How to Spend 2 Days in Wanaka

Yes, everywhere you go in New Zealand is beautiful. BUT, I think Wanaka was exceptionally stunning. If you forced me to move to the South Island (it wouldn’t take much), Wanaka would be the place I would want to call home. It was up there in my top three places I visited in the two weeks I spent road tripping from the Auckland in the North Island down to Queenstown in the South.

Here you’ll find yourself in a quaint little lakeside town with snowcapped mountains as the backdrop. The perfect place to relax, eat quality food and seek adventure is Wanaka. In comparison to Queenstown, I definitely enjoyed Wanaka a lot more as it is quite and less touristy!

This is how I spent two days in this picturesque town:

Getting There:

I drove in from Twizel and the views out the car window were just amazing! I oddly hoped to be stopped by a heard of sheep on this trip and my classic NZ stereotype of a dream came true! There definitely isn’t a shortage of sheep all over the country, just as I suspected.

Note: if you want to explore around Wanaka with ease, definitely think about a rental car!

Where to Stay:

You’ll find many people staying in campervans at the lake front, which looked like a great place to wake up to in the morning. I chose to stay in an Airbnb just a few minutes drive from the town centre and it was lovely! The place is the bottom level of a woman’s house and is just a five or ten minute walk from the lake front. It felt as though I was living in luxury!

The Lake Front:

By far the bluest and most beautiful lake I have ever laid eyes on - just look at those colours and the mountains in the background! Grab a loaf of bread and head down to the dock to feed the fish and ducks. The water is so clear if you’re visiting on a blue skied day!

Here you’ll also find an array of cafes and shops adjacent to the water where I ate most of my meals. More on that later!

Slightly obsessed with feeding ducks and fish

That Wanaka Tree:

After spending way too much time trying to find the famous Wanaka Tree on the first day, after dinner on the second day I was determined to hunt it down. The most popular photo spot in Wanaka is just out of the town centre. If you’re facing the lake in the centre of town, walk to the left on the lake edge and you will eventually find it.

I recommend getting there for sunrise or sunset - I wish I did! Maybe also make sure you’re the when there tide is out so you get the full effect of the willow tree. While it has the whole stunning backdrop going for it, the tree itself is still so ethereal and odd!

Bike Riding:

The best way to explore beyond the town centre and around the lake is by renting a bike! You’ll find several rental places around the lake front. I went with the cheapest option just for a few hours and the bike was not the best, but still fun nonetheless.

Venture as far as your legs will allow you as this area is so peaceful and beautiful. We packed a picnic lunch and sat on the water’s edge and I barely saw a single other person in sight! You’ll definitely understand why I want to live here!

The Blue Pools:

About an hours drive out of Wanaka is the most uniquely blue water I have ever encountered, not to mention the clearest as well. The Blue Pools track is a part of the Mount Aspiring National Park and is an easy walk. If you get a sunny day, make of the most of it and head here! It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the pools and if you have more time you can continue hiking.

Pulled beef gnocchi and a wood fired pizza!

Eating:

You’ll find cute cafes and delicious restaurants dotted throughout town. Our Airbnb host recommended Francesca’s Italian Kitchen and while it was quite overpriced, it was still delicious and fun to splurge! For sweet food, head to Patagonia, which is also facing the lake on the main street. If you want a coffee, Urban Grind was amazing!

Cinema Paradiso:

If you love movies like I do, then you have to get to Cinema Paradiso. Just a few minutes from the town centre is this classic little cinema where you can watch a movie in a sofa or an old Morris Minor. Half way through the film, there is a break where you can purchase some freshly baked cookies that are huge! As well you can order dinner from the kitchen! It costs $15 per adult and is a great way to spend a night in Wanaka. Who needs Gold Class? This is way better and WAY cheaper.

I wish I had photos of this cute cinema, but you can find more info here.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO WANAKA? WHAT WERE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL TOWN?