The van adventurer's guide to Wānaka

Nestled in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand, Wānaka is often overlooked in favour of its bigger sister on the other side of Mount Cardrona, Queenstown. But this small town on the shores of Lake Wānaka, ringed with mountains and peppered with valleys, is a highlight of any South Island road trip. A ski town in winter, and a watersports haven in summer, there’s no bad time to take your van to this gorgeous resort town.

Why visit Wānaka in a van?

Wānaka is one of many bucolic towns across New Zealand that has an incredible ability to adapt to the seasons. When the winter snow falls, Wānaka becomes one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most diverse locations to experience the thrill of snowsports. Ski , snowboard , or strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the rugged terrain.

When summer hits and the days grow longer (sunset at 9pm!), the town transforms into a warm-weather haven. Think paddleboarding, kayaking and boating on the lake, swimming at the beaches lining the basin, or hiking around the imposing mountains and hills surrounding the town.

Taking a van to Wānaka gives you unparalleled freedom to explore the myriad activities and awe-inspiring scenery around this famous town. New Zealand caters to the van community as well as any country in the world, and any lovers of the outdoors will be thrilled by the sights that await them.

Exploring the great outdoors

Winter:

Cardrona Alpine Resort is New Zealand’s most popular ski resort, while Treble Cone Ski Area is New Zealand’s largest. The Snow Farm, just outside of town, is the country’s only dedicated cross-country ski area, covering an enormous 55km that attracts beginners and experts alike. If you’re adventuring with the little ones, the Snow Fun Zone is where they can build snowmen, throw snowballs and burn off their restless energy until it’s time for bed. If you’re looking for something on the wild side, Heliskiing is rising in popularity around the world, and a few different operators offer beginners and advanced tours at over 700 runs.

Summer:

Out of the number of different hikes in the area, Roys Peak is possibly the most famous, and for good reason. A 16km switchback trail starting on the shores of the lake takes you up to one of the grandest views you’ll see in your lifetime. Mount Iron Track, at only 5km, is a more leisurely way to see the surrounds from the eastern side of town. Be sure to check out the Wānaka Tree jutting proudly from the lakebed close to town, one of the more instagrammable shots you’ll snap on your trip.

Best places to grab a bite

Scroggin Coffee & Eatery should be your first stop in town, offering not just the best coffee in Wānaka, but a generous menu and a laid-back vibe that spills into the outdoor seating. The Scroggin Benedict is an absolute must. Big Fig is another Wānaka favourite, with the lakefront restaurant trading almost all day (8am-8.30pm), specialising in slow cooked delicacies over an ever-changing menu that covers juicy meats, vegetarian and vegan dishes and an in-house bakery that delivers fresh goodies every day.

Best places to grab a drink

Famous for local breweries and vineyards, and with a bevy of bustling bars lining the lakefront, don’t pass up a chance to kick back with a drink in hand in Wānaka. Kai Whakapai is a popular craft beer bar on the waterfront, offering a large selection of rotating beers on tap that showcase some of the best drops of the region. Cork Bar, right around the corner is the cosy choice for a romantic night out, with a huge wine list, spirits galore, and some excellent cocktails to choose from.

Essential van facilities in Wānaka

If you’re heading into the wilderness from Wānaka, or you’re just in need of a supply top up, there’s plenty of choices for grocery shopping along the main road. Four Square is perfect for a quick and cheap shop, while New World has you covered for a bigger, bulky order. At the top of Ardmore Street you’ll also find a Mediterranean supermarket and an Asian grocer for your niche needs. There’s only one petrol station in town, the Caltex , but it also offers refilling of gas bottles and a car wash.

Wānaka Showgrounds is just down the road from the centre of town, and is where you’ll find a large dump station for you to safely dispose of greywater waste, while the Wānaka Landfill is your go-to for large quantities of rubbish. There are public toilets at the corner of Pembroke Park , and for $5 you can have a hot shower at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

Road trips from Wānaka

Some of the best road trips through the South Island can begin right from Wānaka, with roads curving in every direction from the resort town:

• Take Highway 6 north as it straddles Lake Wānaka, bypassing The Neck to take you to the West Coast of the island, where you can journey towards Mt Cook and the indomitable glaciers near the coast.

• Head south on Highway 6 to end up in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and one of the South Island’s biggest cities. Keep venturing south-west to lose yourself in the wilds of Southland , home to Milford Sound.

• Highway 8 will take you south-east toward the historic city of Dunedin and the misty east coast, where you can continue northward to find Christchurch and Kaikoura.

Best places to stay the night

Unlike other parts of the country, Wānaka doesn’t allow freedom camping , so you’ll need to check yourself in at a holiday park or campground for the night.

• Mt Aspiring Holiday Park (Powered site: $57 , Non-powered site: $44 ) is on the edge of town and offers lakeviews and modern amenities.

• Wānaka TOP10 Holiday Park (Powered site: $40 , Non-powered site: $35 ) has a hot tub and sauna and is located a little closer to town.

• Albert Town Campground (Non-powered site: $10pp ) is a 15 minute drive from the town centre and offers drinking water, toilets and a few basic facilities for a modest price.

Don’t miss out on visiting Wānaka on your awesome van adventure, book a van on Camplify and start planning your trip today. Check out our complete guide to taking a van between the North and South Islands, or read up on our 8-day itinerary of the South Island. See you out there.