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66 Available Tour Excursions in Wanaka
Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. Get out of your comfort zone and be rewarded as we conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world. Our Level 1 climb involves approximately 45mins of physical climbing and 4 bridge crossings. Our Via ferrata tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors, waterfalls and beautiful places. It is suitable for beginners, families and hesitant adventurers with basic fitness. No experience required. Your tour starts at the waterfall where your friendly guide will fit your safety gear and teach you how to use the equipment before starting the climb. You will be climbing on steel ladder rungs and crossing wire bridges to finish at a beautiful picnic spot. We then walk down a mountain trail and back to the base. If you are more adventurous and are looking to explore more in this incredible vertical world, we recommend our intermediate Level 2 climb.
Price: $120.57
Duration: 2 hours
Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.
Price: $99.83
Duration: 3 hours
On this small group tour, we'll pick you up anywhere in Wanaka at your preferred time. We've created this trip due to high demand for an easy e-bike ride with a focus on wine and food. After a quick 20-minute orientation on the e-bike, you're ready to roll. We've got your back with first aid kits, maps, and a spare bike. While it's not guided, we're nearby if you need help. Explore food and drink options, enjoy the flat, wide trail – great for beginners. It's a 6-hour trip, with about 2 hours of easy biking. We take care of the driving so you can savor the wine in style. Just a short 35-minute ride from Wanaka takes you to the unique Bannockburn landscape and their superb Pinot Noirs.
Price: $162.44
Duration: 6 hours
Welcome to a Wine Lover's Paradise! Join us as we embark on a wine tasting - sightseeing adventure like no other visiting wineries around Wanaka - Pisa - Cromwell - Bannockburn - Bendigo. It is a day full of new mates, scenic beauty, a beautiful gourmet lunch platter and some seriously good wine. Meet the winemakers who are pouring their passions and get an insider's look into everything that is involved in creating the perfect glass of wine from vineyard to bottle. Living the Dream Tours is a wine tour company that encourages guests to unwind for an unforgettable day and let us do all the work. It's not just a tour; it's a connection with the artisans who make the magic happen.
Price: $233.33
Duration: 7 hours
Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your fishing adventure. 2. Diverse Fish Species: The lake is home to a variety of fish, including brown and rainbow trout, and salmon making it an attractive destination for anglers of all skill levels. 3. Experienced Guides: charters provide an experienced fishing guide who knows the lake well and can offer valuable tips and insights to enhance your fishing experience. 4. Wildlife Sightings: In addition to fishing, you may have the chance to see local wildlife like birds and perhaps even glimpses of the elusive native bird, the takahe. 6. Relaxing Environment: Lake Wanaka provides a serene and tranquil environment, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely day of fishing, relaxation, and appreciation of nature.
Price: $191.98
Duration: 3 hours
tart your journey on the calm waters of Lake Wānaka, where mist lingers on the surface and the mountains rise all around you. In just three hours, you’ll cast your line into some of the most scenic fishing waters in New Zealand. With expert guidance and top-quality gear, you’ll learn proven techniques like trolling and downrigging to target trout and salmon. Our boat is powered by a quiet electric trolling motor, letting you glide silently through the water—perfect for sneaking up on fish and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. As you fish beneath the peaks of Roys Peak, Mount Aspiring, and Treble Cone, you’ll feel far from the crowds, fully immersed in nature. With small groups (max 6 people), snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks included, this trip is designed for comfort, focus, and the thrill of the catch. It’s not just a fishing trip—it’s a moment of calm, a burst of excitement, and a memory made in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Price: $209.70
Duration: 3 hours
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 this experience in a World Heritage Area, in just one day! Our experienced local guides are with you from pick-up to drop-off, offering their knowledge of the area, it's history, flaura & fauna. The day begins with a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley. After driving through several fords, we arrive at Raspberry Hut. From here, this guided hike begins along the banks of the Matukituki River. We enter Mt Aspiring National Park via a swing bridge, crossing the river. The walk steadily climbs through New Zealand Beech Rainforest with a wide variety of flaura & fauna. After walking for 2.5 hours, the forest drops away and we enter open ground. Here the beauty of Rob Roy Glacier unfolds. Take time to relax and enjoy one of the best views Mother Nature offers, whilst enjoying a gourmet packed lunch!
Price: $248.10
Duration: 9 hours
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 have a great ride and experience. The Lake Dunstan Trail is one an Official NZ Great Ride and possibly the best one-day NZ Great Ride in New Zealand. nzbiketrails is a Qualmark Gold accredited company - meaning that we a provider delivering within the top 10% of New Zealand Experiences. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional levels of Guest services which is represented by our reviews. Our aim is to help guests see the beauty of New Zealand, on great bikes, led by passionate trail riders who love what they do. We also aim to 'do good' in the communities that we operate in.
Price: $118.14
Duration: 8 hours
If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a unique and special memory to include in your wedding day. Because it is personalised we can discuss what best suits your needs, from experience it is ideally suited prior to the Bride, Groom and Wedding party entering the reception, or at a gathering with all guests and family prior to the wedding day itself. The Bridge and Groom get a bone carving and the guests and wedding party get an experience they will remember in your wedding forever.
Price: $151.47
Duration: 0 hours
Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.
Price: $88.02
Duration: 3 hours
A lovely, easy grade guided bike ride following another one of Wanaka’s beautiful rivers. Crystal blue water, endless mountain vistas and easy pedalling, make this a great trip for people wanting some gentle exercise. A great trip for the whole family. We'll provide all the necessary equipment, transport, and friendly, qualified, local guide.
Price: $189.03
Duration: 2 hours
This is the Wānaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high into the mountains of West Wānaka Station. The perfect mix of wide open walking trails, alpine meadows, jaw-dropping scenery, and high country farming life. You’ll love helping out and learning about our predator control conservation project along the way too. A relaxed picnic lunch awaits atop Lookout Hill. Don’t feel up to walking all day? No problem, we provide 4WD support so jump in any time and enjoy the view and friendly banter with your guide. A safe, fun and active day of classic kiwi adventure the whole family can enjoy together.
Price: $245.14
Duration: 6-7 hours
Immerse yourself in the environment and truly connect with nature Learn climbing and canyoning in one tour Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views. Get up close and personal with waterfalls Feel an adrenaline rush as you rappel down 6 waterfalls
Price: $194.34
Duration: 5 hours
The ‘Introduction To Rock Climbing’ is our most popular trip. You get the opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing in a safe and fun way, focusing on maximum time actually climbing, whilst learning safe practices and good technique along the way. It is ideal for those who have never climbed before, or only on an indoor wall. The climbing can range from easy to challenging and we keep the group sizes small to ensure everyone has a great time and is challenged at their own level. Our qualified instructors/guides will take you to the most suitable venue in the beautiful Matukituki Valley near Wanaka.
Price: $365.06
Duration: 4 hours
Join us for an exhilarating craft beer adventure, exploring Wanaka's top-notch breweries with delectable food pairings on our self-guided e-Bike tours. Immerse yourself in a safe, personalised, and enjoyable journey, giving you the freedom to uncover Wanaka's vibrant craft beer scene and culinary delights at your own pace. Embark on our specialized Hawea River Track adventure, a gem among Wanaka bike trails. This unique tour spans Wanaka's natural wonders, from the serene Lake Hawea John's Creek Trail to the thrilling Hawea River Track and Outlet track. As the only locally owned company offering the full Lake Hawea to Wanaka bike ride, we've ingeniously combined three tracks to craft the ultimate 1-day craft beer tour in New Zealand. Why settle for a standard bike rental and a big brand beer label when you can enjoy a craft beer exploration along the picturesque Lake Hawea to Wanaka bike trail?
Price: $144.72
Duration: 4-9 hours
Join us for a 3-hour fishing adventure on the peaceful waters of Lake Hāwea, surrounded by stunning mountain views. With clear, deep water and plenty of fish, it’s the perfect place to catch trout or salmon. You’ll learn and use great fishing techniques like trolling and using the downriggers, with help from a friendly, expert skipper. Our boat runs on a quiet electric motor, so you can enjoy a smooth, eco-friendly ride while staying close to nature. With small groups (max 6 people), you’ll have plenty of space to fish and relax. We’ll provide all the gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks—you just bring your excitement and enjoy the thrill of the catch in one of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
Price: $224.47
Duration: 3 hours
Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea are home to diverse fish species, including brown and rainbow trout, as well as salmon, catering to anglers of all skill levels. Guided by seasoned experts, these charters provide valuable insights into the best fishing spots and techniques, enhancing the overall experience. This combination of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and professional guidance makes Wanaka fishing charters a unique and memorable adventure.
Price: $945.13
Duration: 3 hours
Guests love the balance of excellent wine, local stories, stunning scenery and easygoing fun, plus thoughtful touches like a curated charcuterie board. With door-to-door Wanaka pickup and a friendly, social vibe, it feels less like a tour and more like being shown around by a local friend who truly loves the region. This half-day tour is hosted by a passionate local guide with international wine-tour experience, offering a relaxed, personal feel from start to finish. Unlike larger operators, this tour runs in small groups, allowing real conversations with winemakers, unhurried tastings, and flexibility to adapt the day to the group’s interests. Wineries are carefully selected boutique producers, chosen for their quality, character and welcoming atmosphere rather than volume or commercial scale.
Price: $174.26
Duration: 4 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: NZD
- Languages: English, Māori, and commonly spoken tourist languages such as Mandarin, German, and French
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
- Population: Approximately 9,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is summer for outdoor activities or winter for snow sports.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU member states generally do not require a visa for short stays up to 3 months. Others may need to apply for a visitor visa or an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) before arrival. Visa on arrival is not typically available. Travelers should check the latest New Zealand immigration requirements based on their nationality.
About Wanaka
Wanaka is a picturesque town located in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. Nestled beside Lake Wanaka and surrounded by the Southern Alps, it offers stunning natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. Known for its crystal-clear lake waters, dramatic mountain scenery, and outdoor adventure opportunities, Wanaka attracts visitors seeking both relaxation and adrenaline-filled activities. The town is less commercialized than nearby Queenstown, providing a more laid-back experience with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and local art galleries. Wanaka is famous for its iconic lone tree in the lake, a favorite photography spot. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities, from hiking and mountain biking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. The friendly community, combined with spectacular landscapes and a wide range of recreational options, makes Wanaka a unique destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to experience authentic New Zealand culture.
Wanaka Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of South Island
- Duration Range: Custom Durations
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is summer for outdoor activities or winter for snow sports. Pack layers as weather can change quickly. Respect local customs and the environment, especially in natural parks. Carry cash and cards; most places accept credit cards but some smaller vendors may prefer cash. Stay hydrated and use sun protection during outdoor activities. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable during peak seasons.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $180
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Lake Wanaka: A stunning glacial lake perfect for kayaking, fishing, and scenic walks. 2. Roys Peak: A popular hiking trail offering panoramic views of Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. 3. Puzzling World: A quirky attraction featuring optical illusions, a maze, and interactive puzzles. 4. Mount Aspiring National Park: A vast wilderness area ideal for hiking, climbing, and wildlife spotting. 5. Wanaka Lavender Farm: A beautiful farm with lavender fields, gardens, and a café serving local treats.
Popular Activities
Wanaka offers a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in summer. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski resorts like Treble Cone and Cardrona. Adventure seekers can try skydiving, paragliding, and jet boating. The town also hosts cultural events and art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours in the surrounding vineyards or relax with lakeside picnics and boat cruises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Wanaka’s food scene features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with influences from New Zealand and international cuisines. Signature dishes include lamb, seafood, and venison. The town has cozy cafés and fine dining restaurants offering farm-to-table experiences. Must-try foods include New Zealand green-lipped mussels, pavlova dessert, and locally produced cheeses. Noteworthy restaurants include Kika for modern New Zealand cuisine and The Cow for rustic Italian-style dining.
Getting Around
Wanaka is accessible by road from Queenstown and other South Island cities. The nearest airport is Queenstown Airport, about an hour’s drive away. Local transport options include shuttle buses, taxis, and bike rentals. Walking is popular within the town due to its compact size. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the wider region. Costs for local transport are moderate, with car rentals and shuttle services widely available.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is summer for outdoor activities or winter for snow sports. Pack layers as weather can change quickly. Respect local customs and the environment, especially in natural parks. Carry cash and cards; most places accept credit cards but some smaller vendors may prefer cash. Stay hydrated and use sun protection during outdoor activities. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable during peak seasons.
Culture & Customs
Wanaka’s culture reflects a blend of Māori heritage and European settler influences. The community values friendliness, environmental stewardship, and outdoor living. Important customs include greeting with a handshake and respecting nature. Local festivals such as the Wanaka A&P Show celebrate rural traditions, while arts and music events highlight creative expression. Visitors should be mindful of conservation rules and show respect when visiting Māori sites.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..