Best Things to Do in Wanaka by Campervan

Wanaka sits on the edge of its own lake, an hour from Queenstown and right at the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park. It is quieter than its famous neighbour and easier to park in. There is enough to fill a long weekend, and it suits a campervan better than most stops in the South Island.

Quick Summary

The best things to do in Wanaka are Roy's Peak for the view over Lake Wanaka, the lakefront walk to That Wanaka Tree, a water taxi to Mou Waho Island, and the Blue Pools, an hour north. In winter, you have these and two of the country's best ski fields within 40 minutes. The town stays quieter than Queenstown and the parking is easier.

Most of Wanaka's highlights are free, from the lakefront walk to the Crown Range drive, so it earns its place on any South Island campervan trip. Camping is the one thing to sort out early. The district's rules tightened in late 2025, and a certified self-contained van is what lets you park up legally in the best spots.

The Best Things to Do in Wanaka

Start with the big three: Roy's Peak, the lakefront, and the lake itself. Roy's Peak is the hike everyone comes for. It's a 16 km return climb to a summit at 1,578 m with a photo viewpoint a little below the top. Plan on five to six hours return. The track is exposed and steep in parts, so go early, bring water and sunscreen, and check for seasonal closures between October and mid-November during lambing.

Down in town, the flat lakefront path leads to That Wanaka Tree, the lone willow that became the country's most photographed tree. It is a five-minute stroll from the main street along Ardmore Street. Out on the water, Eco Wanaka runs water taxis to Mou Waho Island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, a predator-free sanctuary with native birds and a small lake perched on top of the island. About an hour north on the Haast Pass road, the Blue Pools walk is a short, flat track to a swingbridge over impossibly clear water.

Free Things to Do in Wanaka

Most of Wanaka's best moments are free. The lakefront walk, a swim off the pebbled beach, and the climb to That Wanaka Tree cost nothing.

For a longer leg-stretch, the Diamond Lake track climbs to lookouts over Lake Wanaka in about two to three hours. The flat Outlet Track follows the Clutha River out of town, easy walking the whole way.

One free thing worth building a half-day around is the drive over the Crown Range Road. It links Wanaka and Queenstown through Cardrona, and runs past the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of the country's oldest pubs. The road tops out at 1,076 m, which makes it the highest sealed main road in New Zealand, and the views of the Wakatipu Basin from the summit are some of the best on the South Island.

Things to Do in Wanaka in Winter

In winter, the main reason to be in Wanaka is the snow. Two of the South Island's best ski fields, Cardrona and Treble Cone, sit within 40 minutes of town and share one lift pass. Here is how the season shapes up:

Cardrona. Family-friendly, with wide beginner runs and the largest terrain park in the Southern Hemisphere. Opens 26 June for the 2026 season.
Treble Cone. The biggest ski area in the South Island at 550 hectares, with long runs and views down Lake Wanaka. Thirty minutes away, there's a free shuttle from the bottom of the road.
The Snow Farm. High, open country above Cardrona for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Worth it if downhill is not your thing.

Winter is also when the right van earns its keep. A self-contained camper like The Biggest One runs a built-in diesel heater and a hot shower.

You warm up after a day on the hill instead of chasing a powered site. Weighing up van size for the cold? Our guide to choosing the right campervan walks through it.

Things to Do in Wanaka on a Rainy Day

When the weather closes in, Wanaka has a short list of genuinely good indoor options. These four cover most of a wet day:

Puzzling World. Multi-level wooden maze and illusion rooms just off the Luggate road, with the leaning Tower of Wanaka out front. Allow a couple of hours.
Cinema Paradiso. Quirky little cinema on Brownston Street. You watch films from a couch, an armchair, or an old car, with a proper intermission for warm cookies.
Wanaka Recreation Centre. Indoor pool and lap lanes, handy when the lake is too cold for a swim.
Rippon. Lakeside vineyard above town with one of the better views in the district. A wet afternoon is a fair excuse for a wine tasting.

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Wanaka

The most reliable kid-friendly things to do in Wanaka are Puzzling World, the lake beaches, and Clip 'n Climb. Each one works for a range of ages on different times of the year:

Clip 'n Climb at Basecamp Wanaka. Indoor climbing centre built for ages three and up, and a good backup if the weather turns.
Lake beaches. Shallow, sheltered edges near the town jetty make an easy summer swim for younger children, with a playground right beside them.
Puzzling World. Maze and illusion rooms that land just as well with kids as adults.
Wanaka Lavender Farm. Animals to feed, ice cream, and rows of lavender to wander on a slower afternoon.

Campervan travel suits families here for the same reason it suits everyone else. You set the pace, stop for naps, and cook your own meals. If you're planning a trip with little ones, our guide to family-friendly campervan travel in NZ has tips on routes and kit.

Where to Park Your Campervan Near Wanaka

Around Wanaka, you can park a campervan overnight only in designated spots, and a certified self-contained van opens up the best of them. Important to note that the rules changed recently. The Queenstown Lakes District Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw took effect on 1 December 2025, replacing the old rules with tighter controls, including a ban on non-self-contained vehicles in most areas.

A self-contained van, the kind carrying a green self-containment sticker, gets you into overnight spots that other vehicles do not have access to. Without one, you are restricted to holiday parks and Department of Conservation campgrounds.

For paid sites close to town, Glendhu Bay Lakeside Holiday Park sits on Lake Wanaka about 15 minutes northwest, from around $20 per person. It is near the start of the Roy's Peak track. Albert Town campground by the Clutha River is another solid option, 10 minutes north of Wanaka.

Wherever you stay, you can empty tanks free at the dump station at the Wanaka Showgrounds, on the corner of Brownston and McDougall Street. Every Big Little Campers van is certified self-contained, which is what makes the difference here.

For the full picture, read our guides to self-contained certification and freedom camping in the South Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Wanaka?

The best things to do in Wanaka are Roy's Peak, the lakefront walk to That Wanaka Tree, and a water taxi to Mou Waho Island. An hour north on the Haast Pass road, the Blue Pools are worth adding. In winter, skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone brings in most visitors.

What free things can you do in Wanaka?

Plenty. The lakefront walk, swimming off the beach, That Wanaka Tree, the Diamond Lake track, and the Outlet Track are all free. The drive over the Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest sealed main road, costs only fuel and time.

Is Wanaka worth visiting in winter?

Yes, especially if you ski or snowboard. Cardrona and Treble Cone are two of the South Island's best ski fields, and both sit within 40 minutes of town, sharing one lift pass. The 2026 season runs from late June to October. Clear winter nights also make the drive over the Crown Range and the stargazing unmissable.

Can you freedom camp in a campervan in Wanaka?

Only in designated spots, and only with a certified self-contained van. The Queenstown Lakes District Council tightened its camping rules on 1 December 2025, so non-self-contained vehicles are limited to holiday parks and DOC sites. A certified van opens up more options.

Plan Your Wanaka Stop

Wanaka rewards travellers who slow down, and a campervan is the easiest way to do that here. Park near the lake, climb Roy's Peak at dawn, ski in the morning, and soak in a hot tub by dark, then move on when you are ready.

Planning a South Island road trip with Wanaka on the list? Our team has driven these roads more times than we can count.

Get in touch, and we will help you match the right van to your route and your travel dates. For more on stringing it together, see our South Island planning guide.

References

Cardrona & Treble Cone. (2026). Cardrona and Treble Cone: New Zealand's largest ski area. https://cardrona-treblecone.com/

Department of Conservation. (2026). Roy's Peak Track, Wānaka area. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/roys-peak-track/

Lake Wānaka Tourism. (2026). Where can I camp? https://www.wanaka.co.nz/wanaka-stories/where-can-i-camp/

Wanaka sits on the edge of its own lake, an hour from Queenstown and right at the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park. It is quieter than its famous neighbour and easier to park in. There is enough to fill a long weekend, and it suits a campervan better than most stops in the South Island.

Quick Summary

The best things to do in Wanaka are Roy's Peak for the view over Lake Wanaka, the lakefront walk to That Wanaka Tree, a water taxi to Mou Waho Island, and the Blue Pools, an hour north. In winter, you have these and two of the country's best ski fields within 40 minutes. The town stays quieter than Queenstown and the parking is easier.

Most of Wanaka's highlights are free, from the lakefront walk to the Crown Range drive, so it earns its place on any South Island campervan trip. Camping is the one thing to sort out early. The district's rules tightened in late 2025, and a certified self-contained van is what lets you park up legally in the best spots.

The Best Things to Do in Wanaka

Start with the big three: Roy's Peak, the lakefront, and the lake itself. Roy's Peak is the hike everyone comes for. It's a 16 km return climb to a summit at 1,578 m with a photo viewpoint a little below the top. Plan on five to six hours return. The track is exposed and steep in parts, so go early, bring water and sunscreen, and check for seasonal closures between October and mid-November during lambing.

Down in town, the flat lakefront path leads to That Wanaka Tree, the lone willow that became the country's most photographed tree. It is a five-minute stroll from the main street along Ardmore Street. Out on the water, Eco Wanaka runs water taxis to Mou Waho Island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, a predator-free sanctuary with native birds and a small lake perched on top of the island. About an hour north on the Haast Pass road, the Blue Pools walk is a short, flat track to a swingbridge over impossibly clear water.

Free Things to Do in Wanaka

Most of Wanaka's best moments are free. The lakefront walk, a swim off the pebbled beach, and the climb to That Wanaka Tree cost nothing.

For a longer leg-stretch, the Diamond Lake track climbs to lookouts over Lake Wanaka in about two to three hours. The flat Outlet Track follows the Clutha River out of town, easy walking the whole way.

One free thing worth building a half-day around is the drive over the Crown Range Road. It links Wanaka and Queenstown through Cardrona, and runs past the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of the country's oldest pubs. The road tops out at 1,076 m, which makes it the highest sealed main road in New Zealand, and the views of the Wakatipu Basin from the summit are some of the best on the South Island.

Things to Do in Wanaka in Winter

In winter, the main reason to be in Wanaka is the snow. Two of the South Island's best ski fields, Cardrona and Treble Cone, sit within 40 minutes of town and share one lift pass. Here is how the season shapes up:

Cardrona. Family-friendly, with wide beginner runs and the largest terrain park in the Southern Hemisphere. Opens 26 June for the 2026 season.
Treble Cone. The biggest ski area in the South Island at 550 hectares, with long runs and views down Lake Wanaka. Thirty minutes away, there's a free shuttle from the bottom of the road.
The Snow Farm. High, open country above Cardrona for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Worth it if downhill is not your thing.

Winter is also when the right van earns its keep. A self-contained camper like The Biggest One runs a built-in diesel heater and a hot shower.

You warm up after a day on the hill instead of chasing a powered site. Weighing up van size for the cold? Our guide to choosing the right campervan walks through it.

Things to Do in Wanaka on a Rainy Day

When the weather closes in, Wanaka has a short list of genuinely good indoor options. These four cover most of a wet day:

Puzzling World. Multi-level wooden maze and illusion rooms just off the Luggate road, with the leaning Tower of Wanaka out front. Allow a couple of hours.
Cinema Paradiso. Quirky little cinema on Brownston Street. You watch films from a couch, an armchair, or an old car, with a proper intermission for warm cookies.
Wanaka Recreation Centre. Indoor pool and lap lanes, handy when the lake is too cold for a swim.
Rippon. Lakeside vineyard above town with one of the better views in the district. A wet afternoon is a fair excuse for a wine tasting.

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Wanaka

The most reliable kid-friendly things to do in Wanaka are Puzzling World, the lake beaches, and Clip 'n Climb. Each one works for a range of ages on different times of the year:

Clip 'n Climb at Basecamp Wanaka. Indoor climbing centre built for ages three and up, and a good backup if the weather turns.
Lake beaches. Shallow, sheltered edges near the town jetty make an easy summer swim for younger children, with a playground right beside them.
Puzzling World. Maze and illusion rooms that land just as well with kids as adults.
Wanaka Lavender Farm. Animals to feed, ice cream, and rows of lavender to wander on a slower afternoon.

Campervan travel suits families here for the same reason it suits everyone else. You set the pace, stop for naps, and cook your own meals. If you're planning a trip with little ones, our guide to family-friendly campervan travel in NZ has tips on routes and kit.

Where to Park Your Campervan Near Wanaka

Around Wanaka, you can park a campervan overnight only in designated spots, and a certified self-contained van opens up the best of them. Important to note that the rules changed recently. The Queenstown Lakes District Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw took effect on 1 December 2025, replacing the old rules with tighter controls, including a ban on non-self-contained vehicles in most areas.

A self-contained van, the kind carrying a green self-containment sticker, gets you into overnight spots that other vehicles do not have access to. Without one, you are restricted to holiday parks and Department of Conservation campgrounds.

For paid sites close to town, Glendhu Bay Lakeside Holiday Park sits on Lake Wanaka about 15 minutes northwest, from around $20 per person. It is near the start of the Roy's Peak track. Albert Town campground by the Clutha River is another solid option, 10 minutes north of Wanaka.

Wherever you stay, you can empty tanks free at the dump station at the Wanaka Showgrounds, on the corner of Brownston and McDougall Street. Every Big Little Campers van is certified self-contained, which is what makes the difference here.

For the full picture, read our guides to self-contained certification and freedom camping in the South Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Wanaka?

The best things to do in Wanaka are Roy's Peak, the lakefront walk to That Wanaka Tree, and a water taxi to Mou Waho Island. An hour north on the Haast Pass road, the Blue Pools are worth adding. In winter, skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone brings in most visitors.

What free things can you do in Wanaka?

Plenty. The lakefront walk, swimming off the beach, That Wanaka Tree, the Diamond Lake track, and the Outlet Track are all free. The drive over the Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest sealed main road, costs only fuel and time.

Is Wanaka worth visiting in winter?

Yes, especially if you ski or snowboard. Cardrona and Treble Cone are two of the South Island's best ski fields, and both sit within 40 minutes of town, sharing one lift pass. The 2026 season runs from late June to October. Clear winter nights also make the drive over the Crown Range and the stargazing unmissable.

Can you freedom camp in a campervan in Wanaka?

Only in designated spots, and only with a certified self-contained van. The Queenstown Lakes District Council tightened its camping rules on 1 December 2025, so non-self-contained vehicles are limited to holiday parks and DOC sites. A certified van opens up more options.

Plan Your Wanaka Stop

Wanaka rewards travellers who slow down, and a campervan is the easiest way to do that here. Park near the lake, climb Roy's Peak at dawn, ski in the morning, and soak in a hot tub by dark, then move on when you are ready.

Planning a South Island road trip with Wanaka on the list? Our team has driven these roads more times than we can count.

Get in touch, and we will help you match the right van to your route and your travel dates. For more on stringing it together, see our South Island planning guide.