Wanaka Luxury Holidays

Nestled at the foot of Lake Wanaka, this town is the more demure sister to the larger resort of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. Like Queenstown, Wanaka is situated among some striking scenery. The Crown Range Mountains, the nearby glacier Lake Hāwea and Lake Wanaka itself make this a stunning backdrop for your luxury holiday in Wanaka. Although the town is more compact and less touristy than others in the area, it remains a dynamo of adventure and discovery.

Luxury hotels in Wanaka are also very special, and we’re proud to be able to present a choice of plush lakeside holiday homes and lodges. You can take your pick from rustic cabins with wall-to-wall windows affording you spectacular views of the mountains and lakes, or, if you’d prefer, a private room in a boutique hotel.

Adventure with a difference

For vivid wildlife encounters, head to Mount Aspiring National Park. Here, you can take one of the many trails through astonishing alpine forests. At its heart lies a glacier wonderland of snowfields and ice-carved valleys. Within the park and to the north of Lake Wanaka are the stunning ‘blue pools’, which are accessible by Swing Bridge over the Makarora River. Icy, ultramarine ponds, these are truly impressive geological features and are well worth a visit.

If you’re looking for a more thrilling activity, take a jet boat down the Matukituki River to explore the park at high speed. You can also enjoy the water scenery with a more leisurely boat cruise to Mou Waho Island Reserve on Lake Wanaka and come face-to-face with the rare and flightless Buff Weka bird. Discover the lake-within-a-lake that hides on this uninhabited island. For a hike with a difference, climb the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata (iron road). This cable ladder takes you up the Twin Falls for an awesome encounter with nature.

City delights

Back in town, visit some of the quirkier museums New Zealand has to offer, including the popular 3D Maze of Puzzling World. For military enthusiasts, the Warbirds & Wheels museum of combat aircrafts is also sure to delight. Bursting with wineries, Wanaka is a fantastic place to sample some exclusive wine-tasting experiences, and the pinot noir of the region comes highly recommended. Otherwise, head to the Cardrona Distillery to taste New Zealand’s only homemade whisky. The town itself is also known for its many quirky and cool bars and eateries.

Holidays with a difference

Our luxury holidays in Wanaka offer something a little bit out of the ordinary. Garnering the spectacular vistas and dynamic energy of its larger cousins, this small town also has a more chilled-out vibe and is free from the droves of tourists found elsewhere on New Zealand’s South Island.

Whether you’re travelling with your family or going it alone, we offer unbeatable hotels and lodges in Wanaka that can make the perfect setting for your getaway. Our New Zealand experts are reachable by phone or live chat and will be more than happy to discuss our indulgent holiday packages with you and answer any queries you may have.