Lake Wanaka is a region made for adventure!
As you plan your weekend trip to Red Bull Defiance in March 2020, here are some of the best activities and adventures to enjoy whilst in the region. LakeWanaka is a great spot to bring friends and family members along so everyone gets to experience a slice of the action.
- HORSE TREKKING
Horse Trekking & Quad Biking – the Cardrona Valley near Wanaka offers some of the most spectacular riding terrain in New Zealand with The Cardrona & Backcountry Saddle Expeditions.
Ridgeline Adventures – get off the beaten track with a private 4WD journey into the iconic high country.
2. ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Eco Wanaka Adventures – take a boat cruise to the beautiful Mou Waho island to meet the native Buff Weka & other native wildlife.
Wildwire Wanaka – climb alongside Twin Falls, the highest waterfall via ferrata in the world!
Wanaka Paragliding – take a breathtaking Tandem Paragliding flight from Treble Cone Mountain
Deep Canyon – challenge yourself: jump, climb, abseil and swim our canyons
Skydive Wanaka – strap yourself to a beautiful stranger in the best place to skydive in NZ
3. NATURE EXPERIENCES
Wanaka River Journeys & Go Jets – jet boat experiences not to be missed
WanaHaka – for a tour with an authentic Maori welcome
Wanaka Lavender Farm – enjoy a breathtaking walk lavender fields & meet the resident animals
#thatwanakatree – NZ’s most photographed tree
4. MOUNTAIN BIKING
Wanaka Bike Tours – take out the hassle on a fully guided tour, mountain biking tours and heli biking trips for all abilities.
Dean’s Bank – this fast and flowing single-track mountain biking circuit has million-dollar views of the mighty Clutha River and Wanaka Basin.
5. FLYING
There’s no better place to take a scenic flight than Wanaka – fly the plane yourself, parasail or fly around Mt Aspiring and to Milford Sound.
6. WALKING & HIKING
Roys Peak Track – a #NZMustDO this half day walk will give you magnificent views of Wanaka, the lake and Southern Alps.
Mt Iron Track – One of Wanaka’s most popular short walks with spectacular views
The Rob Roy Glacier Track – this half day walk leads you into Mount Aspiring National Park, an amazing world of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes.
7. WEIRD & WACKY
Puzzling World – The Illusion Rooms, Puzzle Centre and Maze will leave you baffled!
National Transport and Toy Museum – visit the largest collection of toys in the Southern Hemisphere.
Warbirds & Wheels – classic cars, warbirds and wearable creations.
Crossfire – line up on the target and shoot for fun
Wanaka’s famous cinemas – Cinema Paradiso and Ruby’s Cinema & Bar
8. SKIFIELDS
Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snow Farm & Soho Basin– four of NZ’s best ski options within a 45 minute drive of the town centre.
Southern Lakes Heliski – the best of both worlds, skiing & helicopters!
9. WORLD HERITAGE AREA’S
Southern Alps Air, Siberia Experience – a four-hour wilderness adventure in Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park including a scenic flight, walk and jet boat.
Blue Pools Track – a short walk to the famous, crystal clear turquoise pools.
10. EATS
Kika – the Best Restaurant in NZ
The Big Fig – slow food served fast!
Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen – try their famous signature dish, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder
Bistro Gentil – a recipient of a hat in the prestigious Cuisine Good Food Awards, 2016.
Patagonia Chocolates & Black Peak Gelato – for the best chocolates, ice creams and gelatos!
Best cheap eats: Charlie Brown Crepes
