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Wānaka might be known as winter’s wonderland or summer’s adventure playground – but to the quiet luck of the locals, springtime often sneaks under the radar as one of the best times to visit Wānaka.
Think long days, spring skiing, lake dips, mountain biking, a full event calendar, and so much more.
Looking for things to do in Wānaka this spring? We’ve pulled together a five-day itinerary to help you experience Wānaka like the locals: both on and off the mountain, in nature, and in the community. Delve into some of our favourite spring-time activities, and spend less time planning and more time connecting with the people, place, and purpose that make Wānaka so special.
First things first: take a minute to settle into the slower rhythm of our mountain town. Drop your bags, take a breath, and soak up the views with a stroll around the lakefront. Grab a keep-cup coffee from Relishes or a sea salt caramel biscuit from Scroggin, or wander through Helwick Street’s boutiques. Revology for thoughtful design, Racer’s Edge for outdoor sporting goods, or The Next Chapter for a quirky bookstore to dream away the day.
Later, stretch your legs with a walk up Mount Iron. Just an hour to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with an everywhere-you-look view of the town, lake, and surrounding peaks. It’s quite the welcome.
Local’s tip: Time your Mount Iron walk for late afternoon, and enjoy golden hour at the top as the sun sets over the lake. Don’t forget your head torch for the way back down.
Day two, and it’s time for a little spring skiing. Whether Cardrona or Treble Cone, think softer snow, shorter lines, longer days and the odd cheeky tussock run. Spring is the perfect time to relax up the hill – so pack a lunch, pick a spot in the sun, and soak up the dreamy views with your crew. Keep an eye out for spring events like the Jossi Wells Invitational, too.
When the ski boots get heavy, it’s time to Après. If you’re at Treble Cone, head back into town for a cold brew at Rhyme x Reason Brewery, a craft beer at b.social, or squeeze in with the locals down at Kai Whakapai. Or if you’re at Cardrona, take a right from the skifield at the Cardrona-Valley Road, and you’ll be at the iconic Cardona Hotel pub with an Aperol in hand quicker than you can say après.
Local’s tip: Looking for a way up the hill that doesn’t rely on your thumbs? Organise your mountain transport in advance to make the most of your day.
If anyone’s earned a wellness day, it’s you after a snow mission. Start your morning with a calming yoga or pilates session, a sauna and lake dip, a relaxation massage, or a rejuvenating facial in town. Here’s where you can do just that:
From there, visiting the Wānaka Lavender Farm from September to November is the perfect time to explore endless lavender fields and let the furry farm friends entertain the kids all afternoon long. Grab a jar of lavender honey from the shop, then finish the trip with a scoop or three of lavender ice cream. Back in town, round out the day with dinner and an early night.
Local’s tip: Hungry for international cuisine? For Italian, try Francesca. Korean, you’ll want Shinaburo. Mediterranean, head to Sofi. Indian, get to Ashraf’s. Asian fusion, FuDog. Or for a classic Kiwi pub meal, head down the waterfront and take your pick.
Nothing says spring in Wānaka like the bike trails reopening after the winter thaw. Whether you’re after epic mountain bike trails or a cruisy ride ‘round lakeside trails, there’s plenty to choose from. Grab a bike rental in Wānaka, jump on your mountain or e-bike, and hit one of the classic bike trails Wānaka is so famous for:
Local’s tip: Short on time, tall on expectations? Bike Glendhu is your one-stop shop – rent your gear, ride, and refuel all in one place.
There’s no better way to round out your trip than connecting with people and place on a deeper level. Our beautiful surrounds are a big part of what makes Wānaka so special – and both locals and visitors alike can do their bit to help protect and preserve it. Join a planting session with Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, help out at the Grow Wānaka community garden, or join a Love Wānaka volunteering opportunity.
Afterwards, soak up all nature’s goodness with a half-day walk – Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain is a dreamy short walk with big views over Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring. Or, if you’ve rented a car, the Blue Pools near Makarora have crystal clear glacier-fed waters you won’t want to miss.
Local’s tip: Out of time to join a volunteering event? You can also make a one-off donation to Love Wānaka that will go directly towards helping protect our region.
There’s so many things to do in Wānaka this spring, five days of skiing, biking, wellness, and connecting with community and nature is just the beginning. It’s the perfect time of year to sit a little longer, breathe a little deeper, and take an extra moment to connect with the blossoming world around you. Convinced? Trust us. We get it.
