Things To Do in Winter

We would be remiss to not include skiing and snowboarding at the top of our list. With three dedicated alpine ski resorts, you’ll have access to some of the most diverse terrain in the Southern Hemisphere – all within a short driving distance from town centre. Cardrona Alpine Resort is New Zealand’s largest ski area, attracting everyone from the first-timer, to world-famous Olympians and X Games athletes. And at the other end of town is Treble Cone Ski Area, famous for long runs and legendary off-piste terrain.

Snow Farm, sits across the valley from Cardrona, and is the only dedicated cross-country ski area in New Zealand. The 55km of groomed trails are perfect for beginners and experts alike.

If cross-country skiing or skate skiing isn’t really your vibe, then try snowshoeing to explore the high trails. For the kids (or the kid within) the dedicated Snow Fun Zone is a great place to play. Throw snowballs, build snowmen and make snow angels, then head over to the tubing area for gentle thrills.

An overnight adventure to a backcountry hut is also an epic experience. Snow Farm has three backcountry huts which have gas cookers, log burners and firewood as well as a small range of cooking and cutlery equipment. Make sure you book well in advance!

This is your chance to explore backcountry terrain and fresh powder that most will never set boot in, with a ski and splitboard adventure. A small local team who know the ins and outs of our backyard, Wānaka Mountain Guides offers both group and private backcountry tours – with options from one-day tours of local mauka (mountains) or getting deep into Aoraki Mount Cook and beyond for multi-day tours.

Heliskiing (or snowboarding) is the bucket list experience for anyone who loves skiing and snowboarding. And in Wānaka, the whole experience is levelled up with epic views, untouched terrain and thousands of kilometres of access to the mountains.

The best part is, you don’t even have to be an expert. If you can comfortably get down a blue run at any of our ski resorts, you can heliski. Each tour can be custom-tailored to any ability level, whether you’re a Sunday ski cruiser or a ripper. Our two heliski tour companies, Southern Lakes Heliski and Harris Mountain Heli Ski have over 40 years experience and access to 700+ runs. Heliskiing in Wānaka – add that one to the list immediately.

If you’re wanting the helicopter experience of heliskiing, without the actual downhill action, check out scenic flights in Wānaka, available by helicopter or plane. With over 100 permanent glaciers in the mountains surrounding Wānaka, a scenic flight with a glacier landing is easy. It’s the only way to really understand the scale of our incredible landscape – from above.

Once the sun sets and you’re off the mountain, the fun only continues. Après-ski in Wānaka can be as luxury or laid-back as you like. If you’re in the mood for something simple and social, Wānaka’s bar scene will be up your alley. Lake Bar is a local classic with regular live music and casual vibes, while just down the road is Kai Whakapai, known for their excellent food and drink, with a buzzing atmosphere. For craft beer enthusiasts, Brew Bar has you covered, while Verve serves the wine crew and late night revellers. For something a little further afield, Hāwea Hotel will give you a quieter end to the day, complete with stunning lake views.

Want to know more about the best places to après? Check out our guide here.

The local dining scene punches well above its weight, with everything from boutique food trucks to award-winning dining. Kika is the latter, with seasonal dishes inspired by global flavours and made to share. For something iconic, Cardrona Hotel serves up hearty pub fare in a setting that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Sofi is a great choice for a more modern, Mediterranean-inspired experience, while sister restaurant Francesca is your go-to for all things fresh Italian. If you’re after lake views with your meal, Edgewater is the choice for you, or for an alpine setting, Cardona Distillery pairs artisan spirits with fine food.

Craft beer lovers are in luck if they’re looking for a Wānaka brewery, with a great selection to choose from. Rhyme and Reason is known for its creative small-batch brews and very chilled vibe. Down the road, Ground Up Brewing has 22 excellent options in tap and regular live music to enjoy while you sip. Meanwhile, b.social taproom & eatery is a local favourite for its frequently-changing tap list and quick bites. So many options for unwinding and debriefing on the day’s powder.

Whether you’ve had a day of powder or winery tastings, recovery is key. Luckily for you, Wānaka is full of wholesome activities that make you feel good inside and out. In Lake Hāwea (and soon to be open in Cardrona) is The Secret Sauna – a wood-fired barrel sauna on the edge of the lake perfect for hot-cold immersion therapy. Closer to town is The Sauna Wanaka, located at the Outlet and offering guided sessions as well as a cold lake plunge.

If you’re looking for more of a selfcare day, Wānaka has plenty of options to help you switch off. For a moment of luxury, Sanctuary Day Spa offers a full range of indulgent treatments designed to relax and restore. Active Massage is ideal if your body needs a bit more attention after skiing or biking, with deep tissue therapies to get right in there and sauna-spa packages.

For something a little different, Silver Sixpence combines boutique charm with personalised treatments, while Ilu Hub offers a more holistic approach with wellness-focused therapies and a calming, modern space. If you’re after a truly elevated experience, keep an eye out for the new Alpine Suite at Massage in Wānaka, bringing a fresh option to the local wellness scene.

For a rest day that still feels like an adventure, LandEscape Wānaka pairs lakeside e-biking with wood-fired hot tubs at Lake Hāwea. It’s the perfect way to soak tired muscles while still making the most of your winter holiday.

If you’re feeling like spending a day doing some off-mountain activities (rest up those legs!), the Wānaka arts and culture scene is the perfect change of pace. Start with a wander around the streets of town, checking out the shops. For such a small spot, our local options make you feel like you’re in a big city  – with everything from street style with Corner Store, Fearless and Heatwave, to high-end fashion with 47Frocks and Devál Boutique. There’s also unique gifting (or keeping for yourself!) options like Wonder Room, Gifted, Thieving Kea, and Wilson & Dorset. Or, for a lighter footprint, Wānaka is known for its great op shops.

Once you’ve finished browsing, head to Cinema Paradiso, a much-loved local cinema known for its cosy, quirky charm (think sofas and freshly-baked cookies at intermission), or check out the National Toy & Transport Museum for a throw back to your childhood. Then end the day by exploring a range of local galleries, including Gallery Thirty Three and The Picture Lounge, both showcasing contemporary New Zealand artists and photographers. And if you time your visit right, Wānaka also hosts cultural events like the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival each June, and the winter pride festival.

While we all love the Wānaka ski fields, there are so many other great outdoors adventures to be had while you’re visiting. E-biking is one of the best ways to explore the region at your own pace. Join a guided ride with NZ Bike Trails or hire an e-bike from Racers Edge or Outside Sports and cruise the lakeside tracks and surrounding trails (if you head towards Albert Town, make sure you plan to stop at Pembroke Patisserie).  If you’d rather slow things down, Wānaka is packed with many great short walks – from easy strolls to quick hikes with rewarding views.

For something a little more adventurous, why not try horse trekking through the high country or heading out on a 4WD tour to access remote alpine terrain. In winter, snowshoeing is another great way to experience the mountains at a gentler pace, offering a quieter alternative to the ski fields. And once the sun goes down, don’t miss the chance to look up because Wānaka’s dark skies are ideal for stargazing. Join a guided experience with Adventure Wānaka or head out to Lake Hāwea Station for a peaceful  night under the stars.