WHERE TO STAY IN WANAKA – Best Wanaka Accommodations
Wanaka is a small town located at the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park and overlooking Lake Wanaka. In recent years, Wanaka has become a popular destination for adventure tourism, with activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking and jet boating. Despite it’s growing tourism industry, Wanaka managed to maintain a small-town feel with a friendly community and a relaxed pace of life. It’s a great town to base yourself for a couple of days to relax and do some of the best hikes in Wanaka. Luckily there are plenty of accommodations in Wanaka varying from beautiful lake view apartments to basic rooms and vacation homes. Find in our complete guide everything about where to stay in Wanaka including the best Wanaka accommodations.
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About Wanaka
Wanaka is one of the beautiful picturesque town of the South Island of New Zealand. Known for its stunning natural scenery, crystal-clear lake, and world-class outdoor activities, Wanaka offers everything for nature lovers. Surrounded by the Southern Alps and at the doorstep of Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka town has breathtaking views all around. Besides all the activities, Wanaka also has plenty of facilities such as great restaurants ranging from great cafes to fine dining, food trucks, boutique shops and supermarkets.
Most of the accommodation options in Wanaka are in the centre of town. However, there are also some gorgeous hotels within driving distance. Cardrona and Lake Hawea for example are great options if you want to stay somewhere really quiet but on a 15 minute drive from Wanaka’s lively but serene centre.
Where to stay in Wanaka regarding the best area
Wanaka is a relatively small town which means that all areas are within easy reach of its main attractions. However, some areas may be more suitable for you than others, depending on your preferences and way of transport.
Basically there are 5 areas where you can stay in and near Wanaka.
- Wanaka town centre. The town center is the heart of Wanaka, and it’s an ideal location for those who want to be close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also a convenient base for exploring Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.
- Wanaka Lake front. The lakefront area is a picturesque location with stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains. There are only a few hotels and apartment located along the lake, and they often are fully booked because of its stunning location. So if you find availability, make sure to secure your place! Staying at a lakefront location is an excellent way to enjoy water activities such as kayaking, and having walk along the lake shore with sunrise and sunset.
- Hawea. Lake Hawea is a 15 minute drive northeast of Wanaka. It’s a great destination for those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and peaceful surroundings. Staying in Lake Hawea can be an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling town center of Wanaka. There are several accommodation options in Lake Hawea, including holiday parks, motels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts.
- Cardrona Valley. Cardrona Valley is about a 20-minute drive from Wanaka, and it’s a popular location for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. It’s an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the snow and outdoor activities.
- Albert Town. Albert Town is a quiet and peaceful suburb located about 5 kilometers north of Wanaka. It’s an ideal location for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the town center while still being close to its attractions.
Where to stay in Wanaka town centre
Staying in Wanaka town centre obviously means you have the most facilities within walking distance. With Lake Wanaka at your doorstep, a cute food truck park and plenty of other restaurants and cafes across the lake, Wanaka town centre is a lively and popular place to be.
Here are the best Wanaka accommodations in the centre.
Wanaka Luxury Apartments
The stylish self-contained holiday apartments are only 600 meters away from Wanaka centre and the lakeshore. The 29 apartments provide a choice of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments with either a kitchen or kitchenette. Located along a quiet street with stunning mountain views, the Wanaka Luxury Apartments have great reviews. The outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi are and extra facility to enjoy for guests to make your stay unforgettable. Perfect for couples and families!
→ Check here prices and availability for Wanaka Luxury Apartments and secure your booking!
Wanaka Homestead Lodge & Cottages
Almost lakefront located, Wanaka Homestead Lodge & Cottages has the choice of B&B accommodation or self-catering cottages. All rooms and cottages have an en suite bathroom, heating and satellite TV. The cottages are specious with generous living areas and well equipped kitchens making it a perfect family friendly stay.
→ Check here prices and availability for Wanaka Homestead Lodge & Cottages
Club Wyndham Wanaka
Club Wyndham Wanaka is a great place to stay in Wanaka if you want to have all the convenience and luxury of a hotel but also your own kitchen in the room. All one, two and three bedroom suites and apartments at Club Wyndham Wanaka have a private balcony or courtyard including a kitchenette or full kitchen. The outdoor heated pool, waterslide, hot tub, sauna and an onsite bar of Club Wyndham provide everything you need to relax in the hotel while still being close to the centre.
→ Check here the prices and availability for Club Wyndham Wanaka
Best places to stay in Wanaka along the lake
Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel is a stunning lakefront hotel that has hotel rooms and apartments with picturesque lake views. You can literally walk in one minute from your hotel room to the lakeshore. With a day spa, sauna, tennis court and a a restaurant and cafe, there is nothing you will miss during your stay at the Edgewater Hotel. Without a doubt some of the best Wanaka hotels.
→ Book here your stay at Edgewater Hotel Wanaka
Lakeside Luxury 2 Bedroom Apartment
This gorgeous 2 bedroom apartment is a home away from home with all the amenities you need and a stunning view on Lake Wanaka. With a fully equipped kitchen including dishwasher, a patio with incredible mountain and lake views, a shared indoor pool and closely located to Wanaka town, this luxury apartment is everything you need.
→ Book here your stay at Lakeside Luxury 2 Bedroom Apartment
Pembroke – Luxury 1 Bedroom Apartment
This 90sqm lakefront apartment has everything you need. It’s situated right in the centre of Wanaka and has stunning lake views throughout the rooms. The luxury one bedroom apartment features a large double bed with en suite bathroom, a kitchen with a fridge and a dishwasher, a washing machine and towels and bed linen are provided.
→ Check here the price and availability for Pembroke luxury 1 bedroom apartment
Where to stay in Hawea
The Camp Lake Hawea
The Camp is located along Lake Hawea and is some of the most beautiful locations you can stay near Wanaka. With direct access to the lake, a private beach with mountain views and a wide range of accommodation options, The Camp offers something for every budget. From Glamping tents to Lakeside cottages, Tiny houses and a campground with shared bathroom facilities and public BBQ, The Camp is a place where you can feel at home. We have stayed in one of the tents with stunning lake view and felt so at peace surrounded by nature. A great choice if you want to be closely located to Wanaka and have some of the most incredible views at your doorstep.
→ Check here prices and availability for the different accommodations at The Camp
Hawea Hotel
Located on a 15 minute drive from Wanaka town, Hawea Hotel is a great budget friendly option. You can still stay close to Wanaka and have lake views, but then on Lake Hawea. All hotel rooms, as well as the on-site restaurant and bar, feature beautiful lake and mountain views. The rooms include a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, a desk and a small seating area.
→ Book here your stay at Hawea Hotel
Where to stay in Cardrona
Cardrona Mountain Chalet with Pool and Jacuzzi
The spacious apartments of apartments of Cardrona Mountain Chalets have stunning mountain views and are a 20 minute drive away from Wanaka. The apartments either have 1 or 3 bedrooms, and are a fully equipped with kitchen, bathrooms with a shower and a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment. Guests can enjoy the on site spa centre and use the barbecue responsibly.
→ Check here prices and availability for Cardrona Mountain Chalet
Cardrona Hotel
The Cardrona Hotel has a range of rooms and villa’s varying from 1 bedroom queen rooms, rooms with twin beds family rooms and villa’s with 3 bedrooms. There is an iconic on-site restaurant and bar which you can enjoy while sipping a drink on the patio overlooking the gardens. Cardrona hotel also features a hot tub, a ski drying room and shared lounge and laundry facilities. The hotel is closely located to the Cardrona ski fields which makes it a perfect stay during the winter ski season.
→ Check here prices and availability for Cardrona Hotel
Where to stay in Albert Town
Albert Town Bach – Wanaka Holiday Home
Albert Town is a quiet charming town on 5 minutes driving from Wanaka. It’s the perfect place for families or couples that want to unwind in a very relaxing and charming area. Albert Town Bach holiday home is a great option with 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a dishwasher, a TV, living area and 1 bathroom equipped with a shower. The spacious garden gives plenty of space to enjoy the sunshine or for kids to play. This is a true home away from home with everything you need.
→ Check here the price and availability for Albert Town Bach
Alpine Junction Townhouse Apartments, Lodge & Hotel
The modern apartments of Alpine Junction Townhouse Apartments have everything you need. A fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, a patio or balcony gives you the opportunity to prepare home cooked meals and enjoy the sunshine from your apartment. If you don’t need a kitchen then there are also rooms available. Perfect if you just need to spend a night somewhere clean and modern.
→ Check here prices and availability for Alpine Junction Townhouse Apartments on Booking
How to get around in New Zealand
To experience New Zealand to the fullest and at your own pace, renting a car, campervan or motorhome is the best way to get around for a road trip. Which one of these options you choose depends on your preference and budget. If you love camping, being outdoors all day and you don’t mind a smaller living space, then renting a camper van is the way to go. It also gives you the freedom to sleep at some of the most beautiful camping spots, but for some of them you’ll have to make a reservation and plan your trip accordingly. The same goes for a motorhome which is bigger than a campervan and fits about 4-6 people. Here’s what you need to know about renting a car, camper van or motorhome in New Zealand.
Car rental New Zealand
Renting a car in New Zealand is the easiest and cheapest rental vehicle available. It will get you to all the best destinations with ease and gives you the freedom to stop for a break wherever you want. However, you should keep in mind that some roads in New Zealand are still gravel or that you have to cross shallow rivers to some destinations in National Parks. Therefore we personally recommend a mini SUV or SUV model to have enough clearance for these kind of roads.
The best place to book your rental car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare different car models, prices, companies and terms and conditions. Make sure to secure the booking of your rental car as soon as possible to have the lowest price possible. Prices go up the closer you get to the pick up date.
Campervan rental in New Zealand
Traveling around in a campervan is one of the most popular ways for a road trip in New Zealand. With a bed, small kitchen and seating area you will have all the (basic) needs on four wheels. A campervan allows you to camp at plenty of beautiful places, sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee. It will you give you a true feeling of freedom and connects you with nature.
We personally recommend to book your campervan with Travellers Autobarn as they have a wide range of Stationwagons, 2-berth campervans & 3-5 berth campervans to hire for all budgets. All Travellers Autobarn campervan hires in New Zealand come with free unlimited kilometers, 10% discount to premium campgrounds, 24/7 road side assistance & long term rental discounts. Check the availability and prices today to secure your campervan for a New Zealand dream roadtrip!
Best tours around Wanaka
Wānaka is a popular ski and summer alpine town which is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures. Closely located to Mount Aspiring National Park there are plenty of tours to explore this dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. From scenic flights, jet boating, parasailing to hiking and biking, there is an activity for everyone. Find here the best tours in Wanaka.
Scenic flight Self-guided Hike and Jet Boat Ride
This action-packed tour lets you explore Mount Aspiring National Park by plane, boat and on foot. Soar over the snow capped mountains during a scenic flight, hike along the banks of the Siberia River, then hop aboard for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Wilkin River.
→ Book here your Scenic flight Self-guided Hike and Jet Boat Ride tour in Wanaka
Wine Tour with Wine Tasting and lunch from Wanaka
On this afternoon tour you will visit four boutique wineries in one of New Zealand’s most popular wine regions. You will learn the secrets behind these wines from the winemakers themselves, and stop at one winery for a gourmet food with wine matching. Transport from your accommodation in Wanaka is included.
→ Book here your Wine Tour with Wine Tasting and lunch from Wanaka
Wanaka Lake boat ride and 4×4 jeep Mountain Adventure
Get away from the crowds on this boat ride and 4×4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka and then you’ll hop aboard the 4×4 vehicle and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views.
→ Book here your Wanaka Lake boat ride and 4×4 jeep Mountain Adventure
Half-Day Level 2 Waterfall Climbing from Wanaka
Get the adrenaline pumping with this half day adventurous tour. Climb steel ladders and cross high, narrow bridges over waterfalls, swim in hidden natural pools and enjoy a picnic lunch beside beautiful falls. While no experience is required and full safety briefings are given, this trip is best suited to active travelers who are sure-footed and unafraid of heights.
→ Book here your Half-Day Level 2 Waterfall Climbing from Wanaka
Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka
Speed along the Matukituki River in Mount Aspiring National Park during this exhilarating jet-boat ride. Admire spectacular landscapes, then hike past forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams before ending your tour.
→ Book here your Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka
Wanaka Parasailing
Feel free like a bird and fly high above Lake Wanaka during this single or tandem flight.
→ Book here your Wanaka parasailing activity
Riverside Biking Tour Lake Wanaka
Go on a stunning guided bike ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for hike and nature lovers. A medium level of fitness is required for this 10 kilometre ride.
→ Book here your Riverside Biking Tour around Lake Wanaka
More New Zealand travel guides
I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the best places to stay in Wanaka and that it will help you to make a decision where to stay in Wanaka.
There are many amazing other things to do and places to visit on the South Island of New Zealand. So if you’re looking for more inspiration and ideas, head over to our other New Zealand travel guides and read more!
Wanaka
Best hikes in Wanaka – The Ultimate Guide
Isthmus Peak hike – All You Need to Know
Roys peak track – The Complete Guide
Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain summit track
Rob Roy Glacier hike – The Complete Guide
Queenstown
30 best things to do in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide
16 best hikes in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide
12 best Queenstown helicopter tours
10 best wine tours in Queenstown
Queenstown Hill walk – The Complete Guide
Ben Lomond track – The Complete Guide
Moke Lake loop track & viewpoint – The Complete Guide
Bobs Cove nature walk – The Complete Guide
Glenorchy
20 best things to do in Glenorchy – The Ultimate Guide
Glenorchy walkway & lagoon track – The Complete Guide
Earnslaw Burn glacier valley and waterfalls – The Complete Guide
Fiordland National Park
Best things to do in Milford Sound – The Complete Guide
Milford Sound Cruise – The Complete Guide
Lake Marian track – The Complete Guide
