Things You Can Only Do In Wānaka

Snow Farm, just 40 minutes from Wānaka, is New Zealand’s only cross-country ski area. It’s also a great place to snowshoe, and play in their fun zone as well!

Since 1973, Puzzling World‘s bizarre buildings, illusion rooms and the famous Great Maze have been baffling brains and challenging perceptions of reality! A great day out for all ages.

Wildwire Wanaka‘s “Lord of the Rungs” is the highest waterfall via ferrata in the world and includes a return helicopter ride. There’s nothing else quite like it!

You can watch a movie anywhere, but at Cinema Paradiso, you can sit in an old Morris Minor or a comfy couch and watch a movie. The hot cookies and homemade ice cream at intermission are legendary.

Since predators were successfully eradicated in 1995, Mou Waho Island has become a pest-free haven for several species, including the mountain stone wētā, the Southern Alps gecko and the inquisitive buff weka. Take a a powerboat shuttle with either Wanaka Watertaxi, Eco Wanaka Adventures or Paddle Wanaka. Maybe you’d like to opt for a catamaran with Lake Wanaka Cruises? Or maybe add some high-octane with a jet-ski with LakeLand Wanaka!

Perhaps the most photographed historic building in New Zealand, the Cardrona Hotel blends old world charm with modern comforts, featuring award-winning dining and incredible event spaces.

Fly over pristine New Zealand wilderness in a classic yellow plane with the Siberia Experience or jet boat in with Wilkin River Jets and discover an alpine environment like no other, tucked away in a what feels like an entirely different world.

Rated one of the “Best Day Hikes” in New Zealand, it’s not hard to see what makes the Roy’s Peak Track so popular.

Visit the most photographed tree in New Zealand which started life as a wooden fence post over 70 years ago. This humble little willow is certainly creating a lot of attention.