10 Best Things To Do In Wanaka 2026

Q: What are the top things to do in Wanaka?

The top things to do in Wanaka are: Lake Wanaka Blue Pools Track Central Otago Fox Glacier Lake Matheson Walk Discover top attractions in Wanaka →

Q: What are the top activities in Wanaka?

Top activities in Wanaka include: Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka Skydive Wanaka 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk COMBO Admission: Puzzling World, Wanaka Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk Discover top tours and activities in Wanaka →

Q: What are the top things to do near Wanaka?

Check out things to do near Wanaka: Things to do in Queenstown Things to do in Fiordland & Milford Sound Things to do in South Island Things to do in Lake Tekapo Things to do in Te Anau

Q: What do I need to know before visiting Wanaka?

Check out these top Wanaka travel ideas: Family-friendly Wanaka Tours Rainy day activities in Wanaka Senior-friendly tours Wanaka The best tours and activities for culture lovers in Wanaka Things to do in Wanaka this summer Discover more Wanaka trip ideas →

Welcome to Wanaka

Book with confidence Real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free cancellations.

Earn rewards Every booking earns Cool Rewards to save money on your next adventure.

Millions of reviews Verified traveler reviews empower you to pick the best experiences.

Award-winning Support Friendly customer service, when you need it: Call, click, or chat.

Things To Do In Wanaka

4.9 (77)

Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka

Fly further and see more when you fly with us from Wanaka. Fly to Milford Sound through two of New Zealand’s most picturesque national parks....

4 hours • Free Cancellation

4.9 (77)

from
$470

4.7 (38)

1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk

This is the most popular cruise when time is limited, the Ruby Island Cruise is a great way to explore the outstanding scenery of Lake...

1 hour • Free Cancellation

4.7 (38)

from
$33

4.7 (65)

Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk

Enjoy a 2 hour small group cruise and nature walk to Stevensons island. Once aboard the luxury catamaran, guests will relax in comfort and enjoy...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

4.7 (65)

from
$53

4.4 (92)

COMBO Admission: Puzzling World, Wanaka

Enjoy this iconic, unique attraction that since 1973 has fascinated people of all ages keen to engage in a fun, challenging and sensory experience. Encouraging...

60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation

4.4 (92)

from
$19

4.7 (92)

Skydive Wanaka

Enjoy a 20-minute scenic ride to altitude on this 3-hour sky diving adventure from Wanaka. Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and soar over the...

3 hours • Free Cancellation

4.7 (92)

from
$213

3.0 (3)

Stevensons Island Outstanding Scenic Cruise

Take a leisurely 45 minute cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Enjoy some of Wanaka's world famous scenery...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

3.0 (3)

from
$41

5.0 (1)

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$83

Wanaka - Private Family Bike Tour Experience - Up to 11 E-bikes

You choose the trail you wish to Bike, and we pick you, and your group up for a Private Tour which we aim to be...

6 to 8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation

from
$1,189

5.0 (10)

From Wanaka Bike the Lake Dunstan Trail with Shuttle Return

A fully hosted day where your Guest Experience Manager (who you will have a direct phone number for) will ensure you are set up to...

8 hours • Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$119

5.0 (13)

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk

In other parts of the world, it may take several days to trek to places as beautiful as the Rob Roy Glacier, but we offer...

9 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$250

5.0 (4)

Lake Hāwea Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance...

3 hours • Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$250

5.0 (1)

Lake Wānaka Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 6 Hours

Our six-hour shared charter gives you the time to experience more of Lake Wānaka, not simply spend longer fishing. With a maximum of six guests,...

6 hours • Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$462

Wanaka tours by style

Recent Wanaka traveler reviews

New York City

COMBO Admission: Puzzling World, Wanaka

Mary_P, Sep 2026

The Puzzling World was a...

The Puzzling World was a great family fun day! Unfortunately comparing the prices, the total booking cost was more expensive on Cool Destinations app in comparison to the cost directly at the place.

New York City

1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk

Malcolm_P, Aug 2026

It was an excellent...

It was an excellent experience, we are very glad we did it.Rion was a great guide, the lake and islands were beautiful and we enjoyed every minute of the tour

New York City

Wanaka Snowshoe Tour

NarurebyH, Aug 2026

Amazing introduction to snow shoeing!

Amazing first time experience and introduction to snow shoeing! I could have kept walking. A very beautiful location in the remarkables mountains. My guide was very informative and helpful. The first tour was cancelled due to weather and the company made every effort to help me get rebooked for another day.

New York City

COMBO Admission: Puzzling World, Wanaka

S6768JYlinhn, Jul 2026

Great experience

Great price with amazing experience. Will come back again

New York City

1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk

Adam_C, Jul 2026

Highly Recommend

We had a great time on our tour to Ruby Island. Learnt some amazing history and everything ran smoothly.

New York City

60Min Classic VR (max 4 games)

B6063VObrendas, Jul 2026

Fabulous time had by our whole family!

Our four-person family played VR games at Realm VR this afternoon and had a blast. Chris was fun and professional, and his love of gaming shone through. He helped Mom learn to use her controllers, laughed with Teen One’s overacting gaming persona, kept an eye on Dad who gets motion sickness, and encouraged Teen Two who was quietly killing every creature in site in-game. He did it with quiet, friendly aplomb. We all had a blast. The equipment worked really well and the space was great.Chris talked us through our game options and suggested ones he thought fit our preferences. We played three, and he was right every time. Chris’ experience with gaming, technology, and people was fantastic. I am SO glad we played at Realm VR. I wish they would open shop in our hometown! Will definitely go back if we’re in Wanaka again. Highly, highly recommend!

New York City

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Hunter_T, Jul 2026

Amazing guided tour Mou Waho

The real treasure find was the tour guide/skipper Tom/Tim ( can't quite remember his name) Impressive knowledge of the geology of the area, local history and the ecosystems, plants and wildlife. The cruise was smooth, the walk was not too difficult, and the view was breathtaking

New York City

Skydive Wanaka

Voyager45144100520, May 2026

Amazing first time skydive

Had an unforgettable time with Skydive Wanaka! Jumping from 12,000 ft over Wanaka was exciting and unforgettable.Big thanks to my instructor Jamie — friendly, calm, and made me feel confident the whole time. The staff were great and they were cool as cucumbers!!The freefall was an amazing adrenaline rush, and the views during the parachute ride were stunning. The photos and videos turned out awesome too. 🤩🤩Highly recommend Skydive Wanaka to anyone visiting New Zealand!

New York City

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Terence_A, May 2026

Amazing Experience

The tour was amazing. The boat ride to the island was comfortable and we learned a lot about the lake and surrounding land along the way. Our guide during the walk was great as well. The trail was slightly steep at times but definitely doable as there was a grandmother doing it with ease. The views atop the lookout were spectacular. This is a must book. Tip: The walk could be done in trainers but you may prefer shoes with traction especially if it rained recently.

New York City

Skydive Wanaka

Curious67622175657, May 2026

Amazing time !! Thank you Rob

What an incredible experience jumping from 15,000 ft! The whole team was friendly and very professional. Big thanks to Rob—he was amazing and made the whole jump enjoyable even though I was very scared. He makes you laugh so you don't think about the anxiety too much. Highly recommend to anyone thinking about skydiving! Wanaka has a stunning scenery.

New York City

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk

annamE6100MV, Apr 2026

Great Family Day

We loved the Rob Roy Glacier view trek and our guide Jason was so knowledgeable and personable! We highly recommend his wonderful company. The hike was breathtaking, and the view at the arrival was a true joy. We are grateful we booked with Eco Adventures!

New York City

Introduction to Wanaka Rock Climbing – Half Day

998jadenl, Apr 2026

Awesome experience, awesome guides

This was an awesome experience. I’m just getting into rock climbing, and my guide (Issac is what I think is name was, but I’m not good with names) was very supportive in trying to find routes that were not too easy for me to climb, but also not impossible. The whole experience was done very well; all the gear was included and was in good shape, the guide was easygoing and personable, they made sure you knew what was going on, and also helped out with spotting holds when things got difficult. There was also no waiting around, I arrived and they got right to getting my kit sized and out to the rock face. Issac also gave tips on how to get into the sport and gain more experience in the future. Not to mention that the views are pretty amazing and the area around Wanaka is one of the most scenic in NZ.I would just like note that this is real rock climbing, so it is a pretty physical endeavor. While the guides do have ways of making it a lot easier on newcomers, like myself, there is a limit and one should be in reasonably good shape before trying this.Definitely recommend and will likely do this again if I end up back in the area.

New York City

Lake Hāwea Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

shanayey2025, Apr 2026

10/10 Experience!!

This was such an incredible experience! I booked for my partner and I and they were accommodating and very educational to every question we asked. Ended catching 7-8 fish in total as a group and had fresh Sashimi off the back of the boat and gotten to take our half home to cook up ourselves!Would recommend this to anybody wether experienced or not, we had an amazing time, thankyou everyone involved ❤️

New York City

Lake Wānaka Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 6 Hours

David L, Apr 2026

Top day out – landed the trout and salmon trifecta

We had an awesome day out with Catch A Fish in Lake Wanaka. Oli was our skipper and he was brilliant – really easygoing, knew his stuff, and got us straight onto the fish. We ended up landing the full trifecta: brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon, which made the day even better.We were out on the lake for about 6 hours and it honestly flew by. The scenery alone is worth it, but Oli also took the time to point out a few spots and share some local knowledge, which added to the experience.There were six of us on board and the Stabicraft was really comfortable with plenty of space. It was well set up for fishing and didn’t feel cramped at all.All up, a great day with good company, great fishing and a top operator. Would definitely recommend it if you’re in Wanaka.

New York City

Wanaka High Country Walk

951kelliew, Apr 2026

Guide Neil was the highlight of our trip

Wow, getting to experience the private views on this property coupled with the fascinating stories we got from our guide made this a special day. We loved how connected we felt to the land and the outdoors having the trail to ourselves all day. And the best part was sitting down for lunch with our guide, Neil, and hearing about when he climbed Mount Cook, his prior roles of owning a farm and being a Shepard, and learning more about NZ life. Cannot recommend this day excursion enough and our new goal in life is to live like Neil 🫶☀️.

New York City

Wild Hills Off Road Safari

elizabeth b, Apr 2026

A spectacular adventure

My husband and I took a fabulous back country 4 wheel drive on West Wanaka station with our guide Lloyd. He was so knowledgeable about the history, farming, the flora and fauna and incredibly interesting. The scenery was achingly beautiful. Delicious lunch and afternoon tea was provided in the most spectacular settings. I would recommend this tour most highly.

View all Tours

Free Cancellation

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of most of our tours.

Wanaka Attractions