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South Island · Explorer’s field notes

How to Wānaka

Lake mornings, mountain trails and beautifully unhurried meals: a gentler alpine base with room to roam.

Watch on YouTube What to avoid

Wānaka videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.

AVOID · Wānaka

What to avoid in Wānaka

  • Trying to freedom camp along the lakefront outside permitted sites.
  • Taking a large van into tight central parking spaces at midday.
  • Starting Roys Peak without enough time, water or a forecast.
Do not make these mistakes

The top ten

Where to go, eat & take coffee

Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.

  1. Rippon Vineyard, Wānaka1See & do

    Rippon Vineyard

    A vineyard above the lake with mountain views; reserve tastings ahead.

    246 Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka 9382
  2. Roys Peak Track, Wānaka2See & do

    Roys Peak Track

    A spectacular, steep full-day climb; check seasonal closures and weather.

    Roys Peak car park, Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka 9382
  3. Puzzling World, Wānaka3See & do

    Puzzling World

    A maze and rooms of optical illusion for a change of pace with children.

    188 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, Wānaka 9382
  4. Glendhu Bay, Wānaka4See & do

    Glendhu Bay

    A broad lakeside picnic and swimming stop west of town.

    Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Glendhu Bay 9382
  5. Diamond Lake Conservation Area, Wānaka5See & do

    Diamond Lake Conservation Area

    A shorter climb to beautiful lake views; take grippy shoes.

    Diamond Lake car park, Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka 9382
  6. Lake Wānaka waterfront, Wānaka6See & do

    Lake Wānaka waterfront

    Walk or cycle the shoreline without committing to a summit.

    Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305
  7. Kika, Wānaka7Eat

    Kika

    Inventive shared plates in a small dining room; book in advance.

    2 Dunmore Street, Wānaka 9305
  8. Pembroke Patisserie, Wānaka8Eat

    Pembroke Patisserie

    French-style pastries worth a morning detour; confirm current hours.

    20 Alison Avenue, Albert Town, Wānaka 9382
  9. Big Fig, Wānaka9Coffee

    Big Fig

    A bright lakeside stop for coffee and a generous breakfast.

    105 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305
  10. That Wānaka Tree, Wānaka10See & do

    That Wānaka Tree

    See the much-photographed willow from shore; avoid stepping into the lake to crowd it.

    Roys Bay, Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka 9305

Do not make these mistakes!

  1. 1. Treating Roys Peak as a short stroll

    It is a demanding exposed climb; check the track's seasonal closure and leave early.

  2. 2. Skipping a campsite booking

    Popular holiday dates fill quickly and overnight parking rules are enforced.

  3. 3. Rushing straight through

    Stay another morning for the lake, a short trail and breakfast without a schedule.

Continue the voyage

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Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.

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