The best hotels in Wanaka
Wanaka is what Queenstown was before the crowds. A glacial lake, ski fields, and Mt Aspiring National Park within 30 minutes. We reviewed 100+ options. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Wanaka
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Wanaka Springs Lodge
Springs, Wanaka
Free cancellation & Pay later
Wanaka Homestead Lodge and Cottages
Rural Wanaka, Wanaka
Free cancellation & Pay later
Oakridge Resort Wanaka
Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Rees Hotel Luxury Apartments and Lodge
Lakefront, Wanaka
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wanaka Bakpaka | Town Centre, Wanaka | $45–85/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | YHA Wanaka | Lakefront, Wanaka | $55–95/night | 8.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Wanaka Haven | Albert Town, Wanaka | $105–160/night | 8.5/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 4 | Wanaka Hotel | Town Centre, Wanaka | $120–190/night | 8.3/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Edgewater Hotel | Lakefront, Wanaka | $145–220/night | 8.7/10 | Best Location |
| 6 | Wanaka Springs Lodge | Springs, Wanaka | $155–210/night | 8.6/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Wanaka Homestead Lodge and Cottages | Rural Wanaka, Wanaka | $170–240/night | 8.4/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Oakridge Resort Wanaka | Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka | $190–249/night | 9/10 | Top Rated |
| 9 | The Rees Hotel Luxury Apartments and Lodge | Lakefront, Wanaka | $280–520/night | 9.2/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Mahu Whenua | Hawea Flat, Wanaka | $950–1 800/night | 9.5/10 | Hidden Gem |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Wanaka Bakpaka
This hostel sits right on Ardmore Street, a short walk from the lake and the main strip of cafes and restaurants. Dorm rooms are tidy and the common areas are social without being chaotic. Staff are genuinely helpful with local hiking advice and transport options. The shared kitchen is well equipped for self-catering. A solid base for budget travellers who plan to spend most of their time outdoors.
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YHA Wanaka
The YHA sits close to the lakefront on Brownston Street and benefits from easy access to the waterfront walking path. Private rooms are simple but clean, and the dorms are well maintained compared to many budget options in the area. The shared lounge has good mountain views and gets lively in the evenings. Breakfast is available for a small extra cost and portions are generous. Good pick for solo travellers or pairs watching their budget.
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Wanaka Haven
This small property is tucked into the Albert Town neighbourhood, a quiet residential area about five minutes by car from central Wanaka. The self-contained units are well appointed with full kitchens and comfortable beds. It draws repeat visitors who prefer calm surroundings over being in the thick of the tourist area. The Clutha River is walkable from the property and the sunsets here are exceptional. Great for couples or small families wanting space and privacy.
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Wanaka Hotel
One of the most centrally located options in town, the Wanaka Hotel sits right on Ardmore Street with the lake visible from some rooms. The bar and bistro downstairs is a local gathering spot and serves reliable food through the evening. Rooms have been updated in recent years and offer a comfortable mid-range experience. Noise from the bar can carry upstairs on weekends so request a room at the back if you are a light sleeper. A dependable choice for a Wanaka stay without major surprises.
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Edgewater Hotel
Edgewater sits directly on the shore of Lake Wanaka on Sargood Drive, giving it one of the best positions of any hotel in the region. The lake and mountain views from the lake-facing rooms are genuinely impressive, especially at sunrise. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool and a spa which are well used in the shoulder seasons. The restaurant quality has improved noticeably in recent years. Worth paying extra for a lake-view room rather than the garden-facing options.
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Wanaka Springs Lodge
This lodge sits in a quieter residential pocket on the southern side of town, removed from the busier lakefront precinct. The rooms are spacious and lean into a warm alpine aesthetic with timber accents and quality linen. It works particularly well for couples looking for a peaceful base after days on the ski fields or hiking trails. The communal lounge area with its fireplace is a genuine highlight on cold evenings. Parking is easy and the drive to town takes under ten minutes.
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Wanaka Homestead Lodge and Cottages
Set on a rural property outside the main township, this homestead offers self-contained cottages with genuine space and pastoral surroundings. The setting is far enough from town to feel genuinely rural but close enough that accessing restaurants is not a hassle. Cottages have private outdoor areas and work very well for families with young children. The hosts are attentive without being intrusive and provide useful local recommendations. A refreshing alternative to conventional hotel stays in the area.
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Oakridge Resort Wanaka
Oakridge sits just outside town on Cardrona Valley Road and offers one of the most complete resort experiences in the Wanaka area. The facilities include multiple pools, a full-service day spa, a gym and an excellent on-site restaurant. Apartments are spacious and well equipped, making them suitable for longer stays or larger groups. The mountain views from the upper-floor units are a strong selling point and the communal areas are well designed. This is comfortably the best mid-range resort option in the region.
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The Rees Hotel Luxury Apartments and Lodge
The Rees occupies a prime lakefront position on Aubrey Road and is widely considered the top luxury accommodation in Wanaka. Rooms and suites are finished to a high standard with floor-to-ceiling windows framing unobstructed views of the lake and the Buchanan Peaks. The restaurant is among the best in town and the wine list reflects the quality of the local Central Otago producers. Service is polished and the team handles special requests without fuss. This is the benchmark property for the area and the price reflects it.
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Mahu Whenua
Mahu Whenua is a private high-country lodge set on a vast station near Lake Hawea, roughly 20 kilometres from central Wanaka. The lodge operates on an exclusive-use basis, meaning guests have the entire property to themselves, which makes it genuinely unlike anything else in the region. Activities include guided fly fishing, heli-hiking and farm experiences across tens of thousands of acres of private land. The interiors are sophisticated without feeling overdone and the food and hospitality are outstanding. This is a once-in-a-trip kind of property aimed at travellers who want complete privacy and a serious New Zealand wilderness experience.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Wanaka
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Roys Peak: The Classic Wanaka Hike
Roys Peak starts at the Roys Peak Track car park on Mount Aspiring Road, 6km west of Wanaka. The track climbs 1,200 meters over 8km to the 1,578m summit. The first 4km are exposed farmland switchbacks with increasing views of Lake Wanaka below. The final 2km to the summit ridge require more care in wet conditions.
Start time matters enormously. In summer (December-March), begin before 7am to arrive at the summit before the cloud builds (typically by 10-11am). The famous Instagram viewpoint is at the false summit, 500m before the true peak: a pointed ridge with the lake in perfect perspective behind. Arrive before 9am on weekdays to have it to yourself.
The track is closed September 1 - November 1 for lambing. Bring waterproofs regardless of morning forecast: summit conditions change fast. 3 liters water minimum. No facilities on the track.
Rob Roy Glacier Track: The Best Short Alpine Hike
Rob Roy Glacier Track is in Mt Aspiring National Park, 55km west of Wanaka. Drive the West Matukituki Valley road to the Raspberry Creek car park (gravel road, suitable for standard cars). The track crosses the Matukituki River by swing bridge and climbs through beech forest to the glacier viewpoint: 10km total, 4 hours.
The hanging glacier above the Rob Roy Stream has classic New Zealand alpine scenery: ice seracs, waterfalls dropping from the terminal face, and native kea parrots scavenging around the car park. You don't need mountaineering skills or permits. It's a tramping track accessible to fit day walkers.
Plan the drive: the Matukituki Valley road takes 1 hour from Wanaka. Depart by 8am to ensure you finish before afternoon thunderstorms build in the mountains July-January. Department of Conservation conditions line: 0800 694 732.
Wanaka vs Queenstown Ski: Making the Choice
Queenstown's ski areas (Coronet Peak, The Remarkables) get more skiers. Wanaka's fields (Cardrona, Treble Cone) get less traffic and have comparable terrain quality. Cardrona is better for families and beginners: wide groomed runs, good ski school, $120 lift pass. Treble Cone has the most challenging terrain in the South Island: expert and advanced runs on steep faces, $130 lift pass.
The Wanaka ski accommodation advantage: you don't pay Queenstown prices and still access both areas. Staying in Wanaka and day-tripping to Cardrona (34km, 45 min) gives you access without the Queenstown congestion on weekends.
Ski season insurance tip: book accommodation with free cancellation until the week before. NZ ski seasons are weather-dependent and a low-snow year can shrink the season by a month. Keep flexibility until July when snow conditions confirm.
The Wanaka Waterfront: Free and Beautiful
The Wanaka waterfront walk from the town center runs 6km along the lake edge to Roys Bay, past the That Wanaka Tree, Eely Point, and the Outlet Track. It's flat, free, and genuinely beautiful: the Southern Alps reflected in the lake, willows trailing in the water, mountain ducks along the banks.
Sunrise at the That Wanaka Tree (5:30am in summer) when the lake is glass-calm is one of New Zealand's most rewarding photography experiences. It's a 10-minute walk from most town center hotels. Pack a coffee from Doughbin (opens 7am) and walk out.
Kayak and SUP hire from Paddle Wanaka at the town beach: $30/hour for kayaks, $25/hour for SUP. A 2-hour paddle to Mou Waho Island and back is entirely achievable for fit paddlers in calm conditions. Check wind forecast before departing: Lake Wanaka builds afternoon winds from the southwest.
Cardrona and the Crown Range Route
The Cardrona Valley road between Wanaka and Queenstown crosses the Crown Range at 1,076m, the highest main road in New Zealand. In summer (November-April) it's 45 minutes of mountain scenery with hairpin bends and stunning views. In winter, it requires snow chains and closes after heavy snow.
The Cardrona Hotel at the base of the ski field has operated since 1863 and is one of New Zealand's oldest licensed premises. The exterior is iconic. The roast dinners in the stone fireplace room are $35-45 and excellent after a ski day. Stop here on the way back from Cardrona ski regardless of whether you're staying.
The Puzzling World attraction near Wanaka airport is family entertainment: optical illusions, puzzles, and a 3D maze ($17 entry). Not worth it for adults without children but excellent for ages 5-14. The leaning tower and tilted room works reliably as a photography stop even from the car park (free).
Wanaka's best neighborhoods
Wanaka sits at the northern end of Lake Wanaka, 70km northeast of Queenstown over the Crown Range or 100km via the highway. The town is small (12,000 permanent residents, doubling in summer) but well-equipped. Cardrona ski field is 34km south. Treble Cone is 20km northwest. Mt Aspiring National Park begins 10km west. The That Wanaka Tree stands in 2 meters of lake water and became one of New Zealand's most photographed subjects.
Wanaka Town & Lakefront 7 vetted hotels Walkable restaurants, lake access, central base for all activities.
Walkable restaurants, lake access, central base for all activities.
The town center sits at the north end of Lake Wanaka, compact enough that every hotel is within 15 minutes walk of the main restaurants and lake beach. The Edgewater Hotel ($145), Wanaka Hotel ($120), and Oakridge Resort ($190) are the primary mid-range options near the center. YHA Wanaka ($55) and Wanaka Bakpaka ($45) serve budget travelers.
The waterfront promenade, restaurants on Dunmore Street, and the That Wanaka Tree are all walkable from any town center hotel. The Rees Hotel ($280), positioned slightly away from the center on the quieter southern end, has the best lake views from guest rooms.
Peak season note: Christmas and New Year in Wanaka see the town population double. Waterfront restaurants require bookings 2-3 weeks ahead. Hotel prices triple for the Christmas-to-January 7th period.
Mahu Whenua & Private Stations 1 vetted hotel 27,000-acre private station. No other guests. Ultimate NZ wilderness experience.
27,000-acre private station. No other guests. Ultimate NZ wilderness experience.
Mahu Whenua lies on a private high-country sheep station east of Wanaka, accessible only by private road or helicopter. The 4 lodge buildings are spread across the station with views of the Southern Alps and private lake access. At $950/night it serves the ultra-premium market.
The experience: 100km of private hiking trails across tussock grasslands and mountain terrain shared only with the resident merino sheep. Guided glacier walks, helicopter access to alpine peaks, and a level of solitude that no public track in NZ can provide.
For travelers who can't justify $950 for the full station but want the wilderness element: Wanaka Springs Lodge ($155) has a more accessible pastoral setting 10 minutes from the town center.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Wanaka.
romantic
Sunrise at the That Wanaka Tree (5:30am in summer, 10 min walk from town) with still lake and Alps reflected in the water is Wanaka's most romantic moment. The Rees Hotel has lakefront suites with private balconies from $280. Kika restaurant on Dunmore does shared plates by candlelight for $70-90 per couple.
budget
Wanaka Bakpaka and YHA Wanaka offer beds from $45-55. Roys Peak, Rob Roy, and all lakefront walking are free. Coffee at Doughbin costs $5. A 3-night Wanaka trip with hiking, lake swimming, and one restaurant dinner runs $250-350 per person including accommodation and a day's car hire.
culture
Wanaka is a filmmaker's town: Cinema Paradiso in the town center is NZ's most famous independent cinema (2 screens, armchairs, intermission baking). The Wanaka Film Festival runs in February-March. The Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow (even years, Easter weekend) brings WWII aircraft from around the world to Wanaka Airport.
family
Puzzling World near the airport ($17/adult, $13/child) has optical illusions and a 3D maze. Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain circuit (2 hours, family-friendly) is accessible from a car park 15 minutes from town. Lake swimming at Eely Point is calm and shallow for young children. Cardrona has excellent ski school for beginners from age 3.
beach
Lake Wanaka's town beach (Wanaka Bay) has crystal-clear glacial water, flat sandy shore, and mountain backdrop. Swimmable December-March (16-18C). Eely Point 2km west is less busy. Mou Waho Island (2hr kayak or $50 water taxi) has a walking track and a smaller lake within the island.
foodie
Kika on Dunmore Street is Wanaka's standout: seasonal small plates, local wine, and the best kitchen in the Southern Lakes region outside Queenstown. For breakfast: Federal Diner for the coffee and eggs with lake views. For craft beer: Wanaka Beerworks at the brewery does tastings and has 10 rotating taps with the Southern Alps visible from the tasting room.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Wanaka
When to visit Wanaka and what to pay.
Summer (Dec-Mar)
Long days, warm weather, lake swimmable. Christmas-New Year period is Wanaka's absolute peak: every hotel full, restaurant queues, and prices triple. January through March is better: still warm but calmer. Roys Peak is open from December 1. The That Wanaka Tree is at its most photogenic in early morning summer light.
Autumn (Apr-May)
April is Wanaka's best-kept secret. The willow trees around the lake turn gold, the mountains get their first dusting of snow, and hotel prices drop 30-40%. The light for photography is exceptional. Restaurants are accessible without bookings. Hiking conditions are good until late May.
Winter (Jul-Sep)
Ski season. Cardrona and Treble Cone are both within 45 minutes. July and August are the core months. Snow quality varies year to year. Hotel prices are moderate compared to summer peak. Wanaka town has a ski village atmosphere without Queenstown's scale. Check mountain snow reports at snow.co.nz before finalizing dates.
Spring (Oct-Nov)
The quietest period. Ski season ends, summer activities not yet begun. Roys Peak is closed September-November for lambing. Weather is variable: can be sunny and warm, can be wet and cold. Lower crowds and hotel prices make it good for non-hiking visits. Rob Roy and Diamond Lake tracks remain open.
Booking Tips for Wanaka
Insider tips for booking hotels in Wanaka.
Roys Peak: start before 7am in summer
The famous ridge viewpoint on Roys Peak gets busy by 9-10am in summer with groups of hikers wanting the same shot. A 6:30-7am start puts you at the viewpoint by 9am with 30-60 minutes before the main crowd arrives. The lake below picks up color from the rising sun between 7-9am that disappears once the sun is fully up. Parking at the trailhead is free but fills fast on weekends.
Crown Range in winter requires chains
The Crown Range road (SH89) between Wanaka and Queenstown is mandatory chains territory in winter conditions. Police patrol and fine drivers without chains when signs are posted. Hire chains ($25-35) from Wanaka car hire operators before heading south in July-September. Alternatively, take the longer highway route via Cromwell (SH6/SH8) which is safer in icy conditions.
Lake Wanaka wind: check the forecast before kayaking
Lake Wanaka is 45km long and funnels strong southwesterly winds in the afternoon. Morning paddling (before 11am) is reliable. After 2pm, winds regularly reach 30-40km/h and whitecaps develop. Paddle Wanaka won't hire if conditions are unsafe, but check MetService Wanaka forecast yourself. The Rob Roy Stream kayak tour is sheltered from lake winds and a safer afternoon option.
Book ski field accommodation early for school holidays
NZ school holidays in July (2 weeks) and September (2 weeks) fill Wanaka accommodation completely. The exact dates vary by year: check schoolholidaysnz.com in March and book your July ski trip immediately. Cardrona ski school books up even faster than accommodation. Flexible cancellation policies are standard from Wanaka operators: don't pay in full until snow is confirmed.
Mt Aspiring National Park: no DOC hut booking required
The Rob Roy and Matukituki Valley day walks in Mt Aspiring National Park require no permit or booking. Car park at Raspberry Creek is free. Multi-day huts within the park (Aspiring Hut, French Ridge) require a backcountry hut pass ($20/night, book at doc.govt.nz). Most day walkers see nothing beyond the Raspberry Creek car park to Rob Roy Glacier viewpoint, which needs no permits at all.
Cinema Paradiso: the most famous cinema in NZ
Cinema Paradiso on Dunmore Street has been operating since 1992 in a converted 1930s dance hall. Armchairs, sofas, and intermission baking (cookies and cakes) make it unlike any other cinema. Tickets $18. Screening schedule at cinemawanaka.co.nz. Films change every few days. The armchair seats book out first on weekends. It's worth prioritizing a film here over any activity except weather-dependent hikes.
Hotels in Wanaka — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Wanaka.
Is Wanaka better than Queenstown?
Different. Queenstown has more nightlife, more tourist infrastructure, and the Remarkables ski area. Wanaka has better hiking access, quieter lake beaches, and a town center that hasn't been fully consumed by tourism yet. The restaurant-to-crowd ratio is better in Wanaka. If you want lively nightlife: Queenstown. If you want natural beauty with some amenities: Wanaka. Many visitors do both: 2 nights Queenstown, 2-3 nights Wanaka.
How far is Wanaka from Queenstown?
70km over the Crown Range (45 minutes, a spectacular mountain road, not suitable for campervans over 6m or in icy conditions) or 100km via Cromwell and the Cardrona Valley highway (1 hour 15 minutes, gentler). Buses run between Queenstown and Wanaka: Ritchies ($25, 2 hours), cheaper than Queenstown taxi. Intercity buses also connect. If driving, the Crown Range route is worth it in dry conditions: one of New Zealand's most scenic roads.
What ski fields are near Wanaka?
Cardrona Alpine Resort is 34km south (45 min drive): family-friendly, reliable snow, good terrain for intermediates, $120 lift pass. Treble Cone is 20km northwest (30 min): the largest ski area in the South Island with expert terrain, $130 lift pass. Snow Farm near Cardrona has cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Both fields operate July-October. The season varies: book accommodation on a flexible cancellation policy before late June.
What is the best hike near Wanaka?
Roys Peak Track is the most popular: 16km round-trip, 1,578m summit with 360-degree Wanaka and Queenstown panorama. Takes 5-6 hours. Closed September-November for lambing. Rob Roy Glacier Track (Mt Aspiring National Park, 10km, 4 hours) accesses a hanging glacier valley with waterfalls. Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain circuit (2 hours, family-friendly) is the accessible shorter option. All three are free, no permits required.
Can you swim in Lake Wanaka?
Yes, from December to March when water temperatures reach 16-18C. The town beach at Wanaka Bay is flat and clean. Eely Point, 2km west of town, is less crowded with good grass areas. Mou Waho Island in the lake is a 2-hour kayak from the waterfront. Water is glacially clear. The lake is glacier-fed and noticeably cooler than beaches further north like Lake Taupo.
What is the That Wanaka Tree?
A lone willow tree growing from the lake bed 2 meters offshore on the south side of the Wanaka waterfront. It became one of New Zealand's most photographed subjects via Instagram. At sunrise with the Buchanan Peaks reflected in the water behind it, it's genuinely beautiful. Arrive at dawn (5:30-6:30am in summer) for calm water and no other photographers. By 8am in summer there can be 30+ people with tripods.
Do you need a car in Wanaka?
Yes for ski fields and hiking trails. The town center is walkable (restaurants, lake beach, some gear shops) but Mt Aspiring, Rob Roy Glacier, and Roys Peak trailhead all require a car. Cardrona ski field has shuttle buses from town ($30 return, book through rental places). Car hire from $45-60/day. Hitchhiking to trailheads is still practiced and relatively reliable on summer weekends.
What is Mahu Whenua and is it worth $950 per night?
Mahu Whenua is a 27,000-acre private station (working sheep farm) with 4 luxury lodges connected by 100km of private hiking trails. No other guests, no crowds, helicopter access optional, staff-to-guest ratio of 3:1. At $950 per night it's the most exclusive Wanaka property. For that price you get genuine New Zealand wilderness experience without contact with other tourists. Comparable to Huka Lodge in Taupo for the premium experience segment.
What are the best restaurants in Wanaka?
Kika on Dunmore Street is Wanaka's best: Spanish-influenced small plates, good wine list, booking essential October-April. Francesca's Italian Kitchen is reliable mid-range. The Doughbin has the best coffee in town. For lunch: Federal Diner on Dunmore for smashed avocado and eggs, the lake views compensate for any hipster overhead. For a beer: Wanaka Beerworks at the brewery ($8-10 craft pints) with lake views.
When is the best time to visit Wanaka?
December-March for hiking and lake activities: long days, warm temperatures, the lake swimmable. July-September for skiing at Cardrona and Treble Cone. Spring (October-November) is quiet and often wet but the mountains still have snow for photography. Autumn (April-May) has golden willow and beech trees around the lake, good hiking conditions, and 30-40% lower hotel prices. Avoid the New Year period: Wanaka doubles in population and prices triple.