Featured Activities
There are plenty of activities and adventures for families to enjoy together in the region. Using this three-day itinerary, discover the family favourites, with Wānaka as your home base.
Head to Lismore Jump Park where you’ll find a pump track suitable for kids to test their skills and burn some energy, then hit town for a well-earned ice cream by the lake (our picks – Patagonia Chocolate or Black Peak Gelato).
In the afternoon, try hiring a paddle boat, a kayak or a paddle board and get out on the water, or just sit back and watch the kids swim out to the pontoon or do bombs off the wharf. The Dinosaur Park is always a hit, as is feeding the trout and eels – but watch out the ducks don’t steal all your bread!
Finish the day by watching a movie at Cinema Paradiso or Ruby’s Cinema, both have a cool old-Hollywood vibe, delicious treats and comfy seats!
Start the day with a walk up Mt Iron Track – the panoramic views from the top will give you a great look at the Wānaka township and the hike itself is quite manageable. If it’s a bad weather day, opt instead for some fun and games at Puzzling World.
If the weather is playing ball, check out the Wanaka Lavender Farm. Explore the fields, meet some unique farm animals and have a tea at the cafe.
For dinner, head out to Hook and let the kids fish in the ponds while you try their salmon inspired dishes.
Explore a unique slice of the high country up the Cardrona Valley on a horse trek. After that, stop off at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a hot chocolate, coffee, beer or wine.
In the afternoon, stop in for a swim at the Wanaka Recreation Centre and if the energy is still high after that, a trip to Basecamp climbing wall should sort that out! For dinner, head upstairs from the climbing wall into Cardrona-Treble Cone Après Bar for some local craft beers and delicious wood-fired pizza.
