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Best Wanaka Tours & Trips

Known for its iconic lone willow tree - a favorite for photos in every season - this laid-back town is a gateway to world-class skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone. Hiking trails like Roy's Peak deliver breathtaking views over turquoise waters and rugged peaks, while the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park beckons trampers and nature lovers. In summer, biking the Alps 2 Ocean Trail or kayaking on Lake Wanaka reveals pristine landscapes, and local cafes serve craft coffee and fresh produce with mountain vistas. Whether chasing adrenaline or quiet moments by the water, Wanaka balances beauty and authenticity in every corner.

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6 Results

9-Day South New Zealand Adventure Tour from Christchurch: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki National Park, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boating

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9-Day South New Zealand Adventure Tour from Christchurch: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki National Park, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boating

5.0 ~~(17 reviews)~~ Tour Code: 689637

Start / End City

Christchurch, Queenstown

Duration

9.0 Days

City & Attractions

Christchurch, Wanaka, Queenstown +2 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Tour Audience

Mixed International Travelers

From

$1,566.96

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9-Day Epic South New Zealand Adventure Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki National Park, Wanaka, Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boating

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9-Day Epic South New Zealand Adventure Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki National Park, Wanaka, Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boating

5.0 ~~(17 reviews)~~ Tour Code: 689865

Start / End City

Christchurch, Queenstown

Duration

9.0 Days

City & Attractions

Christchurch, Wanaka, Queenstown +1 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Tour Audience

Mixed International Travelers

From

$1,566.96

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17-Day New Zealand Intro Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Rotorua, Wellington and Wanaka | 14 Meals Included | The'NZ Jobs' Program add-on Included

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17-Day New Zealand Intro Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Rotorua, Wellington and Wanaka | 14 Meals Included | The'NZ Jobs' Program add-on Included

5.0 ~~(52 reviews)~~ Tour Code: 735807

Start / End City

Auckland, Queenstown

Duration

17.0 Days

City & Attractions

Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo +7 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Tour Audience

Mixed International Travelers

From

$3,309.33

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17-Day New Zealand Adventure Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Lake Taupo and Aoraki National Park

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17-Day New Zealand Adventure Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Lake Taupo and Aoraki National Park

5.0 ~~(52 reviews)~~ Tour Code: 713307

Start / End City

Auckland, Queenstown

Duration

17.0 Days

City & Attractions

Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo +7 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Tour Audience

Mixed International Travelers

From

$3,251.25

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9-New Zealand Westbound Tour: Arthur's Pass, Franz Josef, Kawarau Bungy Bridge, Milford Sound and Lake Ōhau

Daily breakfast

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Local Specialty Meal

9-New Zealand Westbound Tour: Arthur's Pass, Franz Josef, Kawarau Bungy Bridge, Milford Sound and Lake Ōhau

5.0 ~~(5 reviews)~~ Tour Code: 715728

Start / End City

Christchurch

Duration

9.0 Days

City & Attractions

Franz Josef, Queenstown, Wanaka +9 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Tour Audience

Primarily English-Speaking Travelers

Operator

The Travel Corporation (TTC)

From

$1,642.50

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9-Day New Zealand Eastbound Tour: Lake Tekapo, Lake Ōhau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef

Daily breakfast

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Local Specialty Meal

9-Day New Zealand Eastbound Tour: Lake Tekapo, Lake Ōhau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef

4.9 ~~(5 reviews)~~ Tour Code: 715731

Start / End City

Christchurch

Duration

9.0 Days

City & Attractions

Christchurch, Kingston, Arrowtown +10 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Tour Audience

Primarily English-Speaking Travelers

Operator

The Travel Corporation (TTC)

From

$1,750.00

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Best Time to Visit Wanaka

Spring in Wānaka is a season of dramatic contrasts and rapid renewal, where you can often see the "best of both worlds." Temperatures rise to between 7 and 17 °C (45 to 63 °F), and while it is the wettest season of the year, the rainfall brings a lush, emerald-green vitality to the valley floors. The mountains remain capped in deep snow, often allowing for "spring skiing" through October, while the town below erupts with blooming gardens and newborn lambs in the surrounding paddocks. It is a season of high-energy water flows, making it an excellent time for white-water rafting on the Upper Clutha. While the weather can be temperamental with sudden spring winds, the increasing daylight and the sense of the landscape "waking up" make it an invigorating time for those who enjoy active, unpredictable adventure.

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Summer in Wānaka is a sun-drenched season characterized by long, golden daylight hours that often stretch well past 9:00 PM. Temperatures are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 12 to 24 °C (54 to 75 °F), creating the perfect conditions for life on the lake. This is the peak time for swimming at Glendhu Bay, or boat trips to Mou Waho Island. The town has a vibrant, holiday energy, with hikers tackling the steep switchbacks of Roys Peak to catch the panoramic views under clear blue skies. While it is the most popular time to visit, the dry heat is rarely oppressive, and the cooling lake breeze makes outdoor dining at the waterfront’s many craft breweries and cafes a quintessential part of the summer experience.

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Autumn is arguably the most picturesque season in Wānaka, as the vast stands of poplars and willows lining the lakefront and the Clutha River transform into brilliant shades of yellow, gold, and fire-orange. Temperatures begin to cool, settling between 6 and 17 °C (43 to 63 °F), offering crisp, still mornings and mild, sunny afternoons. This is a "mellow" time of year where the summer crowds disperse, leaving the trails quiet for mountain bikers and photographers. The air is often at its clearest, providing sharp, high-definition views of the Southern Alps. It is a season for harvest, where local vineyards in the nearby Bragato and Central Otago regions are in full swing, making it the premier time for wine tasting and enjoying the region's world-famous Pinot Noir by a crackling lodge fire.

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Winter transforms Wānaka into a premier alpine hub, as snow blankets the surrounding ranges and the town pulses with a "mountain-town" soul. Temperatures range from -2 to 10 °C (28 to 50 °F), with cold, frosty nights often followed by stunning "bluebird" days of cloudless skies and zero wind. This is the heart of the ski season, with enthusiasts flocking to Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone, which boasts the largest skiable area in the South Island. For those not on the slopes, the town offers a cozy après-ski scene featuring hearty mountain fare and regional brews. The lake remains eerily calm and glassy during mid-winter, creating perfect mirror reflections of the snowy peaks, while the local mountain film festivals and winter events provide a rich cultural layer to the chilly, atmospheric months.

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Reviews for Wanaka Tours

Catherine Evans-wiggins

February 06, 2025

17-Day New Zealand Intro Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Rotorua, Wellington and Wanaka | 14 Meals Included | The'NZ Jobs' Program add-on Included

I did the 17 day New Zealand adventure it was my first group tour and my leader Danny was absolutely incredible and made us all feel at home and brought us all together and made the experience so much more memorable.

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Catherine Evans-wiggins

February 06, 2025

17-Day New Zealand Adventure Tour from Auckland to Queenstown: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Lake Taupo and Aoraki National Park

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Alex Paltridge

November 10, 2024

9-Day South New Zealand Adventure Tour from Christchurch: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki National Park, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boating

I have just finished up on the New Zealand South Island tour with Tommy, And I have to say it was beyond incredible, I had expectations and this tour smashed it! I have done a lot of travelling and this tour was by far the best experience I have had! We had such a good time and had perfect weather for all the activities we had planned! Tommy was a fantastic tour leader, and helped everyone with all extra travel and extra activities! He was very organised and everything that we had planned was smooth sailing! Would highly recommend doing this tour 10/10!!

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Alex Paltridge

November 10, 2024

9-Day Epic South New Zealand Adventure Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki National Park, Wanaka, Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boating

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FAQs about Wanaka Tours

What is the best time of year to visit Wanaka for hiking and outdoor activities?

The best time to visit Wanaka for hiking and outdoor activities is during the dry, sunny months of December through February - New Zealand's summer. Temperatures range from 15–25°C, trails like Roy’s Peak and the Routeburn Track are fully accessible, and alpine conditions are stable. Pack layers for sudden weather shifts.

How do I get from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka without a rental car?

Book a shuttle bus from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka with companies like InterCity, InsideOut Adventures, or Queenstown Airport Shuttles. Transfers take about 1 hour. Pre-booking is required, especially in peak winter and summer seasons. Taxis and rideshares are options but significantly more expensive.

Is a transport pass necessary to get around Wanaka town and nearby attractions?

No transport pass is needed for central Wanaka - the town is walkable and bike rentals are widely available. For regional spots like Roys Peak or Pembroke Park, consider renting a bike or car. No public transit pass system exists, but shuttle services to ski fields operate in winter.

What should I know about Wanaka’s rainy season before planning my trip?

Wanaka has no distinct rainy season but experiences consistent rainfall year-round, with slightly wetter months from May to August. Winter precipitation often falls as snow in higher areas. Waterproof gear is essential, especially for hiking. The lake level may rise slightly in spring due to snowmelt.