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Featured Activities
Wānaka was built on epic mountain culture and when you visit in the Winter time, you can really feel the vibe throughout town and at the ski fields.
We would be remiss to not include skiing and snowboarding at the top of our list. With two dedicated alpine ski resorts and a private ski area, you’ll have access to some of the most diverse terrain in the Southern Hemisphere – all within a short driving distance from town centre.
Snow Farm, near Wānaka, is the only dedicated cross-country ski area in New Zealand. The 55km of groomed trails are perfect for beginners and experts alike.
If cross-country skiing or skate skiing isn’t really your vibe, then try snowshoeing to explore the high trails.
Heliskiing (or snowboarding) is the bucket list experience for anyone who loves skiing and snowboarding. And in Wānaka, the whole experience is levelled up with epic views, untouched terrain and thousands of kilometres of access to the mountains.
If you’re wanting the helicopter experience of heliskiing, without the actual downhill action, check out scenic flights in Wānaka, available by helicopter or plane. With over 100 permanent glaciers in the mountains surrounding Wānaka, a scenic flight with a glacier landing is easy.
This is the moment to create your dream winter adventure. Leave behind your busy life and let Explore Wanaka show you this beautiful part of the world – The spectacular Southern Alps of New Zealand, giving you the opportunity to experience exclusive one on one local knowledge while creating unforgettable memories. Their snow packages include organisation of the best resort for you on the day and the most suitable runs for your riding style and ability. Whether you’re after a day of heliskiing or you just want to ride fun lines on the resort then you are in the right place!
Once the sun sets and you’re off the mountain, the fun only continues. Après-ski in Wānaka can be as sophisticated or simple as you like. Hang out at the food trucks, drink craft beer, head to a winery, eat at award-winning restaurants like Kika or just head to a bar for a pint or a mulled wine and swap tall tales about neck deep powder.
Want to know more about the best places to après? Check out our guide here.
If you’re feeling like spending a day doing some off-mountain activities (rest up those legs!), we highly recommend wandering the streets of Wānaka town and spending some time checking out the shops. From street-style to high-end fashion boutiques, gift stores and art galleries, Wānaka has a range of places perfect for the shopaholic.
If you’re wanting a more laid-back approach, pay a trip to the cinemas, one of our museums, or try an indoor activity like Crossfire or Puzzling World.