Wanaka Weekend: 48 Hours Done Right

Why Wanaka Instead of Queenstown?

Wanaka is 69 minutes from Queenstown via the Crown Range Road — the highest sealed highway in New Zealand, with views at the top that stop most drivers in their tracks. The journey alone is worth doing.

Wanaka's lake is larger and calmer than Wakatipu. The town is smaller, the restaurants are better value, and on a clear day the mountains framing the lake are as dramatic as anything in the region. The ski fields — Cardrona and Treble Cone — are arguably better than Queenstown's for intermediate and advanced skiers, and significantly less crowded on weekdays.

Come for a full weekend rather than a day trip. Two nights gives you the full picture: one day for nature, one day for an activity.

Saturday Morning: Roy's Peak or Isthmus Peak

Pick one. Do not attempt both in a day.

Roy's Peak is the signature Wanaka hike — 1578m summit, 16km return, 1300m elevation gain. The views from the ridge at about two-thirds of the way up (the famous photographic viewpoint) are among the most photographed in New Zealand: a sweeping curve of lake with Aspiring in the background. Allow 5–6 hours return from the carpark. Start no later than 7am to beat both the heat and the midday crowds at the viewpoint.

Isthmus Peak (1385m) is slightly shorter and less visited — 16km return, 4–5 hours, with 360-degree views across Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea simultaneously. The dual-lake perspective from the top is something Roy's Peak cannot offer. Both tracks are closed in lambing season (October–November) — check the DOC website before going.

Neither hike requires technical skills in summer conditions, but both demand reasonable fitness. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person and start descent by 1pm.

Saturday Afternoon: The Lake and That Tree

Post-hike: the lake is the reward. The Wanaka lakefront is a ten-minute walk from the town centre and has grassy areas for lying down and swimming spots that are genuinely swimmable in summer (December–February).

That Wanaka Tree — the lone willow growing out of the lake — is five minutes' drive east of town at Roys Bay. It's exactly what every photo promises: a single tree in still water with mountains behind it. Morning light is better than afternoon. It's free, it's quick, and it's worth ticking off.

The Wanaka lakefront café strip has good independent options: Kika on Helwick Street is reliably excellent for lunch (seasonal menu, local ingredients, genuinely considered). Francesca's Italian Kitchen and Ritual Café are strong alternatives. Avoid any café facing directly onto the tourist-facing strip of Ardmore Street — the food quality drops for the footfall.

Saturday Evening: Wine Valley and Dinner

The Wanaka wine scene is smaller but genuinely good. Rippon Vineyard, 7 minutes west of town on the lakefront, produces biodynamic pinot noir in one of the most dramatically scenic vineyard settings anywhere in the world — the lake is visible between the vines. Tasting room open daily in summer; check seasonal hours in winter.

For dinner in Wanaka: Bistro Gentil is the best restaurant in town — French-influenced, seasonal, and not cheap but worth it for a Saturday night. Ballantyne's Wine Bar (on Helwick) offers a quieter, wine-focused evening for those who want something more relaxed. Criffel Peak Brewing is the local craft beer option with food — a decent pub meal in a genuinely friendly atmosphere.

Sunday: Ski Fields (Winter) or Puzzling World and the Lake (Summer)

**Winter (June–September):** Cardrona Alpine Resort is 34km from Wanaka — about 35 minutes. It suits all levels with well-groomed intermediate runs, a good terrain park, and a reliable snowfall record. Day pass $150 adult, $100 child (5–14). Treble Cone, 19km from Wanaka, is steeper and better suited to confident intermediate and advanced skiers — the top of the mountain offers serious off-piste terrain that Cardrona cannot match. Also $150/$100 per day. Both get significantly less crowded than Queenstown's Remarkables and Coronet Peak on the same snowfall days.

**Summer (October–April):** Puzzling World ($32.50 adult, $23.50 child) is on the road into Wanaka from Queenstown — the giant illusion rooms and leaning tower have been pulling tourists in for decades, and they work. Allow 1.5–2 hours. It's genuinely fun for adults, not just kids.

A morning kayak or paddleboard on the lake is available from operators on the waterfront — expect to pay $40–80 for 2 hours. The lake is calm in the morning and the mountain reflections are at their best.

Getting There from Queenstown

Crown Range Road (SH89) is the direct route — 69 minutes, highest sealed road in NZ, breathtaking views at the top. In winter, chains may be required and the road occasionally closes — check the NZTA journey planner before leaving. The summit carpark is worth 10 minutes for photos.

The Cardrona Valley Road alternative (via Cromwell) adds 20–30 minutes but is lower and safer in icy conditions.

If you're not driving, Ritchie's runs a scheduled coach service Queenstown–Wanaka. Check times at ritchies.co.nz — the service runs a few times daily. A taxi or Uber from Queenstown is roughly $120–150 one way.