Lake Wanaka: Address, Lake Wanaka Reviews: 5/5
Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka
5
About
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Lake Wanaka
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
99 within 5 kms

Big Fig
1,063
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Mediterranean • Healthy

Tititea Steak House
707
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options

Kika
636
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Healthy • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly

Patagonia Chocolates Wanaka
357
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

The Spice Room
1,127
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Grill

Federal Diner
527
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Contemporary • New Zealand

Bombay Palace Wanaka
365
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Relishes Cafe
1,541
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Healthy

Pembroke Wines & Spirits Wanaka
138
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • New Zealand

Kai Whakapai Cafe, Restaurant & Bar
1,032
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Diner • New Zealand
Attractions
24 within 10 kms

Isthmus Peak Track
57
61 mHiking Trails

Beacon Point Walk
50
61 mScenic Walking Areas

Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
240
0.4 kmVisitor Centres

The Picture Lounge
10
0.3 kmArt Galleries

Wanaka Fine Art Gallery
12
0.4 kmArt Galleries
Beautiful Gardens Of Wanaka
1
0.4 kmGardens

Wanaka Heli Hikes
5
0.4 kmHiking Trails

Wanaka Farmers Market
11
0.5 kmFarmers Markets

Mount Iron Track
854
1.6 kmHiking Trails

That Wanaka Tree
320
1.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Popular mentions
5.0
2,303 reviews
Excellent
1,846
Very good
415
Average
38
Poor
2
Terrible
2
flyingeagle2223
Dunedin, New Zealand344 contributions
Jun 2022
Lovely lake, was nice to see the lake in person and seeing parts of it that are not normally shown in photos, as you always see the lonely tree of the lake instead, nice views from the lake.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hanniepex
Auckland, New Zealand480 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Peaceful and quiet lake indeed.
The lonely tree has been there for several years and locals has been looking after it by protecting it and promoting its wellness. The area is well maintained. There’s a walking path to see the wanaka tree.
Its worth the visit once in Wanaka
The lonely tree has been there for several years and locals has been looking after it by protecting it and promoting its wellness. The area is well maintained. There’s a walking path to see the wanaka tree.
Its worth the visit once in Wanaka
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sweetpeapb1
Auckland Central, New Zealand148 contributions
May 2022
lovely area and in summer would be wonderful for boat trips. Scenery round the lake stunning during autumn
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
markilee
Auckland, New Zealand968 contributions
Mar 2022
This is a huge Lake with numerous walking/biking tracks withe the Remarkable Mountain Range surrounding it.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travelguy1969
Wellington, New Zealand96 contributions
Dec 2021
Beautiful Lake Wanaka. I don't know what the big deal is about the Wanaka tree but to each his own. Pretty scenery though.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Urja Thakkar
Auckland Central, New Zealand13 contributions
Jan 2021
It's still a mystery how the tree is in the water. Luckily me and my Friends went there on a sunny day, and there were not many people. There are soo many restaurants and cafes near by, so after a long day at the lake you know where to crash. There are plenty of places and trees under which you can just sit and chill taking in the views. Just be careful of the ducks, I think they love the humans very much lmao. I don't really have words for how beautiful it actually looks. I really would recommend that if you are nearby you SHOULD visit there.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kashucat
Christchurch, New Zealand10 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Stunning view, we just drove over to have a look. Probably worth staying there. There is lots of eating places and would be nice to explore outdoor activities.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JacJac82
Brisbane, Australia388 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Loved just sitting here watching the sun set, and also hired ebikes from Racers and rode along the lake to Sticky Forest. Very Memorable!
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark F
14 contributions
May 2021
Lake Wanaka in autumn is a contrast in colours and weather. We stayed at the Edgewater overlooking the lake. We look advantage of the fine weather to explore the surrounding country side, walking selected tracks (which are well maintained and sign posted. Our three days speed by.
Written 26 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,268 contributions
Apr 2021
Stopped at different places for the views - all very nice. Also walked around part of the shore at the town - it's a picturesque lake and well worth a stop for a look
Written 23 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tricia H
Sydney, Australia42 contributions
Where to stay in Wanaka with 5 adults
santo t
Auckland, New Zealand7,589 contributions
Easy but also a bit difficult question ? Depend on your preference of hotel type. Most of the hotels are still at the walking distances from the lake front, where all facilities usually located, restaurants, cafes, shop, convenience stores etc. (in term of less than 1km walk). Our experience with Archway Motel was OK, approx 600m from the water front, but at a quiet suburb, with bonus of BBQ facility. So we can make and enjoy our dinner with meat and satay BBQ at the motel. This is three people in one room style. So for 5 person (or six) you need to book two rooms. Or if you prefer a dormitory type, probably Base Wanaka is the closest to the lake front, but I do not have experience with this hostel. Good luck.
Hi friends,
I am visiting south new Zealand from 14 th march till 22nd march .
I am coming to Christchurch , where I will stay for a night.
Next two nights at frank Josef
One at wanaka
One at te anau
And three at queens town
This is what I have planned so far . But now I have a problem, I heard about the beautiful stargazing ( Milky Way , and aurora australis ! ) at mt John and mt cook !! I don't want to miss this opportunity but since my return flight is from queentown I don't know how to include lake tekapo in my itenary !
Also pls tell if helicopter is worth than hike on the glacier?and
Which is the best most scenic lake on my route for kayaking
Anku
WellTraveled3
Lexington, MA769 contributions
You might do the stargazing tour at the top of the Skyline Gondola before you leave Queenstown. It is excellent and the telescopes and commentary are first rate. They start at 10PM and go for about an hour and the sky is very dark there at the top of the Skyline, so affords very good visibility.
our_world906
Fort Wayne, IN61 contributions
Hi! Lovely shots of the Lone tree :)
We'll be in Queenstown for 4 days on our 2 week trip to NZ, do you suggest we visit Wanaka & Arrowtown as a daytrip or is it worth it to spend a night in Wanaka?
We will be visiting in early April
thanks
Babsy52
Jervis Bay, Australia93 contributions
Hi, Stay in Wanaka, there are plenty of motels, hotels etc. Go and see the Wanaka Tree in Glendu Bay, the most photographed tree in the world. Boat trips on the lake. You can do a short drive to the Cardrona Hotel, have a lunch or dinner there, more Kodak moments and then another drive to Arrowtown which is stunning in Autumn. It's a short drive once again to Lake Hayes and Queenstown.
Kym S
Melbourne, Australia23 contributions
could you please let me know about airport transfers?
PHam1973
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Generally, do we have to pay to visit lakes in NZ?
brettnjess
Melbourne, Australia1,120 contributions
No charge for seeing Lake Wanaka, there for everyone to enjoy unless you wish to take a jet boating ride or activities offered on the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Wanaka
- We recommend booking Lake Wanaka tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 23 Lake Wanaka tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Lake Wanaka:
- Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka (From $82.66)
- Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board (From $61.73)
- 1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka (From $51.27)
- Half-Day Kayak Tour on Lake Wanaka (From $187.28)
- Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk- meet the boat 10 minutes prior to Departure (From $260.12)
- Hotels near Lake Wanaka:
- (0.29 km) Wanaka View Motel
- (0.24 km) Aspiring Lodge Motel
- (0.52 km) Lakeside Apartments
- (0.49 km) Clearbrook Motel Wanaka
- (0.40 km) Bella Vista Wanaka
- Restaurants near Lake Wanaka:
- (0.18 km) Patagonia Chocolates Wanaka
- (0.19 km) Lake Bar
- (0.21 km) Trout Cafe Restaurant Bar
- (0.22 km) Alchemy
- (0.24 km) Bombay Palace Wanaka