How to Spend 2 Days in Wānaka, New Zealand

Wānaka is one of those places you arrive at and immediately start planning how to stay longer. Sitting beside an expansive, scenic lake and backed by seriously good looking mountains, it’s relaxed, outdoorsy, and effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Two days in Wānaka is just enough time to get a feel for it, soak up the scenery, and tick off a few must do experiences without rushing around.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to spend a perfect couple of days in Wānaka, from easy walks and scenic lookouts to visiting the iconic Wānaka Tree that somehow looks great in every season. You’ll also find tips on getting here from nearby spots like Queenstown, where to stay depending on your travel budget, and the best time of year to visit. Whether you’re looking for a a relaxing mountain weekend or just want to breathe the fresh air and drink good coffee by the lake, Wānaka has you covered.

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Where is Wānaka?

Surrounded by mountains, Wānaka sits proudly in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s about an hour from its famous neighbour, Queenstown, and while often overshadowed the adrenaline capital of the South Island, Wānaka is still a popular stop on the South Island. 

Top Sights to See in Wānaka

• *That* Wānaka Tree
  • Yes, it is just a tree in the lake, who knew a tree could go viral? But, it’s one of the top things to see in Wānaka and the walk there from the town centre is lovely along the edge of the water. Be sure to admire all of the scenery instead of just the tree and you’ll be winning!
• Lake Wānaka
  • Lake Wānaka is huge, and from the town itself you can see just a portion of the lake known as Roy’s Bay. The views are typically South Island: stunning!
• Roy’s Peak
  • A popular hike in the area, and a reason many people flock to Wānaka. It’s said to be best at sunrise, which means an early start to make the 8km hike – it usually takes about 3 hours to get to the top. 
• Vineyards
  • The central Otago region is know for it’s wine, so when better to opt for a wine tour than on a relaxing break in Wānaka?
• Puzzling World
  • One for families, couples, solo travellers…everyone! There’s an indoor illusion section, a café with more puzzles than you could have a chess board at and an outdoor maze that’s bound to get your brain ticking. 

How to Spend 2 Days in Wānaka

Day 1 

The vibe in Wānaka feels so much more relaxing than nearby Queenstown. Everything is within easy reach of the town centre and your first day in the charming town should be dedicated to exploring. There is plenty to fill your day, but you won’t feel like rushing around trying to cram everything in.

Lake Wānaka is a huge star attraction in the area. The section closest to town has a lovely pathway for walking, where you can see a timeline of notable events in New Zealand’s history etched into the ground. If you’d rather stick closer to the water, there’s a beachy area perfect for gentle strolls, picnics and watersports.

Just a short walk from the town centre you’ll find That Wānaka Tree, the viral tree that appears to have become somewhat of a symbol for the town. Depending on the tide, the tree will either perch on the water’s edge or will be submerged. It is just a tree at the end of the day, but it’s in a very picturesque area and the walk there is lovely so it’s worth a visit.

The lake is also perfect for watersports, with gentle options like kayaking and paddle boarding on offer as well as faster pace activities like jet skiing and jet boating. There are also boats and aqua bikes available to rent, or for something a bit unique you can strap some jets to your feet and try your hand…or feet…at fly boarding.

Come afternoon, the tempo lowers with a gentle stroll around the town centre. The shopping area is just what you’d hope for in a mountain town, with charming shops tucked behind grey stone and wood facades. And of course, you’ll find the mountain life essentials alongside the touristy souvenirs. Dotted among the shops are charming coffee shops, restaurants and bars giving you plenty of options for refreshments with a backdrop of the stunning Wānaka scenery.

If you’ve got a car or want to go for a walk or hire a bike, head out to Beacon Point. It’s less crowded because it’s a short way from the main tourist spots, but it’s a gorgeous spot for a walk or picnic with even more breathtaking views of the lake.

Don’t forget to check BookMe website to see if there are discounted tickets available for the day you want to travel. Sometimes there will be tickets available same day if you’re a last minute booker like me, but it is best to check in advance!

Day 2 

One of New Zealand’s most popular hikes, Roy’s Peak, is just a short drive from Wānaka, so what better excuse to get up at the crack of dawn than a sunrise hike? In fact, you’ll want to be up much before dawn because it’s a 3-hour hike to the top of Roy’s Peak, and it’s very popular to get up there in time for the sun to rise.

If you value your sleep and prefer less crowds, the view is just as stunning if you head up there early morning or for sunset.

Come afternoon, you’ll likely want a bit of a relaxed activity to counter the activity of the morning. If you’ve got your own car, head out to Lake Hawea. It’s not too far to drive, but the views over the lake are stunning, and it’s a very quiet, mostly residential area so perfect for a quiet picnic.

If you feel like bending your brain for an afternoon, Puzzling World is such a fun stop. It’s part optical illusion playground, part maze challenge, and completely entertaining. Inside, you’ll find mind boggling illusion rooms where floors tilt, walls shift, and photos come out somewhat confusing. Outside, there’s a giant hedge maze that’s way more strategic than it looks, especially if you insist on ‘just quickly’ finding all four towers.

It’s great for families, curious adults, rainy days, and anyone who secretly loves puzzles and quirky photo ops. Basically, if you enjoy having your perception gently scrambled, you’ll have a good time here. Plus, the cafe has a ton of puzzles to keep you occupied while you enjoy a drink or a bite to eat for lunch.

For a more scenic afternoon exploring, head out to nearby Cardrona. It’s a short, scenic drive over to the small settlement of Cardrona. The road itself is half the fun, winding through golden hills that feel lifted straight from a film set. Once you arrive, it’s all about slowing down. Snap a photo of the iconic Cardrona Bra Fence, pop into the historic Cardrona Hotel for a drink, or browse the small collection of local shops.

In winter, the area buzzes with skiers heading up the mountain. In the summer, it’s peaceful, sunny, and wonderfully laid back, perfect for an afternoon trip from Wānaka.

Alternatively, there are a number of vineyards to explore in the area, with top local spots like Rippon winery offering visitors a chance to explore the lakeside vineyard and learn about wine making at a family owned, local vineyard. There are also wine tours on offer to other local vineyards as well as further afield. All in the name of good wine!

Things to Prebook

As with everywhere, you’ll want to book your accommodation as soon as you start to consider visiting Wānaka. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so accommodation can fill up quickly. It’s also not the most budget-friendly place to visit, so booking as far in advance is your best bet for somewhere affordable.

If you’re flying in, book your hire car as soon as possible too as they can sell out and it’s not the easiest place to navigate without your own transport.

There aren’t many sights that’ll sell out in Wānaka because nature is a big attraction here, but if you’ll be needing a shuttle to get out to a certain spot it’s best to book that as soon as you can too. It’d be pretty frustrating to come all the way to Wānaka then realise you can’t get out to the start point of your hike!

How to Get Around Wānaka

Wānaka town centre is easy and pleasant to walk around. It’s pretty flat and has plenty of pedestrian areas, especially around the lake and the town centre. Parking in the centre is often time limited, but you’ll find free parking by the lake where you can leave the car for a few hours to go for a wander before needing to move on.

If you’re venturing outside of the town centre then you’ll either want to have your own vehicle, hire a bike (depending on how far you’re going) or opt for a shuttle service if you’re going to an ‘attraction’.

Hitchhiking is a more common occurrence in New Zealand than many other countries, and if you get stuck or are feeling adventurous then chances are you could get picked up as a hitchhiker. However, still be aware of your surroundings and don’t fall into the ‘everyone is so nice in New Zealand’, you still need to be careful and if your gut says no…listen to it.

How to Get to Wānaka

By Car

Getting to Wānaka by car or campervan is the best option. Not only is it the easiest and quickest way to get to Wānaka, but you’ll be able to stop on the way to admire the breathtaking scenery too.

If you’re driving to Wānaka, chances are you’re coming from either Queenstown, Lake Tekapo/Mount Cook or Franz Josef.

Driving to Wānaka from Queenstown is an easy drive through the Crown Range and you’ve got 2 route options: SH6 takes you the longer way (nearly twice the distance) but past a lake, or the more preferable but slightly more winding route of Cardrona Valley Road which takes you through the Crown Range, past a stunning viewpoint at the summit and then through the tiny settlement of Cardrona. It’s much quicker too!

Franz Josef to Wānaka is an extremely scenic drive, as is standard on the South Island! It’s about 4 hours to drive, with just one road to follow that winds through the mountains. There are plenty of scenic spots to stop and enjoy along the way so it can easily take 5-6 hours to complete the journey.

By Plane

While Wānaka does have its own airport, it’s primarily used for flight training and sightseeing experiences. If you’re coming to Wānaka by plane, you’ll want to fly in to Queenstown airport then either hire a car or jump on the bus to Wānaka. 

By Public Transport

This is an area that is best explored with your own car, but if you’re making the most of the public transport in New Zealand then you’re in luck as buses have routes from ‘nearby’ Queenstown and Franz Josef, two popular spots for visitors who are travelling around the South Island. 

By shuttle

It’s a popular transfer route between Wānaka and Queenstown so there are a number of private transfer companies offering shuttle services between the airport and Wānaka. It’ll save you a bit of time but it’s a lot more expensive than jumping on the bus.

As of August 2026, an Intercity bus between Wānaka and Queenstown Airport is $37NZD,
whereas a private shuttle is about $270+NZD.

Where to Stay in Wānaka

There’s a wide range of accommodation options in Wānaka, and you’ll pay more to be closer to the lake but it’s worth it! You’ll find something for everyone, from families, couples, solo travellers and groups of friends. These are just some of the accommodation highlights in Wānaka:

When to Visit

Wānaka is one of those places that looks good with any season. In summer, the glorious sunshine offers blue sky days to explore, the perfect backdrop for those scenic photos. Winter brings snow to the area, and while you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for the colder and icy weather, it brings a different kind of beauty to the area with the snow capped mountains.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit Wānaka. Both are quieter in terms of visitors, the locals are back at work and school, prices are a bit cheaper and there’s still a good chance of nice weather. Autumn in Wānaka is just gorgeous with the leaves changing colour, the dark stone buildings and the whole landscape taking on a golden glow. Catch it at sunset to just fall head over heels in love with the pretty mountain town.

If you’re from the Northern Hemisphere, don’t forget winter is June – August and summer is December – February.
Summer is particularly busy as everyone gets away for good weather, summer holidays and Christmas.

Is Wānaka Worth Visiting?

Wānaka is a gorgeous town with a real mountain resort vibe to it, but whether it’s visiting is totally dependent on how much time you have and what your interests are.

If you are looking for a thrill-seeking trip full of adrenaline, or somewhere with a lively nightlife, Queenstown would be a better choice for you. Similarly, if you’re tight on time and fitting in as much as possible on a South Island road trip, then your time might be better spent elsewhere as Wānaka and Queenstown or Wānaka and Hamner Springs have a similar attraction.

However, if you love slow travel, gorgeous scenic views and want a relaxing weekend away or a relaxing stop on a road trip to recharge a little, then Wānaka is perfect for you. The combination of the lake, the mountain views and the charming town centre just have the most welcoming and relaxing vibe, and get many visitors thinking ‘wow, I’d love to live here!’.

Solo Travel in Wānaka

So, is Wānaka good for solo travel? Yep! I visited as a solo female and felt very safe in the town. There are a number of hostels if you want to be social and meet people, but it’s also a really nice spot for quiet reflection if you’re looking for that too. It can be the perfect balance to Queenstown’s faster pace, so ideal to recharge before or after a visit there.

Road Tripping South Island? Where to Visit Next!

Wānaka is close to some pretty epic places on the South Island, so if you’re roadtripping then you’ve got choices where to head next. The most obvious is nearby Queenstown, and it’s a great idea to pass through Cardrona on the way to see the historic Cardrona Hotel. If Queenstown isn’t quite your thing, head north to Franz Josef to check out the glaciers there, or in the other direction Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo are great choices.

Check out: Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary Around New Zealand’s South Island