This little town is a year-round host to epic events. Be the first to find out what’s on in town!
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Wānaka’s peaks still hold their snow, and the lake edges start to soften with new growth. Cardrona and Treble Cone run their final weeks of the season, so there’s still time for a spring turn or two before the lifts close. Down in town, cafés fill up as the light lingers a little longer each evening, and the creative community starts staging events again after the quieter winter months.
This is a place that invites you to slow down, speed up, or find whatever pace feels right.
The town sits between the Southern Alps and two lakes: Wānaka and Hāwea. This is a place to find space to breathe and be part of something bigger than yourself. From the arts and culture scene to good dining and plenty of outdoor adventure, spring is a fitting time to become a temporary local.
There’s more to this lakeside town than the views. Discover islands within islands, waterfalls you can climb, and legendary intermission cookies at the cinema. Here’s your guide to 10 must-do experiences in Wānaka.
For the first time in Aotearoa, Michelin visited, dined and judged our foodie scene, dropping New Zealand’s inaugural MICHELIN Guide in June 2026.
What does wellness look like here? From lakeside saunas, cold plunges with a view, pottery with local artists, and forest bathing in native bush, come on down for a little R&R in the mountains this autumn.
Here’s the guide.
Discover five easy walking tracks that are close to town, big on views, plus a great local spot to refuel after.
From summit views to spring-fed wetlands and lakeside tracks, here’s your guide.
