Lake Wanaka


Lake Wanaka’s spectacular location at the foot of the Southern Alps with the wilderness of the Mt Aspiring National Park nearby makes it popular with people who love the outdoors.   

There is always plenty for everyone to do while staying at d'Lavande and we suggest you allow at least a two night stay to sample the many options on offer.
  • Stunning Walks.  From your accommodation walk to several marked tracks around the lake edge, an easy  walk to  experience the views from Mt Iron (approx 1 hr) or venture further into Mt Aspiring National Park for half or full day hikes – such Rob Roy Glacier or Diamond Lake.
  • Pristine Lakes & Rivers  providing world renown fishing spots or water sports such as jet boating the shallow rivers;  cruises to Stevenson or Mao Waho Islands to view the endangered Buff  Weka.
  • Scienic Flights to Mt Aspiring, Milford Sound, Mt Cook or view Wanaka and its surrounds.  A variety of options available – even U-Fly option!
  • Skydive or Paragliding – for adrenalin junkies!
  • Puzzling World.  A 20 minute walk to the worlds first modern Greek Maze.  Visit the Illusions, Puzzle Centre/Café and gift shop.
  • Museums: Fighter Pilot Museum which houses WW2 fighter planes and the adjoining National Toy & Transport Museum which houses one of the largest private collections in the world.  Within the Museum compound, experience handcrafted and chemical free beer made at our local boutique brewery, Beerworks.
  • Skiing and snowboarding. Four ski fields within 30 minutes from our door.  Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snow Farm and Snow Park.
  • Golf. A varied and challenging course where you would be hard pressed to find more spectacular scenery.
  • Biking.  A variety of tracks and trails to cater for all abilities.  You can choose a guided trip or venture on your own.
  • Climbing.  There are a number of natural climbing spots to challenge you within a short distance of Wanaka.
  • Horse Treks.  Covering a variety of terrains catering to riders with all levels of experience.
  • Wine Tours - a quirky personally guided tour in classic french Citroens and sample wines of the Central Otago region.
  • Trike Tours - take an exhilarating ride on the back of a Rewaco 1800cc 3-seater cruising trike.
Wanaka is situated on the shores of a stunning glacial lake and not only is it the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park but is also central to many other areas and is an ideal place to base yourself while visiting further a field.  The following times are approximate and allow for a short rest stop:

Wanaka to: Dunedin 276km 3hr 45min
  Fox Glacier 264km  3hr 45min
  Franz Josef Glacier  287km 4hr
  Te Anau 273km 3hr 45min
  Milford Sound 394km 5hr 30min
  Mt Cook 203km  2hr 45min
  Queenstown  117km 1hr 20min
  Tekapo 198km  2hr 50min

There are daily national flights from Christchurch and international flights arrive in Queenstown.

Our town is fortunate to have more events than you would normally expect to find amongst a population of 7000.  Our major events include:
  • Warbirds over Wanaka (Easter) – an international air show
  • Rippon Festival (February) - an outdoor music extravaganza held at Rippon Vineyard
  • Challenge Wanaka (January) – an international triathlon attracting top athletes from NZ & overseas
  • Festival of Colour  (November)– autumn art festival featuring plays, musicals and other performances

Special part of the world