What to do and see in Wanaka, South Island: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

September 22, 2021 Roger Rusk

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. Ridgeline Adventures

Excellent
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5.0 based on 369 reviews

Ridgeline Adventures

New Zealand's ultimate alpine mountain-farm adventure. The perfect mix of Wanaka's breath-taking scenery, history, heritage and farming life. This will be a genuine highlight of your New Zealand holiday.

2. Southern Rivers Fly Fishing

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5.0 based on 70 reviews

Southern Rivers Fly Fishing

Get the most from your precious time in this fly fishing paradise that surrounds Wanaka and the lower South Island. Guide Jake at Southern Rivers Fly Fishing has vast local knowledge of the lower South Island rivers and lakes. Jake is known as an expert in sighting trout and prides him self on his ability to spot trout in what can be very challanging water, this is crucial to your success when fly fishing New Zealand waters. Jake’s boundless passion, skill and enthusiasm for fly fishing the South Island’s trout rivers will take you a long way toward your dream New Zealand fly fishing experience.

3. Funny French Car Tours

Excellent
94%
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5.0 based on 87 reviews

Funny French Car Tours

Dare to be different! Expect the unexpected! come blast around some of Central Otagos most stunning scenery in a convertible classic Citroen 2CV, or luxurious DS. Join us for an exclusive private & fun tour, visiting boutique award winning wineries, meeting & chatting with the owners, winemakers, sampling grape varieties & vintages. Funny French cars was established in 2005. We choose to remain a small, family operated business. With only Deane & I driving, we love sharing our big backyard & local knowledge with you, and look forward to developing new friendships. Deanes family settled in Wanaka in 1850,s yet he is fluent in French, come find out how!. So if you looking for a bit of fun & up for a different tour with just you and your friend/s -you are adventurous enough to jump into a vintage car and blast around one of the worlds most stunning scenic regions sampling wines as we go, then give us a yell, no fancy booking systems with us, just good old fashioned hospitality.

4. The Cardrona

Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 1,180 reviews

The Cardrona

First class scenic horse trekking and quad bike tours of the stunning Cardrona Valley, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

5. Backcountry Saddle Expeditions

Wanaka 9392 New Zealand +64 3-443 8151 [email protected] http://www.backcountrysaddles.co.nz
Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 714 reviews

Backcountry Saddle Expeditions

Backcountry Saddle Expeditions has celebrated a few milestones this year... They are 36 years old... with an outstanding 30 years under the current management of Debs Thompson. Debs is a "hands on" outdoor girl and wishes to share her family of "fur babies" with everyone. Henry the cat, Dixie the dog and her stunning herd of 20 Appaloosa horses. Appaloosa's are an American Indian horse who are best known for their stunning spotted coloration. They are a mountain breed and are suited to the beautiful mountain steeps of the Hidden Valley, Earnscleugh. To keep the western theme the horses are outfitted in Western Saddles which ensure the rider a safe, secure and more comfortable ride. Come and enjoy the family and meet Debs and her team.

Reviewed By annaholling - Sydney, Australia

As young girls both me and my sister were regular horse-riders, and as we grew up and started travelling it became tradition to find a place to ride in every country we travelled to. From Australia to Vanuatu, Hawaii to Canada, never have we found a place as amazing at Backcountry Saddle Expeditions. We've had the pleasure of riding with these guys 3 times now, and the care that is put into the horses and the business is obvious. As experienced riders me and my sister struggle to ride freely at other trail-riding establishments (i.e. be allowed to canter with beginner riders around) - but the team at Backcountry Saddle cater for riders of all types. Beginners are taken good care of with gorgeous friendly horses, and more experienced riders are given plenty of chances to canter around some of the most gorgeous landscapes the south island has to offer. These guys absolutely deserve your business and you will leave with the biggest smile on your face, guaranteed. Horse fanatic or not, it's an experience to remember x

6. Wanaka Trike Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 74 reviews

Wanaka Trike Tours

A real head-turner… you’ll certainly be noticed when you go for a ride on Wanaka Trike Tours classic Rewaco three-seater cruising trikes! The most exhilarating way to see the breathtaking scenery of Wanaka, Queenstown and surrounding area with nothing in the way to obstruct your view! Specialising in small group tours of 1-4 people, you can be sure of a personal service. Wine & Brewery Tours, Food Tours, Historic Pub Tours, Sightseeing and more. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride with experienced safe and experienced guides.

7. The New Zealand Adventure Company

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5.0 based on 20 reviews

The New Zealand Adventure Company

Personalise your travel to New Zealand and the South Island through the professional and reliable consultants at The New Zealand Adventure Company. Experience parts of New Zealand that many rarely travel. The New Zealand Adventure Company will enhance your New Zealand wilderness travel whatever your budget, whilst making sure that every opportunity for a truly unique New Zealand adventure is found. Choose from one of our pre packaged experiences or have us customise your personal experience in the South Island of New Zealand.

8. Wildwire Wanaka

Excellent
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5.0 based on 965 reviews

Wildwire Wanaka

Climb the highest waterfall cable climb in the world. Choose your level from introductory to advanced. Our tours are suitable for beginners, families and experienced explorers. We have 3 levels to cater for your adventure and adrenaline level. Starting in Wanaka we drive in our van to the waterfall, your guide will provide safety equipment and training. There are swing bridges, airy climbing ladders and hidden pools beneath towering falls. The views to the surrounding mountains and lakes are breathtaking. If you can climb a ladder, you can do it!

9. Paradiso Cinema

Brownston Street, Wanaka 9305 New Zealand +64 3-443 1505 [email protected] http://www.paradiso.net.nz
Excellent
74%
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4.5 based on 880 reviews

Paradiso Cinema

Reviewed By pennylannn

We want to watch magnificent at first, but the show time was not suitable for us, then we choose JoJo rabbit and surprisingly it was a great movie! Probably my top three Movies of 2019! Cookies are good too, what a fun and lovely memories for me and my boyfriend.

10. Snow Farm NZ

2127 Cardrona Valley Road Snow Farm Access Road, Wanaka 9381 New Zealand +64 3-443 7542 [email protected] http://www.snowfarmnz.com
Excellent
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4.5 based on 547 reviews

Snow Farm NZ

Snow Farm NZ is now open for winter from the 20th June 2020 until Sunday 20th September. We offer backcountry hut overnight stays, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a Snow Fun Zone with tubing which is great for young children. A visit to this resort is a great way to experience the beauty of New Zealand's alpine environment and take in views of the stunning Southern Alps. We have have a small cafe where you can soak up the view and enjoy hot soup, fries, hot drinks, slices and more.

Reviewed By jrbriscall - Wanaka, New Zealand

Sam Lee and his amazing team run a very professional. customer-centric operation; dedicated to giving you, be this your first time XC skiing or a regular expert, the best possible experience on their beautifully maintained trails and world class equipment!

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