet breakfast.

What to Eat in Wanaka: A Foodie's Guide to Local Cuisine

Wanaka is a foodie's paradise, with a diverse range of local cuisine and drinks to try. Here's a guide to what to eat in Wanaka: 1. Venison: Wanaka is famous for its venison, which is lean, tender, and flavorful. You can try venison in many local restaurants, such as the Bistro Gentil, the Kika, and the White House. 2. Lamb: New Zealand is also famous for its lamb, and Wanaka is no exception. The local lamb is grass-fed and free-range, and it's usually served with seasonal vegetables and herbs. You can try lamb in many local restaurants, such as the Cardrona Hotel, the Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen, and the Kai Whakapai. 3. Salmon and trout: Wanaka is located near several rivers and lakes, which are home to some of the best salmon and trout in New Zealand. You can try salmon and trout in many local restaurants, such as the Trout Cafe, the Big Fig, and the Lake Bar. 4. Craft beer and wine: Wanaka has a thriving craft beer and wine scene, with many local breweries and wineries offering unique and flavorful drinks. You can try craft beer and wine in many local bars and restaurants, such as the Rhyme and Reason Brewery, the Wanaka Beerworks, and the Rippon Vineyard. 5. Local produce: Wanaka is also known for its fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce, such as the cherries, the apricots, the berries, and the vegetables. You can try local produce in many local markets and shops, such as the Wanaka Farmers Market, the Soul Food Organic, and the Kai Pai Butchery.