Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains, you’re enclosed in a hidden paradise.
Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains, you’re enclosed in a hidden paradise.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
The lake is the picture and the mountains are the frame
Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern
Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring
National Park.
Lake Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest; its clean, blue waters are an inland
sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and bridle trails wander
the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon.
The region’s fortunes have changed over the years. The discovery of gold in the
1870s inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the gold faded away, high country
farming became the main source of employment. Today, tourism is the new gold -
an endeavour that requires the environment to stay picture perfect.
Key Features
Lakes wherever you look
Centuries of glacial action crafted Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Discover their scenic
perfection by mountain biking the high trails, paragliding over the hills, sightseeing
by air or walking the myriad of tracks.
Get high on Mount Aspiring
The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres),
which nestles comfortably in one of the country’s largest national parks. Delve
inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare world.
Winter sports wonderland
The Lake Wanaka region is a complete winter sports destination. Cardrona and
Treble Cone are classic downhill ski fields, heli skiing happens high in the Harris
Mountains and there’s Nordic skiing at the Snow Farm.
Key Tips
Wanaka has a domestic airport with daily flights from Christchurch and link flights
from neighbouring Queenstown airport.
Several touring routes pass through Lake Wanaka, including State Highway 6 which
runs down the West Coast and through to Queenstown and Fiordland.
Lake Wanaka is a great base for South Island explorations. Drive to Christchurch
via Mt Cook or down to Dunedin and Southland.
From Lake Wanaka you can follow the Southern Scenic Route, around the Catlins
Coast, to either Invercargill or Te Anau.
Related Links
www.newzealand.com Pages
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Mount Aspiring Named for Mt Aspiring, one of New Zealand's highest peaks, this park is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes.
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Lake Wanaka and Hawea Formed by massive glaciers over 10,000 years ago, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea lie side by side and are popular with holiday makers.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
As the snow melts, vibrant new life softens the Lake Wanaka landscape. Clean alpine air, newborn animals and wild flowers make every day a celebration.
Skis and snowboards are put away; mountain bikes and hiking boots are ready to go on the country roads and mountain tracks.
Anglers are spring cleaning their tackle bags, because the lakes and rivers of the region are ready for the start of a new fishing season.
