The 9 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Wanaka, South Island

September 2, 2021 Joeann Galban

The South Island town of Wanaka appeals to both adventure lovers and relaxation-minded travelers. Situated on the crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's fourth-largest lake, just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is an ideal spot to go fishing, hiking, skiing, wine-tasting or golfing. The city also hosts Warbirds Over Wanaka, the largest three-day air show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Wanaka

1. 9 Day - South Island Tour (All inclusive)

All Stars Inn - Hostel & Hotel Accommodation, 263 Bealey Avenue, Edgeware, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand Kiwi Experience
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all a part of this epic road trip. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation (8 nights), All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Dimitrisas100

I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.

2. Māori Whakatau Welcome

#ThatWanakaTree, Roys Bay, 59 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand WanaHaka Tours
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

The Māori Whakataū is a welcome to New Zealand by the indigenous culture of NZ. The Whakataū embraces key aspects of welcoming manuhiri/visitors to New Zealand and making sure you get an authentic connection to the people of this wonderful land and more specifically here in Wanaka and Queenstown. The scenery is one small part of what makes this country so great, to truely connect with any country you must also connect with the people that make the country what it is. Welcome to the world of WanaHaka® in Wanaka and Queenstown. There is a minimum of 4 required per Whakataū if minimum numbers are not met you will be offered another day or time or complete refund.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Authentic Māori Bone Carving of your experience, WanaHaka Tea Towel Souvenir

Reviewed By TGaudin-Brady

What an amazing trip! Joe was so friendly and went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. His Maori knowledge of the region was second to none. The vineyards we went to were great, being able to try many different varietals of wine and the staff were also very friendly and welcoming. This trip is definitely recommended, especially if you want something a bit more special than your standard wine tour. A must do if you are in Queenstown or Wanaka. Thanks again Joe!!

3. Kakapo 21 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand MoaTrek
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary

Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.

Reviewed By Wander636823

Kudos to Moa Tours for organising such a great trip. Te Wai Poumanu is beautiful in April with all the autumn colours. This was my first trip with Moa and I have already booked a second one. Special mention must be made of our guide Andrew. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm shone throughout and he has a great sense of humour, much appreciated when dealing with so many diverse customers. He always went the extra mile to make everyone’s journey enjoyable. I would highly recommend both Moa and Andrew for kiwis wanting to experience the beauty of their own country.

4. Arrowtown and Wanaka Premium Tour from Queenstown

Remarkable Scenic Tours
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4.9 based on 56 reviews

The Original and top rated Arrowtown & Wanaka Small Group Full Day Tour. This tour has been the top rated small group experience of this type for the last five years. 6 Regions : Arrowtown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Crown Range, Cardrona, Gibbston & Kawarau Gorge 13 Amazing Stops : LOTR & Bungy Bridge, Kawarau Gorge, Fruit Tasting, Cromwell, 45th sign, Wanaka township, high view over Lake Wanaka, the Wanaka tree, bra fence, Cardrona Hotel, Crown Range, Crown Terrace and Arrowtown/Chinese Village. Small group tour to Arrowtown, Wanaka plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being the top rated and original Arrowtown & Wanaka small group tour your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide.  Morning refreshments and an a afternoon beverage included. Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Inclusions: Fun Local Guide, Morning refreshments in a cafe including a hot drink and snack, Cardrona ale or a non alcoholic Ginger beer at the Cardrona Hotel, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, No children under five

Reviewed By Merrycoco

Our guide Wayne was excellent. It was our first time at Arrowtown and Wanaka. Although it was a small group tour, the tour was very thorough, making sure we had the best experience at every scenic spot. Great commentary and thank you for showing us the best angles/poses for photos at each stop! We also appreciate the tips for best local restaurants and cafes around town - we actually tried one of the cafes for our last day, and it was great! :) Thank you so much

5. Arrowtown and Wanaka Tour from Queenstown

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Remarkable Scenic Tours
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4.9 based on 78 reviews

The highest ranked and longest running Arrowtown and Wanaka Small Group Tour in Queenstown, join the proven best on a awesome adventure. Six hour fun and informative small group tour taking in historic Arrowtown and the beautiful Lake Wanaka. 4 Regions: Arrowtown, Wanaka, Crown Range & Cardrona 8 Amazing Stops : Arrowtown/Chinese Village, Wanaka township, the Wanaka tree, views over Lake Wanaka, bra fence, Cardrona Hotel, top of the Crown Range & Crown Terrace lookout. Leaving at 11am this tour gives you time to relax in the morning before a great day out. Small group 6 hour tour to Arrowtown, Wanaka plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being the top rated and original Arrowtown & Wanaka small group tour your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide.   Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Inclusions: Beverage, Cardrona Ale, or non alcoholic ginger beer at Cardrona Hotel, Local guide, Central Queenstown pick up, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: As the tour gives you free time in the town of Wanaka you have multiple places to enjoy lunch at your own cost., No children under five years old

Reviewed By TTR4122

Great service - facts and jokes. Highly recommended as great locations and enjoyable experiences. Driver made it for us - even with his ' Dad' jokes.

6. Flexible Fully Guided New Zealand Bus Pass - South Island Loop & Milford Sound

YMCA Christchurch, 12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand Kiwi Experience

Allowing you to see the South Island of New Zealand in a cost friendly and flexible way. This Hop-On Hop-Off flexible bus pass allows you to take your time and see all that the South Island offers! Join in with our friendly driver guide who will show you around, offering activities and some incredible accommodation options that can all be booked in on the bus along the way.   Depart from Christchurch ( main pick-up point YMCA Christchurch 7:15am) and head in a loop around the South Island taking a minimum of 11 days to complete, or up to 365 days if you'd like! This guided tour lets you relax and see all that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer whilst we do the work for you!   • Fully guided flexible tour allowing you to choose what you want to do  • Meet mates from all around the world • Largest and original hop-on hop-off NZ travel network

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guaranteed Accommodation (Paid for on arrival at accommodation), Guaranteed bookings on activities (Activities not included in price, can be booked on bus with driver guide), Daily walks and photo stops, Daily cafe/supermarket breaks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Accommodation (can be booked on the bus with the driver guide daily at an extra cost), Activities (can be booked on the bus with the driver guide daily at an extra cost)

Reviewed By Dimitrisas100

I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.

7. 11 day - South Island Tour (All inclusive)

Nomads Capital Hostel Wellington, 118/120 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Kiwi Experience

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. This 10 day South Island tour is the ultimate South Island roadie visiting Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo and back across to Christchurch via the famous Arthur’s Pass.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation (17 nights), Dinner x2, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Dimitrisas100

I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.

8. Flexible Fully Guided New Zealand Bus Pass - Auckland to Christchurch & Milford

99 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Kiwi Experience

This flexible Hop-on Hop-off bus pass allows you to either take your time in each epic stop over, or cruise on through on the minimum time (18 days). We take you to the highlights of New Zealand, as well as some unknown spots that make you feel like you are having a true Kiwi Experience.   Stay overnight in stops such as the famous Franz Josef, discover the underground world of Waitomo, seek out your favourite activities in adrenaline capital of Queenstown, white water rafting through the Rangitikei River, and discover the history of New Zealand in our Capital of Wellington.  • Fully guided flexible tour allowing you to choose what you want to do  • Meet mates from all around the world • Largest and original hop-on hop-off NZ travel network

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guaranteed Accommodation (Paid for on arrival at accommodation), Guaranteed bookings on activities (Activities not included in price, can be booked on bus with driver guide), Daily walks and photo stops, Daily cafe/supermarket breaks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Accommodation, Ferry Ticket, Activities

Reviewed By Dimitrisas100

I booked tickets from kiwi to return to my country because of covid. I went to airport and the airline told me that didn't find my name as a passenger there , and after when i called my airline they told me that it looked that i cancelled my flight and i have to call kiwi. I called kiwi and they told me that they couldn't do anything. It was unexeptable i stayed in the airport and kiwi didn't help me , i lost my flight in a condition such as covid. Only stress and anxiety. Kiwi is very bad.

9. Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka

101 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand WanaHaka Tours

What makes this tour unique is that we embrace the environment/Kaitiakitanga we are protectors and guardians of the land and reducing carbon emissions through e-biking and combine past (Māori history) and present (wines of Wanaka). Along this E-Bike tour you will get an insight into the Māori footprint and history from many hundreds of years ago of the beautiful Otago region along with combining the wonderful present being the beautiful wines of this region. To give you the authentic New Zealand experience in the beautiful Central Otago, South Island region.

Inclusions: Wine Tastings and Bottled Water, Use of bicycle

Exclusions:

Reviewed By TGaudin-Brady

What an amazing trip! Joe was so friendly and went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. His Maori knowledge of the region was second to none. The vineyards we went to were great, being able to try many different varietals of wine and the staff were also very friendly and welcoming. This trip is definitely recommended, especially if you want something a bit more special than your standard wine tour. A must do if you are in Queenstown or Wanaka. Thanks again Joe!!

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