New Zealand » South Island » Wanaka
Top Things to Do in Wanaka
We compared all 16 experiences in Wanaka so you can choose in minutes — real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.
4.9 16 experiences
from NZ$ 100
✓Free cancellation on most experiences
Sort
Wanaka: Highest Waterfall Cable Climb Level 2 (4 Hours)You'll climb steel ladder rungs next to a vertical waterfall for three hours, cross six bridges, and walk down a mountainside trail — all with a professional guide, full safety gear, and a sandwich included. Expect moderate to high physical demand and a genuine sense of height; this is not a theme-park experience. The 20-minute drive from Wanaka gets you to a private farm where the climb is the real thing, and the guide keeps the safety record clean.Is it for me?A good fit if you're comfortable with heights and have moderate fitness — the three-hour climb is steep and real, which is exactly what makes the views and the sense of achievement worth it. Plan for four hours total, including the walk down, and know that your legs will feel it the next day.
Wanaka & Hawea: E-Bike Trail Ride with Shuttle & Bakery StopYou’ll start with a shuttle from Wanaka out to Hawea, then spend the day riding easy riverside trails back past mountain views and local spots like Albert Town’s famous bakery. With e-bikes or regular bikes included plus all gear sorted, you’ll have space to stop where you want — maybe even linger by the Clutha River longer than planned.
Cardrona Valley: High Country Pub Horse Trek & Mountain RideYou’ll saddle up in Cardrona Valley and ride into real high country—trotting or cantering across open land with mountain views all around. Stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a drink (it’s included), swap stories with your guide, then follow the river home. Expect laughter, maybe sore legs—and that feeling you only get after doing something bold.
Lake Wanaka: Mou Waho Island Water Taxi & Freedom WalkYou’ll hop a water taxi from Wanaka Marina for a breezy ride up Lake Wanaka with live local commentary. Walk steep trails on Mou Waho Island among curious weka birds, then catch wild views over Arethusa Pool and surrounding peaks before heading back—don’t be surprised if you want to linger longer than planned.
Wanaka & Clutha River: Jet Boat Ride with Local GuideYou’ll skim over Lake Wanaka and race down the Clutha River on a jet boat ride with a local guide—expect wild spins, sudden bursts of speed, close calls with overhanging trees, plus stories about the river’s history and wildlife. Includes life jackets and guide commentary. You’ll probably laugh louder than you meant to—and remember that feeling long after you dry off.
Wanaka: Highest Waterfall Cable Climb & Via Ferrata Level 1You climb steel ladder rungs bolted into a waterfall, cross four wire bridges, and reach a mountain picnic spot in about two hours. A professional guide teaches you everything, provides all safety gear, and stays with you the entire way. The route is designed for beginners with basic fitness and no climbing experience. You walk back down a trail to the base, and the whole experience costs less than you'd expect for something that rewires how you see yourself.Is it for me?Right for anyone curious about pushing past their comfort zone without needing prior climbing experience or extreme fitness — the guide handles the technical side, and the two-hour format means you're back in town by early afternoon. Plan for forty-five minutes of real physical climbing, which is what makes reaching the top of the world's highest waterfall cable climb possible.
Wanaka: Lake & mountain 4x4 tour with picnicYou’ll cross Lake Wanaka by boat with a small group, ride a 4x4 up Mt. Burke with your local guide sharing stories along the way, and pause for a gourmet picnic overlooking wild peaks and water below. It’s peaceful, personal, sometimes bumpy — and leaves you with an echo of New Zealand’s wild side you’ll remember long after the trip.
Lake Wanaka: Jet Ski Tour with Bays & Islands ViewsYou’ll feel pure freedom skimming across Lake Wanaka on your own jet ski, carving through quiet bays and past wild islands with an easygoing local guide nearby. Expect laughter, a little adrenaline, and surprising moments of peace between bursts of speed — plus all gear included for a worry-free ride.
Wanaka: Skydive Over Southern Alps with Scenic FlightYou’ll ride out from Wanaka for your skydive adventure over the Southern Alps — gearing up with your tandem instructor before taking off on a scenic flight past lakes and glaciers. Feel your heart race as you freefall above Wanaka, then float gently down with views you won’t forget soon.
Wanaka: Off Road 4WD Farm Safari & Alpine Cafe ViewsYou’ll ride deep into West Wanaka’s wild hills by 4WD, spot red deer and cattle roaming private farmland, hear real local stories from your guide, and pause for coffee with sweeping lake views at an alpine hut. Expect fresh air, laughter, and an authentic slice of New Zealand mountain life.
Milford Sound from Wanaka: Glacier flight & fiord cruiseYou’ll fly from Wanaka over wild glaciers into Milford Sound, then cruise beneath towering cliffs with coffee in hand. Expect moments of awe (and maybe a little vertigo), plus stories from your local pilot that stick with you long after you land.
Wanaka & Cromwell: Wine Tour with Māori Culture, Tastings & PickupYou’ll taste Central Otago wines in boutique vineyards around Wanaka and Cromwell while hearing Māori stories from your local guide. Expect laughter over cheese platters, hands-on moments with haka moves, and quiet time by Lake Wanaka. This isn’t just wine tasting — it’s sharing food, culture, and scenery you’ll remember long after you leave.
Wanaka & Central Otago: Boutique Wine Tour with LunchYou’ll meet local winemakers in Wanaka & Central Otago, sample award-winning wines at four boutique vineyards, and enjoy a late gourmet lunch cooked right inside a wine barrel. Expect relaxed conversation, new friends, hotel pickup and drop-off — plus those little moments you can’t plan for but always remember.
Wanaka & Queenstown: Māori Whakatau Welcome CeremonyYou’ll stand on the shores of Lake Wanaka or in Queenstown as Māori hosts greet you with ancient ritual—a challenge, stories about manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, then sharing hongi together. With private transport included and time to ask questions after, you’ll leave feeling less like an outsider and more like family.
Lake Wanaka: Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk TourYou’ll board a small cruiser on Lake Wanaka, guided by locals who know every mountain and bird call along the way. Hike Mou Waho Island’s trails to reach a hidden glacial lake at its summit—watch for rare Buff Weka birds—and pause for some real silence above it all. It’s a day that lingers long after you’re back on shore.
Wanaka River: Packrafting Adventure with Guide & LunchYou’ll paddle down the Matukituki River near Wanaka with a local guide, stopping for a riverside picnic lunch and swimming if you’re brave enough. Expect mountain views, glacier air, and plenty of laughs as you learn packrafting basics—plus hotel pickup and all your gear sorted so you can just show up ready for adventure.
