While smaller than neighbouring Queenstown, Wanaka offers a range of accommodation option to suit a variety of budgets and different holiday styles. If you love to save your money for activities and dining out or are travelling on a budget, Wanaka’s budget accommodation, hostels and lodges are clean and comfortable. There are a range of 2-3 star options from dormitory style backpacker’s through to economical B&B or motel style accommodation.

Travelling with family or in a group? There are a variety of self-contained apartments in Wanaka or holiday homes that give you that little bit more space. If cooking on holiday isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotel style properties that cater to families and have larger rooms to accommodate groups, but still have access to dining.

For those skiers and snowboarders that enjoy the finer things in life, Wanaka has a selection of luxury resort hotel or luxury houses available. There are also so stunning alpine lodges on the outskirts of Wanaka, perfect for a tranquil escape.

If you are looking for the cheapest deal, we recommend visiting Wanaka at the start or end of the ski season, which runs from approximately June to October each year. While travelling in June or late-September to October may be cheaper, keep in mind that can mean snow may not be as consistent. As Cardrona is a very popular family ski resort, if possible, avoiding both Australian and New Zealand school holidays can mean you have a more enjoyable time. Also, school holidays tend to be slightly more expensive due to the demand. The most popular time to visit Wanaka for consistent, good quality snow is in July and August. If you are travelling over peak periods and school holidays, make sure to lock in accommodation nice and early to ensure you get the best option and best price.

Most visitors to Wanaka hire a car from either Queenstown Airport or Christchurch Airport. This is also a convenient option to commute to Wanaka’s ski resorts. For anyone who does plan to self-drive, it is essential to carry If you don’t feel comfortable driving up the steep mountain roads, both Treble Cone and Cardrona ski resort offer transport options from Wanaka or the bottom of the mountain.

The closest airport to Wanaka is Queenstown Airport, flight time into Queenstown is roughly 3 hours from Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney. These flights can be expensive over peak winter travel dates or school holidays, so we recommend considering flying into Christchurch or Dunedin if you are budget conscious. Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is a 55 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, just over 3 hours’ drive from Dunedin, and about 5 hours’ drive from Christchurch.

The majority of visitors to Wanaka hire a car and drive from their chosen airport. It is important to make sure your hire car has snow cover, roof racks and snow chains. Ski season is from late June through to early October. Each resort has slightly different opening dates & dates may vary slightly each year. Peak travel to Wanaka is in July and August, so if you are looking to avoid the crowds ski early or late in the season. Due to the increasingly popular family facilities available at Cardrona Alpine Resort, it is advisable to also travel outside of Australian and New Zealand school holiday dates if possible.

School groups and clubs often visit the Wanaka during these holidays as well, so if you are planning to travel during this time, it is essential to pre-book nice and early.

Wanaka is a premium alpine skiing and snowboarding destination, but there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy while holidaying in this beautiful part of New Zealand. Visitors can try snowshoeing and dog sledding at Snow Farm, over have a snowball fight at the Snow Fun Zone. For adrenaline seekers, try ice-driving or take a scenic flight around Wanaka and finish on a glacier. For wine lovers and beer connoisseurs, the Otago region also has a variety of Wineries & Breweries to explore. Another great activity to add to any Wanaka holiday is a visit to the Cardrona Distillery, take a tour and learn about the distilling process and finish with a tasting of their in-house liquors, vodka, gin and delicious Cardrona single malt whisky.