Wānaka
Experience · Otago & Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown's quieter, more relaxed sibling — an hour's drive over the Crown Range. Same alpine lake setting, fewer crowds, better food scene-per-capita, and Roy's Peak hike for the postcard.
What to do
Roy's Peak hike (5–6 hours, 1,200m climb, photo at the top). #ThatWanakaTree on the lakefront. Cinema Paradiso for movies-and-pizza. Drive to Glendhu Bay for the swim.
Where to stay
Whare Kea Lodge for the lakefront luxury. Edgewater Hotel and Wanaka Hotel for the comfortable mid-range.
More on Wānaka
Dig deeper into specific spots, operators, and stays we'd build into your trip.