Places to stay for your Wānaka ski holiday

Tin Tub Luxury Lodge
Nestled on Peak View Ridge, relax, unwind, and soak up the lake and mountain views with an on-site tennis court, swimming pool, sauna, gym, and most importantly, a drying room for your ski gear.

Release Wānaka Apartments
A collection of luxury accommodation experiences throughout Wānaka, Release has curated exceptional private villas, lodges, and estates that go beyond luxury accommodation, whether you’re after a bespoke family adventure or a private retreat with world-class service.

Mahu Whenua – Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary
Just twenty minutes from central Wānaka, Mahu Whenua offers total privacy, unforgettable experiences and exquisite food and wine on what is virtually your own national park. Go on, indulge.

Paradiso Accommodation
Sleeping four and located right above the iconic Paradiso Movie Theatre, these apartments are ideal for family holidays. Right in town, everything is within reach – mulled wine, playgrounds, grocery stores, ski rental shops and more.

Wānaka Top 10 Holiday Park
Just 2km from town, the Wānaka Top 10 Holiday Park has cabins, motel units with kitchens, powered sites, and a shared spa and sauna. Spacious grounds and indoor amenities make it perfect for the whole family.

Wānaka Luxury Apartments
Think stylish, self-contained full-service holiday accommodation with a traditional alpine lodge feel and modern facilities. A resort-style complex with individual townhouses, these apartments are a 15-minute walk to the middle of town and just five to the lakefront.

Cross Hill Lodge and Domes
Enjoy a romantic glamping getaway under the stars in Lake Hāwea. Nestled into the hill, each dome has its own entrance and celebrates human connection to the land with high country hospitality, premium comfort, and a remote, peaceful setting.

Mantells Wānaka
Award-winning, architecturally designed luxury lodge accommodation in central Wānaka, make your next romantic getaway extra special with spacious, self-contained apartments and mountain-lined lake views to set the mood.

Wild Earth Lodge
A cosy cabin and rustic retreat at the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, choose from open-plan cottages or self-contained barns and enjoy open starry skies, mountain views, and native rainforests.

Marina Terrace Apartments
Think designer kitchens, decadent baths, and cosy outdoor fireplaces on your own private terrace. Add in a heated pool and spa pool, and you’re sorted for the perfect romantic retreat right on the Wānaka lakefront.

Lakeside Apartments
The only luxury, 5-star Qualmark hotel in the heart of Wānaka is just a stone’s throw from the lake. Sleeping groups of up to 7-8, these apartments have daily service, a spa, pool, BBQ area and lake views, making the perfect base for your crew’s annual ski trip.

Holiday Homes
Renting one of the many holiday homes in Wānaka is a great way to be self-sufficient and have a home base to warm your bones, store your cereal, and dry your ski gear each night. Explore a selection of self-catered houses ideal for groups of all sizes.

Wānaka Hotel
With an ongoing Sustainability Program and a Qualmark Silver Environment award, Wānaka’s only town-centre hotel offers comfortable apartments just one minute from the lake. You’ve also got Scroggin cafe, Bullock Bar and Grill, and Amigos Mexican Grill right on site.

Ride Base Wānaka Apartments
With regularly serviced weekly and monthly self-catered apartments, you’ll find a collection of studios, apartments, and even a three-bed house to accommodate groups of all sizes. And just a five-minute walk to the lakefront.

Alpine Junction
Discover 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments in Albert Town for active travellers, couples, and families, also offering ensuite rooms with shared living and cooking facilities. Explore walking, biking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, river surfing and more, right from the backyard.

Wonderland Makarora Lodge
Set amongst lush rainforests and mountains at the doorstep to the Mt Aspiring National Park, this idyllic resort is the perfect adventure base for bush walks, scenic flights, jet boating, fishing, the Blue Pools and more.

Motels in Wānaka 
Motels in Wānaka are typically cost-friendly, providing creature comforts for those wanting to maximise mountain time. Most are located within walking distance to town, making them the perfect base for your adventures.

Mountain Spirit
An organic, off-the-grid secluded sanctuary located just outside of Wānaka, with fresh mountain water, solar panels, hydro power, and stunning, peaceful views of the Southern Alps and lakes.

The Shed
Located on the outskirts of Wānaka, The Shed offers holistic self-catered accommodation with an ethos of minimising their footprint and connecting with fellow travellers. Think modern, eco-conscious accommodation with the essence of a Kiwi bach.

Edgewater
A Toitū carbon reduce certified organisation with sustainability at the forefront, Edgewater has accommodation options from deluxe 1-bedroom suites to lakeview hotel rooms and spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments.

Kinnect Wānaka
A collective of locally-owned bed and breakfasts offering hosted, bespoke experiences for conscious travellers seeking genuine connection with people and place. From self-contained apartments to cosy shared spaces, each stay comes with insider local knowledge, thoughtful amenities, and the warmth of family-run hospitality that keeps profits in the community.

Supporting sustainable accommodation providers is a great way to travel more thoughtfully and give back to the environment. As well as staying sustainable in your accommodation this winter, explore why slowing down and exploring mindfully makes for a better way to travel.

Your winter accommodation in Wānaka can shape your whole ski experience. Not sure where exactly is best for you? Here are a few tips when deciding which side of town to bunk in.

• Wānaka Town Centre is ideal for families, couples, and groups who want to be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and ski shuttle pick-up points. You’ll have easy access to both Cardrona and Treble Cone transport, plus all the après-skicomforts at your doorstep.
• Hāwea is generally a little quieter in the winter months, and can be more cost-effective than staying right in town. Just 20 minutes from Wānaka, this makes it a great option for families or travellers wanting a slightly quieter holiday.
• Albert Town is home to several holiday parks and motels on the edge of town, providing a great balance for families and budget-conscious travellers while still being close enough to shuttle stops, rental gear, and restaurants for winter warmers after a long day.
• Cardrona Valley is the perfect spot for skiers wanting to maximise time on the hill at Cardrona Alpine Resort. A 20-minute drive from Wānaka township, you’re close enough to head in for a cuppa, but that much closer to the resort for first chair.

• Ski shuttles & Mountain Transport
  Need a lift to the ski field? Jump on the Cardrona bus service from town – and ideally, find accommodation close to the pick-up point to avoid a long, awkward walk in your ski boots. Bookings are essential, and get in early to secure your seat. Regular shuttles also run from the bottom car park at Cardrona and at Treble Cone with no bookings required.
• Driving
  If you’re driving yourself, check road conditions in the morning as you may require chains. Always drive to the conditions, be good to hitchhikers, and fill your car with other skiers to reduce emissions heading up the hill.
• Ski passes
  Buy online and pick these up in town before heading up the hill to avoid waiting in long queues and watching everyone else shred the fresh cord. Not sure where to ski? Check out our Guide to Wānaka Ski Areas.

So there you have it, holiday planners. Whether you’re after convenience, luxury, or space to spread the ski gear, Wānaka has accommodation to suit every winter warrior, with the perfect blend of ski-time, lakeside relaxation, and vibrant town life.

Ready to lock in your winter retreat? Browse all Wānaka Accommodation, then get down here already.