Journey with JunyuanNew ZealandOceania
Of all the beautiful places I visited in New Zealand, Wanaka might just be my favourite. π₯Ί
Only 1 hour 40 minutes from Queenstown by InterCity bus, Wanaka is often described as Queenstown's smaller, quieter cousin. I can see why; but having spent 4 days there, I think that comparison undersells it. Wanaka has its own atmosphere entirely: less touristy, more intimate, and somehow even more devoted to lake life than Queenstown is. On a sunny afternoon, the shores of Lake Wanaka fill up with people running, cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, reading, picnicking, or just lying in the sun having an epic snooze. There's an active, outdoorsy energy to the whole town, but it never feels intense or performative. If anything, it's the opposite: it somehow makes doing nothing feel like the most natural thing in the world. In fact, I find Wanaka to be the most wholesome place on earth. π«Άπ»
The most common way to reach Wanaka without a car is the InterCity coach from Queenstown, which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and runs multiple times a day. Tickets are easy to book online. Wanaka also connects to Franz Josef on the West Coast, and to Tekapo and Christchurch if you are taking the eastern route.
Wanaka's town centre is small and very walkable, so staying near the lakefront at Roys Bay puts you within easy reach of cafΓ©s, shops, lakeside trails, and shuttle pick-up points β all without needing a car.
A few places worth considering:
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Roys Peak Summit
I will say, travelling without a car here came with more friction than Queenstown did. Most of the well-known hikes are awkward to reach on foot or by public transport, even Roys Peak, which is barely 10 minutes away by car. There are a few Wanaka and New Zealand hiking Facebook groups where people arrange car shares, though how well that works out really depends on luck and timing. Even with that hurdle, I spent 4 days in Wanaka and could easily have stayed longer. If you do have a car, it opens up a whole lot more in terms of hikes and day trips in the wider Central Otago region.
Roys Peak is pretty much Wanaka's signature hike, and for good reason: the ridgeline views back over Lake Wanaka are the kind you'll recognise from half of Instagram. Don't be fooled by the famous photos though: this is a genuinely tough climb, with around 1,200 metres of elevation gain. Definitely not one for the faint-hearted! π₯΅ The whole track is very much exposed with no shade, so on a warm and sunny day the uphill became even more gruelling. So definitely bring lots of water and sunscreen with you, and an extra layer for the chilly and windy summit.
The trickier part for non-drivers is just getting to the trailhead, which is about 10 minutes drive from town. I got lucky as my Airbnb host kindly drove me there and picked me up afterwards (and even rescued another car-less hiker on the way back down, which says a lot about the kindness of people there!). Other travellers I met used a group shuttle through Tuk Tuk Taxi, often arranged via their hostel. Hitching back from the car park is also pretty common, and New Zealand is one of the safest and friendliest places to hitch a ride! If none of that lines up, you could walk back into town via the Glendhu Bay Track instead, though that adds roughly two extra hours β probably not what your legs will want after that intense climb.
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Icy dip mid Glendhu Bay Track
The Glendhu Bay Track is gorgeous lakeside trail connecting Wanaka to Glendhu Bay, with mountain views for almost the entire route. It's essentially a continuation of the lakeside walk that starts right in town, so it's an easy one to just wander into without much planning. Along the way you'll find quiet nooks of wild beaches, with crystal clear water that invites you for a cold and refreshing dip!
One of New Zealand's most scenic cycling routes, the Dunstan Trail takes you through vineyards, canyons, and a series of boardwalks suspended above the water. Most tour operators include a transfer from Wanaka to the trailhead, and it's easy to book through GetYourGuide.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available right by the lake in town. This is definitely a simple and peaceful way to spend a few hours on the water, especially on a sunny and calm day.
A lovely half-day outing to Mou Waho Island in Lake Wanaka, combining a scenic boat ride, a short hike, and some really beautiful views back over the lake and surrounding mountains. Also bookable through GetYourGuide, and a nice option if you want a bit of everything.
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Often mentioned in the same breath as Roys Peak, but much quieter and less touristy, with a similarly steep climb and equally rewarding views over both Lake Wanaka and Lake HΔwea.
A via ferrata-style guided climb up beside a waterfall, using cable ladders and rock sections. There's a 2-hour beginner version and a 4-hour intermediate version, depending on how adventurous you're feeling.
Starting from Raspberry Flat, trails here lead into some of the most dramatic alpine scenery on the South Island, including the Rob Roy Glacier Track and routes toward Liverpool Hut. One thing is note is the access road requires a 4WD vehicle.
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Glendhu Bay Track
Wanaka filled my cup so much and will always have a special place in my heart. β€οΈβπ₯ It doesn't try especially hard to impress you, and somehow that's exactly what makes it so good β the lake, the mountains, the active lifestyle and the challenges it brings, along with the unhurried pace of people just existing by the water. The lack of a car made things slightly more complicated than in Queenstown, but never enough to outweigh how much I loved being there. If your itinerary allows for it, give Wanaka more time than you think you need.
π Explore the full New Zealand South Island itinerary here
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