Wanaka is a quaint town about an hour from Queenstown, across the Crown Range. This lakeside town is a short drive from plenty of mountain regions. An hour to the west you’ll find Mt. Aspiring National Park and the Raspberry Flats Carpark and the Mitukituki valley. To the north-west you’ll find Haast Pass. Ohau and Mt Cook are only a couple hours away as well.

The main outdoor attraction in Wanaka would be the very popular Roys Peak. This, however, is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Wanaka. For hikers, Rocky Mountain Track, Mt. Isthmus, and Breast Hill, and Corner Peak offer great day trips. Rob Roy Glacier Track is another great option and is only an hour away. For a short trip to an easy viewpoint you can always hike up Mt. Iron in town.

Rock climbers will be spoilt for choice in Wanaka. Hospital Flats and Diamond Lake are two of the main climbing areas. Mt. Iron also offers good climbing close to town. For trad climbers, the tombstone crack is a great, short objective.

Much like Queenstown, Wanaka has plenty of good food options, shopping, and accommodation.