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Sunshine, lazy days, sticky gelato and long afternoons by the lake: slow summers in Wānaka are baked into the very culture of this place.
Whether you’re here for the holidays or for a sunny escape, there’s something about summer in Wānaka that invites you to slow down, linger longer, and swap the winter rush for quiet mornings on the lake, long afternoons in the hills, and sunny evenings spent with friends. With seven sun-soaked days, you’ve got time to experience all the best that Wānaka has to offer – both the adventurous side it’s known for, and the quieter trails, tastes, and community connections the locals stay for. Here’s how to make the most of your week in Wānaka.
You’ve arrived in Wānaka, and your first job is to slow down, settle in, and dig your toes into the proverbial sand. Wander along the lakefront, breathe in the mountain views, and grab a scoop or three of gelato from Black Peak or Patagonia Chocolates before dipping your toes in the lake and enjoying the sun on your face. Once you’re good and relaxed, stretch your legs with a short hike up Mount Iron for golden hour. Just an hour to the top, Mt Iron offers stunning views over the lake and town that’ll clear the head and fill the lungs.
Whether you’re a mountain biker, a trail rider or a ’round-town pedaller, Wānaka is a biker’s paradise with trails for every level. For mountain biking, head out to Bike Glendhu for your one-stop shop: bike rentals, pedal-powered access (or treat yourself to a shuttle), world-class flow trails, long runs, and importantly, cold brews and warm grub at Velo Cafe & Beer Garden. Or for those who live for a lift up the mountain and hardcore downhill, head to Cardrona Bike Park for chairlift-accessed berms, jumps, and the legendary peak-to-pub trail.
Sticky Forest is the locals’ somewhat best-kept secret, a maze of pine-scented single tracks within minutes of town. For the cruisers, Deans Bank offers an easier loop through kanuka scrubs above the Clutha River, or enjoy a gentle riverside ride along the Upper Clutha River Track. Lake dip, mandatory.
Wānaka’s town centre has a relaxed, creative feel best explored on foot or by bike. Start your morning with coffee and pastries at Crumb, or with brunch at sister-cafe Scroggin. From there, wander through town exploring the art galleries, bookstores, clothing boutiques and lifestyle stores designed to be savoured. For lunch, grab a coffee and sandwich from Alleyway or linger over a tasty bite at Federal Diner.
In the afternoon, you’ll want to head out to Wastebusters, the locals’ favourite reuse store. Browse pre-loved goods, grab a second-hand find, and experience Wānaka’s sustainability ethos in action. Later, book a table at The Stoaker Room, where meals are steamed and smoked in repurposed wine barrels, or savour the evening light over the lake at the Sofi Bar & Grill for Mediterranean delights that will, in fact, delight.
After a quiet day in town, it’s time to head into the hills and explore nature’s finest views right from the source. Out in Mount Aspiring National Park, the Rob Roy Glacier Track is the perfect day walk to give you a taste of the mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and scenery that Wānaka is renowned for. Closer to town, the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track offers panoramic views across Lake Wānaka and the Mount Aspiring National Park in just a few hours. For experienced hikers, Sentinel Peak provides a more demanding climb and breathtaking summit views, with guided trips available through Aspiring Guides. Whatever your ability, Wānaka has plenty of walks and hikes to choose from.
Day five, start your morning with an eco-adventure: a day trip to Mou Waho with Wānaka Water Taxi or Eco Wānaka Adventures. Discover a lake within a lake, spot the native wildlife, and soak up the quiet wonder of this nature sanctuary. If you’d rather do the paddling yourselves, rent a kayak or paddleboard from the lakefront and explore Ruby Island for the morning. Back on shore, switch gears for a relaxed afternoon of food and wine. Rent bikes or e-bikes and join a guided or self-guided wine-tasting tour from Maude Tasting Room to Rippon Vineyard for a true taste of the region. Alternatively, head to Hook for an afternoon in the sun, where you can catch your own salmon and have it cooked fresh beside the water.
It’s no surprise Wānaka’s neighbouring towns are just as special, and today is the day to explore your surrounding communities.
Spend your final day giving back to the place that gives us so much. Volunteer with Love Wānaka, help out at the Grow Wānaka community garden, or join a local beach clean-up with WAI. These experiences offer meaningful ways to meet locals and contribute to the regeneration of our rohe (region). Travelling with kids? Pick up the Love Wānaka Treasure Map from the Wānaka iSite – a fun, eco-themed adventure that teaches little explorers about caring for the environment while discovering hidden gems around Wānaka.
Events: Summer is packed with community markets, festivals, live music gigs and social events. Check out our Wānaka Events page to explore what’s on in Wānaka this summer.
With a healthy mix of mountains, lakes, community, and care for the land, it’s not hard to slow down and stay a little longer when in Wānaka. Whether you’re biking through local trails, planting trees, or simply sharing gelato by the lake, you’ll find that seven days in this paradise allows a deeper, more authentic experience than a whirlwind weekend. In fact, you might just find that it’s the people, the culture, and the slower way of life that make Wānaka so special after all.
