Attractions Nearby Wanaka, Day Trips and Excursions

(Wanaka, Otago, South Island, New Zealand)



Queenstown panoramic photoAll around Wanaka are countless opportunities for outdoor adventures and recreational activities, particularly in the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park, the Fiordland National Park and around Queenstown. Just a relatively short distance from Wanaka, park attractions range from hiking (tramping) and rock climbing, to mountain biking and horse trekking.

Located to the south of both Cromwell and Wanaka is the town of Alexandra, which is just 87 km / 54 miles away and easy to reach in just over an hour, where attractions relate to is past gold rush days. Also suitable for day trips are the towns of Arrowtown, Cardrona, Cromwell and Makarora.


Queenstown image of the chair lifts

Queenstown

Very much an adventure Mecca in south New Zealand, Queenstown stands on the northerly shoreline of Lake Wakatipu and some 70 km / 43 miles to the south-west of Wanaka. This lively and appealing resort town offers an almost endless set of exciting attractions relating to its lakeside setting, ranging from white-water rafting and jet-boating, to bungee jumping and even tandem parachuting. Other highlights in Queenstown include a thriving cafe culture, pedestrianised streets, and the Skyline Gondola, which transports tourists to the hilltop, where both stunning views and a good restaurant await. The Underwater World, Kiwi and Birdlife Park, and winter skiing at the Coronet Peak and Remarkables ski fields complete the main attractions in the Queenstown area.

Alexandra image

Alexandra

Alexandra is an important service hub in Central Otago and is known for its Dunstan goldfields, which were very much a part of the region's gold rush in the late 19th century. Attractions here include the Alexandra Museum and its local artefacts, the Central Otago Visitors Centre, and the rather imposing Alexandra Clock, which is some 11 metres / 36 feet in diameter and regularly photographed by day trippers. Many visitors come here to enjoy mountain biking along the historical gold trails, around the Dunstan, Old Man and Raggedy mountains.

Arrowtown clockface photograph

Arrowtown

Sited part way between Queenstown and Cromwell, Arrowtown lies around 55 km / 34 miles to the south-west of Wanaka and owes is prominence to the fact that gold was discovered here in the 1860s, in this stretch of the Arrow River. Arrowtown offers a plethora of characterful wooden buildings, which number more than 60 in total, along with an especially beautiful central avenue, lined with mature trees. Other popular attractions in Arrowtown include the Visitors Centre on Buckingham Street, and the adjoining Lake District Museum and Gallery. Be sure to pick up your copy of the 'Arrowtown Walks' pamphlet and also do leave time to visit nearby Macetown.

Cardrona Ski Resort picture

Cardrona

Cardrona is to be found a mere 24 km / 15 miles to the south of Wanaka and is reached along a scenic and winding mountain road, with some very sharp bends. The attractions here are rather varied and range from the Cardrona Hotel, which dates back to 1863 and features a good restaurant, to the Cardrona Adventure Park, where motor stunt shows and monster trucks serve as a major draw card, along with its quad bike safaris and motorbikes. Close by, the Waiorau Snow Farm features more than 50 km / 31 miles of ski trails during the winter months, and mountain biking in the warmer New Zealand summers.

Cromwell signpost photo

Cromwell

A very notable day trip destination just 55 km / 34 miles to the south of Wanaka and easily reached in under an hour, Cromwell really does warrant a visit. The historical district known as Old Cromwell Town is where the main attractions reside and include a row of relocated period buildings, which line Melmore Terrace and enjoy views across the Dunstan Dam. The buildings were moved here many years ago, so that they would not end up beneath the waters of the dam. Self-guided tours are popular, using the Old Cromwell Town Historic Precinct booklet. There are also a series of old gold-mining attractions close by, such as the Bannockburn and the Kawarau, as well as a narrow footbridge spanning the spectacular Kawarau Gorge.

Fiordland National Park view

Fiordland National Park

The Fiordland National Park is a leading attraction in this part of New Zealand and stands within the Southland region, approximately 154 km / 96 miles to the south-west of Wanaka. This wilderness area is now listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is the biggest National Park in the whole of New Zealand, covering just under 3 million acres / 1.2 million hectares. With in excess of 500 km / 310 miles of hiking (tramping) trails, the recreational attractions within Fiordland National Park are exceptional and often surprisingly overlooked. The main visitors centre is located in Te Anau, although there are a number of handy Park Ranger outposts dotted around, at the leading tourist destinations. Of particular interest, it was in the Fiordland National Park where in 1948, the flightless Takahe birds was discovered here, being previous thought to be extinct.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Makarora central view

Makarora

Makarora is roughly 61 km / 38 miles north of Wanaka and serves as an important base for outdoor attractions, such as the ever-popular Siberia Experience. This adventure includes a 30-minute flight on a small plane, as well as a bushwalk lasting around three hours and an exciting short jet-boat journey along a river valley and into the Mount Aspiring National Park. Camping grounds are available in the Makarora area, at the Boundary Creek Reserve and also at the Cameron Flat.