New hotels in Wanaka

This guide isn't tracking any hotel opening in Wanaka yet. The town's population, just over 7,500 at the last census, has grown fast, but that growth hasn't yet produced a verified new hotel that meets this guide's standard — this page covers Wanaka on its own merits until one does.

A lake, a mountain range, and one famous tree

Wanaka sits on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka, a 45-kilometre-long, 311-metre-deep glacial lake in Otago's Southern Lakes district, on New Zealand's South Island. Mount Aspiring National Park, with its glaciers and serrated peaks, rises directly behind the town, and the lake's edge is home to New Zealand's most photographed tree, a lone willow growing out of the shallows known simply as "That Wanaka Tree." Rippon, one of the country's most scenic vineyards, sits a short drive from the town centre with the lake and mountains as a backdrop.

Skiing without the Queenstown crowds

Wanaka is the base for two of the South Island's best-regarded ski areas: Treble Cone, the largest lift-served ski area in the region with terrain up to 2,058 metres, known for steep, uncrowded advanced runs; and Cardrona Alpine Resort, a more family-friendly mountain with wide beginner and intermediate terrain and a serious freestyle park. Snow Farm, nearby, is one of the few dedicated cross-country and Nordic ski areas in New Zealand. Queenstown, the region's larger and busier resort town, is about an hour away over the Crown Range Road — close enough for a day trip, far enough that Wanaka keeps a noticeably calmer pace.

Summer in Wanaka

Outside ski season, Wanaka is a hiking and adventure-sports base in its own right. Roys Peak, with its sweeping lake view from the summit, is one of the most-climbed day hikes in New Zealand, and the surrounding rivers and canyons support rafting, canyoning and mountain biking through spring and summer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a new hotel opening in Wanaka?

None currently tracked on this guide. Wanaka's accommodation has expanded alongside the town's rapid growth, but no opening here has yet met this guide's verification standard.

What is Wanaka known for?

Lake Wanaka, "That Wanaka Tree," and two major ski areas — Treble Cone and Cardrona — that make it one of the South Island's main winter-sports bases.

How far is Wanaka from Queenstown?

About an hour's drive over the Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest sealed public road.

Is Wanaka good for hiking?

Yes — Roys Peak, above the lake, is one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes, and Mount Aspiring National Park behind the town offers longer multi-day tramps.

When is ski season in Wanaka?

Roughly June through October, covering both Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort, with July and August the busiest months.