Lake Wānaka

At 45 kilometres long and covering 193 square kilometres, Lake Wānaka is perfect for jetboaters, sailors and kayakers to explore.

Located in the spectacular alps of the South Island, New Zealand, visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wānaka region by its outstanding beauty. The stunning mountain and lakeside setting and proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Area, makes it the ultimate base for outdoor activities.

With four distinct seasons, Wānaka is a year-round destination. Summers are hot and dry - perfect for water-sports, hiking and biking. Winters are cool and crisp with four diverse ski areas offering great options for skiers and snowboarders. Spring is the ideal time to get out and explore the lakeside tracks and trails, and the vibrant colours of autumn are perfect for photography.

It’s not just the outdoor enthusiasts who have plenty to do, stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries, stylish shops and be spoilt for choice with a great selection of cool cafes, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, award-winning wineries, and an artisan distillery.

Wānaka is also home to more world class events than most, from international triathlons to music and arts festivals. Warbirds over Wānaka, Festival of Colour, Rhythm & Alps, and the Audi Quattro Winter Games, just to name a few.