She was possibly the cutest kid I’d seen in New Zealand so far — bundled up in a bright pink coat and red and white beanie, and squealing delightedly as she tossed big hunks of bread at some friendly ducks under the dock.
Grinning and prancing around like only a toddler can, she followed her family further out onto the wooden planks, apparently not at all afraid of the water below. I smiled as I watched her from the shore, and wondered what it must be like to grow up in a place like Wanaka. Did she even realize how lucky she was?
Wanaka, is one of those small-ish New Zealand towns that I’ve passed through a handful of times, but never really had time to stop and fully appreciate. Which is a shame, really. It’s a great town, and I’m convinced I would love it. And I know I’m not alone.
With a population of less than 10,000, Wanaka is nonetheless experiencing a population boom, partially due to the fact that it now markets itself as a mini-Queenstown — but better.
And, in many ways, it is.
Situated on the southern end of Lake Wanaka, the town still has those sweeping mountain and lake views like Queenstown (though admittedly the mountains are a bit further away). Wanaka offers similar adventure activities — skiing, hiking, jetboating, mountain biking, sky diving, and more – at cheaper prices than its flashy big brother. And that welcoming kiwi attitude that permeates New Zealand is certainly in no short supply here.
Along with the adventure activities, Wanaka also boasts Puzzling World (a fun house of optical illusions) and Paradiso Cinema, where the seating is made up of old couches. It is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, which is just as epically beautiful in real life as it sounds on paper.
Wanaka feels noticeably less resort-y than Queenstown, which is probably part of its draw; you can walk down to the lakeshore here on a sunny autumn day and not be overwhelmed by the number of tourists there. This isn’t to say that nobody comes to Wanaka, of course — they most definitely come. It’s just that the secret isn’t fully out about Wanaka yet. Hopefully it never will be.
Located in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes District (not unlike England’s Lake District, so I’m told), Wanaka definitely gains points for scenery. In the autumn, the trees here turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, littering the dark-sand beach of the lake with thousands of tiny leaves. In the background, mountains (which will be snow-covered come winter) grow out of the horizon — majestic and protective over the little town.
As cliche as it is to say, Wanaka really is as pretty as a postcard.
I’ve been through Wanaka 4 or 5 times now, never stopping for more than half an hour or so to marvel at the lake and the mountains before regrettably being forced to move on.
I really must remedy this the next time I’m in New Zealand. Because, after visiting so many times and being tantalized by this little town, all I have to say is: I wanna be in Wanaka.
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Have you ever visited Wanaka before?
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Like you, I’ve only stopped by in passing. We stopped for a snack and to the use the highly unusual toilets at Puzzling World. We drove through during the week between Christmas and New Years and the place was PACKED. We couldn’t find parking anywhere along the lake.
But your pictures from fall look beautiful! I love the 2nd tier towns in New Zealand:-) (Taupo over Rotorua; Dunedun over Christchurch, etc)
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I can imagine it getting busy in the summer months, but in the off-season it was virtually empty! Though, I’m sure even high season in Wanaka is nothing compared to high season in Queenstown!
And I agree with you about the “2nd tier towns.” There are so many options other than the main tourist stops. (Another I’d add to your list is Wellington over Auckland!
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I’m the same, only ever passed through Wanaka going between Queenstown and the West Coast, stopped to admire the lake and then moved on. It’s a beautiful place though, and probably deserves more of people’s time.
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It seems like a lot of people just treat Wanaka as a passing-through town. Which is perhaps why it’s not as popular as Queenstown? I don’t know, but I do know I’d like to spend more time there someday!
Wanaka is one of my absolute favourite places in NZ… I drove all the way up the dirt Mt Aspiring Road and it was incredible! I found it more relaxing and calming than Queenstown, and near some mountains that are just as incredible.
Wanaka definitely has its own character, but could definitely give Queenstown a run for its money, I think! Most people who have spent time there say they love it, so that’s saying something.
Was so happy to stop in Wanaka for a night at a hostel going from Queenstown to the West Coast. Talked to locals in various shops, hung out and ran along the lake, even reading all the tiles on the sidewalk marking historic events over the years. Remember starring off into the distance at the same vantage point of your second photo. Amazing. Will have to take part in some of the adventure sport options nearby next time.
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I’m jealous that you got to spend some time in Wanaka! I really need to plan some time here on my next trip to NZ.
Absolutely gorgeous. I wanna be in Wanaka too!
Haha, glad to know I’m not alone! Thanks for reading.
This looks like the perfect town! Big enough to have lots of fun, yet still feels like a town rather than a huge city.
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Exactly! That’s what makes it so appealing to me, I think. I never find myself truly falling in love with huge cities…
I loved Wanaka as well, I stayed in a hostel near that lake, forget the name of it. I only spend 2 days there, went hiking in the hills nearby and just relaxed. Definitely worth spending some time there
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I’ve heard Wanaka has some good hiking. I don’t doubt it, with all the mountains and lakes nearby!
Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Wanaka. It seems like most people do.
I lived a couple of years in Cromwell – roughly 1/2 way between Queenstown and Wanaka. I agree that Wanaka is a nicer place than Cromwell – if I was visiting the area and had a car I would probably base myself there and trip over to Queenstown/Arrowtown rather than pay the high prices.
The ski fields are actually closer than those near Queenstown – Cardrona and Treble Cone are both very close and very different fields. The news is though that there is no snow! Unheard of this late in June.
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I’ve been to Cromwell! Never spent much time there, but I’ve bought some delicious fruit there… mmm.
I don’t think many people know that Wanaka is an option to rival Queenstown. That’s not to say that I would suggest skipping Queenstown… In fact, it’s one of my favorite places in New Zealand! But if money is an issue, and you want to avoid the crowds, Wanaka is a better choice.
Crazy though that there’s not much snow yet in mid-June! Indeed unheard of. Poor NZ. First the earthquake drives tourists away, and now the ski resorts are going to be hurting…
I love Wanaka, I think I’ve said this on another post of yours previously but Wanaka is heaven for me.
I lived there in 2009 and rode up at Cardies, lovely town. Crazy how they haven’t got any snow yet. The nightlife in Queenstown is better but Wanaka still has some crazy parties going on.
And the hikes around Lake Wanaka and to Lake Hawa are awesome, as well as delving deeper into Mount Aspiring National Park.
Great post Amanda, your love for NZ is infectious.
Thanks so much, Mike.
I hope my NZ posts inspire others to add the country to their travel lists!
Gorgeous! Having never been to New Zealand, I usually only hear about the national parks and the bigger cities. It’s nice to hear about a relatively quiet town, for now at least. You might be letting the cat out of the bag with some of these photographs!
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New Zealand has plenty more gorgeous little towns like this! The whole country is pretty much stunning, though I think Wanaka really caught my attention this time around with all those great fall colors! Thanks for the nice words, Suzy.
Beautiful photographs – Wanaka looks amazing. I’m hoping to visit to do some skiing next year as part of a luxury New Zealand holiday adventure touring the country.
Thanks! Wanaka is indeed lovely. And it’s a great spot to indulge in something adventurous!
It’s the first I’ve heard of the place, but I think I’m a little bit in love >_>
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It’s certainly not difficult to fall in love with Wanaka. It’s a great little town!