Wanaka Activities

Wanaka sits on the shore of its own glassy lake at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park, an hour's drive from Queenstown but a world away in pace. Our Wanaka tours and activities cover Lake Wanaka cruises, skydiving, scenic flights, wine tours and the region's most puzzling attraction.

Puzzling World

Puzzling World has entertained visitors since 1973 with the world's first great maze and a leaning tower that plays tricks on the eye, a must for families passing through Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka Cruises

The Mou Waho Island Cruise Nature Walk hikes to a small lake sitting on top of an island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, one of the region's more unusual sights. The Ruby Island Cruise Photo Walk covers a shorter island stop, and the Happy Hour Cruise Lake Wanaka takes in the lake at its most relaxed pace, drink in hand as the sun drops behind the peaks.

On the Water: Kayaking, Jet Skiing and Jet Boating

The Lake Wanaka Scenic Guided Kayak Tour and Lake Wanaka Jet Ski Tour cover the same water at very different speeds, the Wanaka Jet Boat Ride adds hairpin spins closer to shore, and the 3 Hour Fishing Adventure on Lake Wanaka suits anyone after a quieter afternoon on the water.

Skydiving over Lake Wanaka

The 9,000ft Skydive Wanaka and 12,000ft Skydive Wanaka both put Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring below your feet on the way down, with the higher jump giving extra freefall time over the same view.

Scenic Flights and the Siberia Experience

The Mt Aspiring Scenic Helicopter Flight covers the national park's glaciers and valleys by air, and the Siberia Experience with Scenic Flight, Walk and Jetboat Ride combines a short flight into the remote Siberia Valley with a walk and a jet boat ride out, departing nearby Makarora.

Wine Tours and Maori Culture

The Wanaka Classic Wine Tour for 2 covers the region's cellar doors at a relaxed pace, and the Wine Tour and Maori Culture Wanaka pairs the same wine tasting with local Maori history and storytelling.

Cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail

The Lake Dunstan Cycleway follows the lake shore and river gorges between Cromwell and Clyde, one of the more scenic additions to the Central Otago cycle network within reach of Wanaka.

Why Book Your Wanaka Tour with Everything New Zealand

We are your local travel partner across Central Otago, not the operator, so we only list tours and activities we would genuinely recommend to family and friends. Compare lake cruises, skydiving, scenic flights and wine tours side by side, book online in a few minutes and get instant confirmation. Less scrolling, more strolling, straight onto the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Puzzling World known for? Puzzling World has operated in Wanaka since 1973 and includes the world's first great maze along with a leaning tower and illusion rooms.

What is unusual about Mou Waho Island? Mou Waho Island sits in Lake Wanaka and has its own small lake at the summit, reached on a guided cruise and walk.

What is the highest skydiving altitude available at Wanaka? The 12,000ft Skydive Wanaka is the higher of the two options, giving a longer freefall over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring.

What does the Siberia Experience include? The Siberia Experience combines a scenic flight, a walk and a jet boat ride through the Siberia Valley, departing from nearby Makarora.

Can I combine a wine tour with Maori culture near Wanaka? Yes, the Wine Tour and Maori Culture Wanaka pairs cellar door tastings with local Maori history and storytelling.