Wānaka is one of the most gorgeous places in New Zealand.
Picture perfect postcard scenery, an incredible lake, mountains and glaciers, even a world-famous tree. The atmosphere is great, the people seem happy and laid back. Wānaka has so much to offer for everyone.
This is our guide to 24 hours in Wānaka.
Wānaka is a town we have passed through a few times to get around the Southern Alps. We have only ever been in this charming, lake-side town for a few nights in total, with some visits only being 24 hours in total.
Wānaka is Queenstown’s more mature and arguably better-looking older sibling. Most people go straight to Queenstown when they are in this part of the country, which is such a shame. They miss this absolute gem of a location.
We have always made the most of our time in Wānaka, despite only having spent a day or two at a time here.
In this article we will be helping you to use your time effectively and maximise your 24 hours in Wānaka so you get the most out of your travels through here.
We will give you suggestions on what to do in Wānaka, such as hikes like Roys Peak or Mount Iron, or more unusual things to do in Wānaka such as Puzzling World.
And if you are asking “is it worth visiting Wānaka?”, we would answer with an overwhelming yes!
There are so many incredible hikes, the best Instagram spot on the South Island, and some great places to eat and drink.
Read on for a list of 12 things to do in Wānaka if you’re only here for a short amount of time. We have also created two 24- hours in Wānaka itineraries for you too.
Disclosure: This article does contain some affiliate links to tours that we recommend. If you book using our links, it helps keep this travel blog running at no extra cost to yourself! We love travelling and blogging about it.
Every time we pass through Wānaka, we have made a beeline for this place for breakfast. Conveniently located if you are getting a bus or want to be near to water. It also provides delicious food!
Swim in the Lake
Certainly more of a summertime activity (but it can be done in the winter!), swimming in the lake is enjoyed by everyone in the summer.
Whether you wade in slowly or jump in off the small jetty on the lake front, the water is safe and refreshing.
Hike up Mount Iron
This 1.5-hour hike takes you up to an elevation of around 250 metres- which is not particularly high. However, the views from the top are an impressive 360 degrees, panoramic look at the scenery in the local area, including both Lake Wānaka and Lake Hawea, and the Crown Range.
It is an ideal hike to do in a short 24-hour visit to Wānaka as you get the impressive scenic views, for a fraction of the effort compared to other hikes such as Roys Peak.
Mount Iron is also family friendly- we saw loads of people with small children on this hike.
Allow the big kid in you to play! This is such a weird and wonderful experience.
There are two elements to this experience: The Illusion Room and The Maze.
The illusion room consists of six rooms:
- Glow Safari
- Tilted House
- Following Faces
- Ames Room
- Sculptillusion Gallery
- Paradox Lane
We won’t say anything about these rooms as we don’t want to ruin anything for you! But what we will say is at least one of them will make you feel very odd as reality is seemingly broken and your perception completely warped!
Even the toilet has an element of illusion…
The massive maze that takes anywhere between 30 mins to an hour and a half to complete is great fun too. Be prepared to see the same faces over and over as you and everyone in the maze get lost multiple times.
Kids, move over.
Roys Peak Track
Roys Peak Track is one of the best hikes in New Zealand. It’s up there with the Tongariro Crossing.
Eight kilometres to the top, this track has a brutal incline and takes between 6-8 hours to complete but is absolutely worth the effort.
It is located just a short drive out of Wānaka town- if you have your own car then great, if not hitchhiking works well around here as there are so many travellers.
It is at about the 6.5km mark up this track that you will find the most Instagramable spot in New Zealand.
Check out our guide and information on this awesome hike here.
Rob Roy Glacier
Arriving at the Raspberry Creek Carpark to do the Rob Roy Glacier hike is exciting as it is one of the best hikes in Wānaka (almost).
This trek will take you past valleys, rivers and waterfalls until you reach the glacier itself.
The hike takes 3-4 hours and is 10km long. Much easier than Roys Peak.
Why not have bring a packed lunch and chill out here for a bit?
This track is sometimes closed so make sure you check this DOC site for updates.
Visiting the most famous tree in New Zealand couldn’t be easier. Simply walk along the beach towards the Wānaka water sports facility and you’ll find it.
It is only a few meters away from the shoreline.
We have visited it in the summer and the winter, and both times have completely distinct aspects of beauty.
If you are interested in some facts about That Wanaka Tree, check out our article that has everything you need to know about it.
We have already mentioned how beautiful this lake is. Why not get in/ on it?
Hiring a kayak or paddleboard is a perfect way to see the lake and the town of Wānaka from a unique perspective.
This doesn’t have to be expensive either; prices start from $30 per hour.
Visit Mou Waho- The lake on the island on the island on the lake
Enjoy visiting this impressive island on the lake that holds many attractions, such as extensive natural wildlife, impressive views and another lake.
Check out the Lake Cruise and Island Tour below- they get you to plant a tree as part of this tour to help the ongoing restoration of Mou Waho. We like this.
With Central Otago being such a famed wine region, particularly for Pinot Noir, it would be rude to not visit a winery here.
With views overlooking the Southern Alps, Rippon Vineyard is located on the western shore of Lake Wānaka and operates between the hours of 12-5 every day of the week for wine tastings.
Make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment: it is strictly appointment only.
Check out their website for bookings and more information.
Skydive Wānaka
For the more adventurous souls out there, why not see Wānaka from above and then plumet down through a freefall?
Check out our link for more information: Skydive Wānaka
Dine Outside
If choosing food from a variety of food stalls outside next to a gently trickling stream, trees and bushes, surrounded by mountains isn’t your thing, then skip this one.
If it is your thing, then this is the place for you!
Some of the best vegan/ veggie food in town can be found in this area, in addition to it simply being an awesome spot for dinner.
RELATED WĀNAKA ARTICLES
Itineraries for 24 hours in Wānaka
We have made three itineraries for you if you don’t fancy mixing and matching for yourself from the suggestions above.
Before we begin with the three itineraries, our first recommendation- which goes against the title of this article completely- is to have more time here.
Honestly, it’s worth spending more than 24 hours here.
But you can absolutely cram in a day full of fun and adventure in this part of New Zealand.
We would recommend coming during the summer months, so you can maximise your daylight hours.
Itinerary One
07:00 Wake up
We recommend waking up early to maximise your time here.
As you’re here in the summer, it will already be light.
Get your shit together for the day ahead and head out as soon as you can.
07:30 Breakfast
Whether this is at your hostel, air BnB, or at Kai Whakapai, grab a bite to eat and a coffee to start your day.
08:00 That Wanaka Tree
No visit to Wānaka would be complete without seeing the most famous and most photographed tree in New Zealand.
This is a great activity after breakfast as it is a short stroll along the lakefront.
Click here to learn why That Wanaka Tree is famous.
09:00 Mount Iron
You’ve let your breakfast go down and seen the tree. Now head 30 minutes by foot in the oposite direction to the start of the Mount Iron hike.
This short 1.5 hour hike is stunning and displays Wānaka in the picture perfect scenic views that you see on postcards.
12:00 Puzzling World
When you finish the Mount Iron hike, it will bring you out just opposite Puzzling World, so you might as well.
Mount Iron isn’t too hot or exhausting, so a quick spray of deodorant and you’ll be fine.
It is easy to spend a good few hours in Puzzling World, as you have the Illusion Rooms and The Maze which is so much fun.
You can also buy lunch here if you didn’t make a packed lunch for your small hike.
15:00 Freshen Up
A mid-afternoon freshen up may be necessary to ditch your hiking boots and shower before you head into town again.
16:00 Grab a drink and enjoy the early evening
There are loads of spots along the front in Wānaka to grab a drink but in true Jess and Ben fashion we would reccomend a beer.
Here are four suggestions:
- Brew Bar– enjoy a tasting paddle of locally brewed beers (made by Wānaka Brewery) and get yourself a table on the balcony overlooking Lake Wānaka.
- The Paddle & Pint- If you enjoy Guiness like we do, then head here and sink a few. Definitely take sunscreen though as it is a bit of suntrap.
- Cork Bar– Tucked away on the road heading away from the lake, this bar is one that we always swing by if we visit Wānaka.
17:30 Dinner
As foodies, we love going out to eat. After a day like this itinerary suggests, we’d go to one of these places for dinner:
21:00 Sunset
Despite not being able to see the sun setting over the horizon from Wānaka, seeing the hills and mountains in the surrounding area illuminate or the clouds being lit up pink by the setting sun is pretty special.
Definitely not something you want to miss.
Alternative: If you want to catch a better than average sunset, head up to Mount Iron in the evening rather than in the morning as this gives you awesome 360 degrees panoramic views of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hawea.
23:00 A drink or two more…
As a town full of cool people and backpackers, there’s usually something going on. Maybe pop into town and see what happens!
Itinerary Two
02:30 Wake up
I know this must seem completely weird compared to Itinerary One where you wake up at 07:00. But trust us.
Jump out of bed as quick as you can and have some breakfast. A nice carby one, providing plenty of energy.
03:00 Roys Peak
Hike the famous Roys Peak Track for sunrise. Give yourself about 4 hours (but also do your own research) to make the summit here and please pack accordingly- check out our article on hiking Roys Peak here.
07:00 Sunrise on Roys Peak
After allowing 4 hours to hike in the dark to the summit of Roys Peak, you are rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise over Lake Wānaka and the surrounding scenery.
What a way to start the day.
Even if its cloudy the views are still spectacular.
12:00 Lunch
After your extremely early and successful start to the day, you’re back in Wanaka with the day to play with (until an early night of course).
A few places we recommend for lunch are:
- Kai Whakapai- great food, great coffee (and beer) and a great location. What more you do want?
- Kamino – Light & healthy options and much needed coffee.
13:30 Refresh
After a leisurely lunch, adding a few stories to Instagram and time to look at all of your awesome pictures from the morning, a shower and a change of clothes may be necessary.
14:30 Beach Time
You deserve a relaxing time on the beach, enjoying the sun and the water.
This is the perfect time to read a book, sunbathe or have a light snooze after your early start.
A few suggestions if sitting on the shoreline and reading/ sunbathing isn’t your thing (aka Ben) could be:
- Head down to That Wanaka Tree
- Hire a paddleboard or a kayak
- Go swimming in Lake Wānaka
17:00 Dinner
You’ll probably be hungry and tired at this point after your early start. Grab some food at one of these places:
- Amigos– for amazing Mexican food and margaritas
- The Waterbar– for good pub grub and a beer.
- Francescas Italian Kitchen– The best Italian food around, pizzas and pasta baby.
19:00 Bedtime
It’s been a long, awesome day of hiking, lakes and food. You’ll probably be tired by this point in the day as your day started at 02:30.
If you’ve got it in you, sunset is always great in Wānaka but we reckon your bed will be well and truly calling for you by now.
The Best Places to Eat in Wānaka
We have mentioned a few places on the topic of where to eat in Wānaka in our itineraries. However, below, for your convenience, is a list of all of the best places to eat in Wānaka
Just follow the link and see if you like the vibes of each restaurant.
Budget Friendly Places to Stay in Wānaka
A good bed and a comfortable place to stay is key to a successful 24 hours in Wānaka. And you’re not going to be in your hostel/ hotel room as you want to make the most out of your short amount of time here, so you don’t want to spend too much money.
Here’s our list of good value places to stay in Wānaka.
Adventure Hostel Wānaka – Best Value, from $59 per night (We always try to stay here)
YHA Hostel Wānaka– From $60 per night
Brownston Hotel – Best for Private Rooms, from $200 per night,
In summary...
24 hours in Wānaka is enough to do some of the amazing activities that the town has to offer. Like we have said, we do recommend staying for longer if you are able to!
Let us know what you got up to in your 24 hours in Wānaka when you visited- we’d love to know that our article has helped with your travel planning!
Drop a comment at the bottom of this article or message us on Instagram @jessandbentravel
Thanks for reading!
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