Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / South Island / Otago Region / Wanaka / Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka, Wanaka

4.9

Must see · Water Body · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including Lake Wanaka

A haven for outdoor activities and popular amongst bikers, swimmers, and hikers, Lake Wanaka offers a wide array of opportunities to get out and enjoy the region's wild nature. The lake checks in among one of the country's largest bodies of water, stretching 45 km (28 mi) between its farthest points. A long network of foot and bike paths in the vicinity provides ample opportunity to explore the area's hills, mountains, and forests. Certain paths can even give you a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings. Alternatively, hop aboard a kayak or boat to take in the natural landscape from the water. Put Lake Wanaka into our Wanaka trip itinerary tool to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Wanaka.

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Tours to Lake Wanaka

FROM $90 BOOK WITH VIATOR Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

5.0

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $90 ›

FROM $166 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk- meet the boat 10 minutes prior to Departure Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk- meet the boat 10 minutes prior to Departure

5.0

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $166 ›

FROM $23 BOOK WITH VIATOR Māori Whakatau Welcome Māori Whakatau Welcome

5.0

Duration: 40 to 60 minutes

Tours from $23 ›

FROM $177 BOOK WITH VIATOR Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

5.0

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $177 ›

FROM $103 BOOK WITH VIATOR Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka

5.0

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $103 ›

FROM $53 BOOK WITH VIATOR Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka

4.8

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $53 ›

FROM $39 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board

4.6

Duration: 1 hour

Tours from $39 ›

FROM $33 BOOK WITH VIATOR 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka

4.9

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Tours from $33 ›

FROM $127 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private, safe self guided ebike tour from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka Private, safe self guided ebike tour from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka

5.0

Duration: 4 to 9 hours

Tours from $127 ›

FROM $142 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $142 ›

Lake Wanaka reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,305 reviews

Google

4.9

By Annabel1964

Lots to see and do, on and off the water. Walks, bike rides, eating and drinking, don’t miss Patagonia ice creams.

Lots to see and do, on and off the water. Walks, bike rides, eating and drinking, don’t miss Patagonia ice creams. more »
By mischa642016

A pleasant stroll along the lake or pathway to the Wanaka Tree. A miracle from Nature. Great flora to see along the way. The calm lake and mountains. You can hire kayaks but we chose to walk around...

A pleasant stroll along the lake or pathway to the Wanaka Tree. A miracle from Nature. Great flora to see along the way. The calm lake and mountains. You can hire kayaks but we chose to walk around... more »
By Acineto

I came by during winter to go snowboarding in Treble Cone and Cardona. The town isn't very big but does have quite a few food options and is located across the road from the lake. The lake itself has.... more

I came by during winter to go snowboarding in Treble Cone and Cardona. The town isn't very big but does have quite a few food options and is located across the road from the lake. The lake itself has.... more »

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Google

By Natalie Weerasinghe

Small little town and a big lake. The famous tree is about a 15 minute walk from the town and can be done near the road or the water. The tree is much closer to the edge of the lake than expected, and much smaller than the photos. Nice pit stop in between a long car or bus ride. The weather can change the experience, definitely plan ahead if this is something you want to include in your trip!

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By Bryan Yeo

A nice lake beside a small town. Water is clear and quite calm, you can go swimming in the lake near the town area. Walk about 20minutes further from the main town area and you can see #ThatWanakaTree

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By lilithchick

Beautiful lake. It’s so wide; so just walking around it will take a while, but there won’t be any bad view. You can also see the famous Wanaka Tree, though it’s not that spectacular, in my opinion. But we saw it at low tide.

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By Benedict Uy

A really beautiful lake which spreads across a really large area. The town area has a walk that goes along the lkaefront which is a really nice place to walk along. A new walkway is being developed to make this easier. The beach is pebbly and the water is clean with fish and birds living in it. There are a couple of carparks along the main area with playground, toilets and lake access, one near the town and the other near that Wanaka Tree. It is a nice place to stop both in summer or winter, if just for the views.

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By Ma Doll

Wanaka Lake is stunning and peaceful. We eat lunch in the lakeside, the weather is warm, and my kids love playing in the playground.

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