Where to stay in Wanaka — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Wanaka is a resort town on Lake Wanaka, whose still surface mirrors the mountains like glass. It's a quieter, more relaxed alternative to nearby Queenstown. It's the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and home to a world-famous icon — #ThatWanakaTree, a lone willow standing in the water that is one of the most photographed trees on earth.
Why stay in Wanaka
The legendary Wanaka Tree
#ThatWanakaTree is a lone willow standing in the lake — a hugely popular photo spot, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Conquer Roy's Peak
One of the country's most popular hikes, with a lookout over Lake Wanaka and spectacular mountains.
Skiing and winter sports
The Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields are near town, and in winter Wanaka becomes a popular ski base.
Mount Aspiring National Park
A World Heritage park with glaciers, waterfalls, and hiking trails such as the Rob Roy Glacier Track.
Ranked reviews — find your ideal stay in Wanaka
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then explore food and sights
Find the right Wanaka hotel for you
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Local dishes to try in Wanaka
- 1☕
Lakeside cafes
Cafes and brunch spots on Lake Wanaka — sip a coffee and watch the mountains reflected on the calm, quiet water.
📍 City Centre - 2🍷
Pinot Noir wine
Vineyards around Wanaka and Central Otago produce superb Pinot Noir — taste it with views of the lake and mountains.
📍 Lakeside - 3🍔
Burgers and outdoor food
Burger joints and hearty meals to refuel after a hike, with the easygoing feel of a resort town.
📍 City Centre - 4🎬
Cinema Paradiso
The legendary Cinema Paradiso, where you watch films on old sofas with freshly baked cookies and hot pie at the interval.
📍 City Centre - 5🍦
Ice cream and desserts
Ice cream and gelato shops by the lake — perfect for an afternoon stroll while admiring the Wanaka Tree.
📍 Lakeside
- 1🌳
That Wanaka Tree
A lone willow standing in the shallow water by the lake — one of the most photographed trees in the world.
📍 Lakeside - 2🥾
Roy's Peak
A hike to the summit and back of about 6 hours, with a ridgeline lookout over the lake and mountains that's famous worldwide.
📍 Out of Town - 3🏔️
Lake Wanaka
A clear lake ringed by mountains, perfect for kayaking, boating, swimming, and lakeside walks at sunset.
📍 Lakeside - 4🧩
Puzzling World
A famous illusion park and maze with a leaning tower, illusion rooms, and a large wooden maze — great for families.
📍 Outskirts - 5🌲
Mount Aspiring National Park
A vast World Heritage park with glaciers, the Rob Roy Glacier track, and the elegant peak of Mount Aspiring.
📍 Out of Town - 6🍷
Rippon Vineyard
One of the most beautiful vineyards in the world, sloping down to Lake Wanaka — taste Pinot Noir and Riesling with mountain views.
📍 Lakeside
Things to do in Wanaka
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Wanaka — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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3 Wanaka hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 9.6LuxuryLakeside Apartments Wanaka
#1 most upscale · right on the lake
★ 9.2Luxury
★ 9.0Upper-midGolfcourse Road Chalets and Lodge
#4 garden chalets · outdoor jacuzzi
โรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในWanaka
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Fairway Motel & Apartment Wanaka
#6 value pick · gardens + pool
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Wanaka
#5 family resort · two pools + a slide
Lakeview Motel Wanaka
#7 budget motel · panoramic lake-and-Alps view
Manuka Crescent Motel Wanaka
#8 budget motel · 3-min drive to the lake
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🚆 Getting around Wanaka
Car hire
The main way to explore Wanaka and around — Roy's Peak, the vineyards, and over the hill to Queenstown via the Crown Range.
Walking along the lake
The compact town centre makes it easy to walk from the lakeside restaurants to the Wanaka Tree along the shore.
Shuttles and tours
There are shuttles to the trailheads and ski fields, plus tours linking to Queenstown for those not driving.
Nearest airport
There's no commercial airport in town — use Queenstown Airport (ZQN), about a 1-hour drive over a scenic mountain route.
Where to go next near Wanaka
AucklandNew Zealand's biggest city, wedged between two harbours and dotted with dormant volcanoes and yacht-filled marinas.
See this city's guide →
WellingtonNew Zealand's capital, on a windy bay and full of cafes, museums, and the film industry.
See this city's guide →
ChristchurchThe South Island's largest city, rebuilt from earthquake into a creative town on the banks of the Avon River.
See this city's guide →
QueenstownA town on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables, the world's adventure-sport capital.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Wanaka
Should I choose Wanaka or Queenstown?+
Queenstown is busier with more adventure activities, while Wanaka is quieter, more relaxed, and has lovelier lake views — they're about an hour apart and can be visited together.
Is climbing Roy's Peak hard?+
It's 16 km return and takes 5–6 hours, with a steady, steep climb that needs fitness — but the summit views are worth the effort.
When is the best time to photograph the Wanaka Tree?+
Sunrise and sunset have the softest, loveliest light. Winter offers snow on the mountains as a backdrop, while autumn brings changing leaves.
Ready to book your Wanaka stay?
Start with the 3 hotels our team picked, or search all 3 sites — always compare before booking