Holiday homes & houses in Wanaka

A holiday home in Wanaka offers a premier South Island New Zealand experience, situated near Lake Wanaka and the dramatic Southern Alps. Properties are typically modern, alpine-style houses or spacious apartments, characterized by expansive windows, high ceilings, and stunning mountain and lake views. The lodging is focused intensely on recreation, providing a comfortable, self-catered base for skiing, hiking, and exploring the nearby national parks.

The unique character of a holiday home in Wanaka is its commitment to luxury, adventure, and panoramic views of the alpine environment. Many large holiday homes in Wanaka provide specialized amenities that cater to groups and sports enthusiasts. Typical features provided for guests in these properties often include:

• A full, modern kitchen with high-end appliances and a spacious dining area
• A private outdoor hot tub on the deck, essential for après-ski relaxation
• Secure storage and tuning facilities for skis, snowboards, or mountain bikes
• High-speed Wi-Fi access and centralized heating for the cool climate
• Private bathrooms in all units, often featuring luxurious modern designs
• Complimentary maps and guidance for exploring the local hiking and biking trails
• A wood-burning stove or gas fireplace in the living area for cozy evenings

Wanaka appeals strongly to adventure tourists, skiers, and nature photographers. It is highly suitable for families visiting the local attractions and travelers exploring Mount Aspiring National Park. Visitors can spend time skiing at Cardrona or Treble Cone, hiking to the iconic Roys Peak, or visiting the unique Puzzling World attraction. The holiday homes for rent in Wanaka offer a luxurious, self-sufficient base for accessing the region's diverse attractions. The peak season is summer (December to February) and winter ski season (June to August), when temperatures average 22°C (summer) and holiday home rates typically range from $300 to $650 NZD per night. The shoulder seasons offer lower rates, usually from $200 to $450 NZD, with strong availability.

Explore the essential sites that define Wanaka's identity, blending its dramatic alpine scenery, popular lake, and unique local attractions.

1. Roys Peak Track
2. Lake Wanaka and #ThatWanakaTree
3. Puzzling World
4. Mount Aspiring National Park
5. Cardrona Alpine Resort

Roys Peak Track

A famous, challenging hiking trail that leads to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Lake Wanaka, the town, and the surrounding Southern Alps.

Lake Wanaka and #ThatWanakaTree

A massive, glacially fed lake, the center of the town's recreation, famous for the solitary willow tree that grows in the water, which is a popular photography subject.

Puzzling World

A unique, quirky tourist attraction featuring a huge maze, illusion rooms, and a cafe, providing family entertainment that is distinct from the area's natural attractions.

Mount Aspiring National Park

A large, remote national park known for its vast wilderness, glaciers, and rugged mountains, offering serious hiking and mountaineering opportunities.

Cardrona Alpine Resort

A popular ski resort located near Wanaka, known for its excellent terrain for skiing and snowboarding, as well as its high-quality snow park facilities.

Wanaka's dining is focused on high-quality New Zealand cuisine, leveraging local produce, Central Otago wine, and gourmet café culture. These three establishments are highly rated by diners:

• Rātā (4.6/5 stars) - A well-regarded, upscale restaurant in nearby Queenstown (a popular trip from Wanaka) offering modern New Zealand cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
• Federal Diner (4.5/5 stars) - A popular, casual cafe known for its excellent coffee, all-day breakfast, and hearty, modern menu, often attracting long lines.
• Kika Restaurant (4.7/5 stars) - A sophisticated, high-end restaurant offering sharing plates, excellent service, and modern European-inspired cuisine.

Wanaka observes New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) and Daylight Time (NZDT). A car is necessary for exploring the wider region and accessing the ski fields. Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand. For visitors planning winter sports, confirming a holiday home in Wanaka with a heated gear room is a practical amenity. Guests should be aware of the "sandflies" (small biting insects) near the lake and rivers in summer. Many local holiday accommodation in Wanaka are situated close to the town center, offering convenient access to local shops and services.