After exploring Arthur’s Pass, our next stop was a city that quickly became one of our favorite places in the world—Wanaka. While it’s an obvious choice for those looking to hike in Mount Aspiring National Park, the town itself immediately captivated us with its charm. From picturesque houses and a stunning lake surrounded by colorful trees to cozy cafés lining the streets, Wanaka has an atmosphere that’s simply magical.
Beyond its beauty, the area is packed with hiking trails and outdoor adventures, making it a place where you could easily spend a year or two without ever getting bored.
How to Get to Wanaka?
Wanaka is quite a long drive from Arthur’s Pass—approximately 5.5 hours. To make the journey more enjoyable, I’ve listed some great places to stop along the way for rest, food, and scenic views.
Recommended Stops from Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka:
- Pippa’s Lookout – A perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a beautiful lakeside view.
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- Taste of Kiwi – A cozy café and gift shop in Springfield, ideal for a coffee stop.
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- World Famous Sheffield Pies – New Zealand is known for its pies, and these are truly worth the stop!
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- The Greedy Cow Café – We visited this coffee shop multiple times, especially during our stay in Tekapo.
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- Lake Pukaki Viewpoint – If the skies are clear, you’ll get a breathtaking view of Mount Cook.
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- Lake Ruataniwha Viewpoint – Another stunning lake stop, and trust me, each of them is worth the visit!
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- Pembroke Patisserie – Home to one of the best croissants in New Zealand—a must-try for pastry lovers.
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Where to Stay in Wanaka?
Wanaka offers a wide range of accommodation options, making it difficult to choose just one! No matter where you stay, you’re unlikely to be disappointed—the entire town is filled with stylish, newly built houses that add to its charm.
We stayed in two different accommodations during our time in Wanaka:
Ultimately, it all comes down to your budget and priorities—both places were great, but The Snow Sport Studio stood out for its comfort and location!
What to Do in Wanaka?
Wanaka is a hiker’s paradise, with countless trails to explore. Since we only had four days, we had to be selective, but here are the hikes we managed to do.
1. Rakaia Gorge Walkway
Although not directly in Wanaka, we’re including this hike because we did it on our way from Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka—and it was well worth the stop!
The trail follows the rim of the gorge, high above the river, offering stunning views of the bright blue water. Most of the elevation gain happens early in the hike, leading up to a scenic lookout. After that, the trail flattens out, but it was quite muddy and slippery when we visited due to recent rain.
Overall, it’s a short but rewarding hike—perfect for a scenic break on your journey!
2. Upper Clutha River Track
This was the next hike we did, and while it’s relatively easy due to its mostly flat terrain, the length makes it a bit more challenging.
The trail follows the shore of the Clutha River, offering beautiful views, especially in autumn, when the golden hues of the larches make the scenery even more breathtaking.
Unlike some of the more well-known hikes in the area, this trail is quiet and uncrowded—we only came across a few people during the entire walk, making it a peaceful and immersive nature experience.
3. Roys Peak Track
If you’re in Wanaka, the Roys Peak Track is an absolute must. The breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains make this one of the most iconic hikes in New Zealand. You’ll be treated to stunning scenery throughout the entire walk, but the 360° panoramic view from the summit is truly out of this world.
Roys Peak Track: What to Expect
1. Difficulty & Elevation Gain
Roys Peak is a challenging hike and became our benchmark for difficulty—whenever we rank hikes, it’s now on a scale of 0 to Roys Peak!
The elevation gain is 1,300 meters over just 8 km one way (16 km round trip), making for a relentless climb. There are no shaded areas or resting spots, so you’ll be exposed to the elements the entire way up.
2. Start Early & Be Prepared
This is a very popular trail, so starting early is key—not just to beat the crowds but also to secure parking. We began at 8:30 AM, which was already late by our standards (we usually aim for 6–7 AM for tough hikes).
On our way down, we saw many hikers who were clearly unprepared—wearing inappropriate footwear, lacking layers, and carrying little to no water.
Don’t underestimate this hike!
Although Roys Peak is close to the city, it is not an easy walk. The Department of Conservation (DOC) rates it as “Hard”, and for good reason—the steep incline, lack of shade, and relentless climb can make it quite tough. Make sure to evaluate your fitness level before setting out, and come properly equipped for the challenge!
3. The Importance of Good Weather
The trail itself isn’t particularly exciting, so if clouds block the view, you’ll be climbing for hours with no reward. Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.
That said, on a clear day, the views from the summit are phenomenal—a 360° panorama of Lake Wanaka, snow-capped peaks, and the surrounding valleys.
4. Time & Experience
The hike took us around 4 hours total, plus an extra hour at the top for lunch, photos, and enjoying the view. If you pick the right day, the experience is absolutely worth the effort!
4. Aspiring Hut Track
The Aspiring Hut Track is definitely one of my favorite hikes in New Zealand! The trail offers incredible scenery throughout, including:
The trail is not very crowded, making it a peaceful and immersive experience.
1. Getting to the Trailhead
2. challenges
Final Thoughts
Aspiring Hut Track is a must-do in the Wanaka area! If you have the time and energy to continue to Liverpool Hut, you’ll likely get an even more spectacular experience.
Where to Eat in Wanaka?
Wanaka is a vibrant town with plenty of great shops and amazing dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for street food, a cozy café, or a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top recommendations for delicious eats in Wanaka:
1. Burrito Craft 🌯
Located in The Food Truck Park, this spot serves up delicious burritos in a laid-back, cozy setting. Perfect for a casual, satisfying meal.
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2. Coco Hut Asian Food Truck 🍜
Right next to Burrito Craft, this food truck offers fantastic Asian-inspired dishes—just as good as its neighbor!
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3. Scroggin Coffee and Eatery ☕🍳
A great breakfast spot that also doubles as a perfect workspace for remote workers. If you’re like us and need a place to grab a coffee and get some work done, this is the place to go.
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4. Dripping Bowl 🥗
If you’re looking for something healthy yet delicious, this spot offers nourishing meals packed with flavor.
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5. Federal Diner 🍽️
A hidden gem with friendly staff and great food. It’s a bit tucked away but definitely worth finding!
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6. Patagonia Chocolates 🍦☕
For those with a sweet tooth, this is the best place in town for amazing ice cream and coffee.
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Conclusion
As I mentioned before, Wanaka has become one of our favorite places in the world, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why. Maybe it’s the stunning lake, the laid-back, friendly atmosphere, or the breathtaking surrounding nature—but there’s something truly special about this town.
We kept hearing stories about people who came to Wanaka for just a few days and ended up staying for months or even years. That’s the magic of Wanaka—it draws you in and makes you never want to leave.
So if you have the chance, stay as long as you can and soak in everything this incredible place has to offer!
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