10 Bucket-List-Worthy Outdoor Things to Do Near Wānaka and Queenstown
Outdoor things to do near Wānaka and Queenstown should be at the top of your Central Otago bucket list.
🇳🇿 This post is a part of my New Zealand Travel Guide.
Outdoor things to do near Wānaka and Queenstown are popular for good reason. Wānaka is home to the famous Roy’s Peak, featuring stunning views. You’ll also find plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities on and around Lake Wānaka.
Queenstown is known as “The Adventure Capital of the World” and boasts a multitude of outdoor activities — from hiking to soaking in hot pools and wine tasting.
Both of these charming towns need to be on your New Zealand South Island itinerary.
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Outdoor Things to Do Near Wānaka vs. Queenstown
The outdoor things to do in both towns are unique, and it’s worth visiting each. If you’re traveling in New Zealand while on a budget, I’d say that there are more free things to do in Wānaka than in Queenstown.
Queenstown is perfect for seeking thrills and ritzy experiences, while Wānaka flaunts unhurried, simple activities.
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More About Queenstown
Queenstown is larger and busier than Wānaka. I found the shopping in Queenstown to be more upscale and geared towards tourists. But you’ll find a greater variety of restaurants and activities there.
Finding parking for a campervan was more difficult in Queenstown due to traffic, and the holiday parks were more expensive and filled up in advance.
More About Wānaka
Wānaka felt laid-back with friendly locals. I loved walking in the quiet downtown area and chatting with the shop owners. The few days we spent there left me wanting to return for a longer time.
I found the beach wasn’t very crowded and there wasn’t a long wait in restaurant queues. If feeling relaxed is more your vibe, Wānaka is where it’s at.
Outdoor Things to Do Near Wānaka
From the iconic Roy’s Peak to an easygoing beach picnic, outdoor things to do near Wānaka will leave you in awe.
My hands were so cold!
Hiking Roy’s Peak Track | Most Iconic Thing to Do Near Wānaka
Roy’s Peak Track Stats
15.9 km (9.9 mi) round trip | 1,284 m (4,212 ft) elevation gain
The trail is closed annually for lambing season from October 1 to mid-November.
You’ve got to be up for a serious adventure if you decide to climb Roy’s Peak. We made it a sunrise hike and woke up at 2:15 am to have plenty of time to make the trek to the summit.
The trail is steep, a real calf-burner. Moving at a moderate pace, we made it up in 3 hours and down in 2 hours. I was glad we were going up while it was dark because there is zero shade once the sun comes out.
Even in late February, the summit was cold before sunrise. I brought a warm jacket, but no gloves — a grave mistake as my fingers nearly froze off while I was snapping photos.
- See my post about cold weather hiking tips to be prepared when the hiking temperatures get chilly.
- Also, wear hiking pants! The wind was fierce up on the summit in the dark. Discover the best durable hiking pants for curvy women.
Watching the sun rise over Lake Wānaka at the summit of Roy’s Peak was one of the most magnificent experiences. Likely the top outdoor thing to do in Wānaka.
Don’t be scared off by an early wake-up call; the sunrise is totally worth it. Parking at the trailhead can be tight, so get there early to secure a spot and avoid a parking ticket.
Lake Hāwea on a sunny day
The Secret Sauna at Lake Hāwea
If you hiked Roy’s Peak, your legs might be a little sore the next day. Try hot and cold therapy at The Secret Sauna on Lake Hāwea.
They offer private and shared sauna experiences, both with insane views of Lake Hāwea. Start to sweat in the sauna and then take a dip in the lake to cool off. You’re sure to feel revitalized afterwards.
Sitting in the sauna and swimming in the lake are excellent things to do in Wānaka in summer. You’d need to be braver to try it in winter!
#ThatWanakaTree | One of the Easiest Things to Do Near Wānaka
One of the most-photographed trees in the world, #ThatWanakaTree simply demands attention. Originally planted as a fence post in the 1930s, it was used to keep livestock out of town. Now it stands alone as a symbol of resilience.
When we visited, the water level was low, but it’s usually submerged in the lake. You can see gorgeous reflections when the water is higher.
This was a very popular spot, but worth a quick stroll down the beach to see it.
The Wānaka tree below the water line
Devouring Burrito Craft burritos
Brownston Street Food Truck Park | One of the Tastiest Outdoor Things to Do Near Wānaka
I’m not kidding when I tell you this is by far the most picturesque food truck park you will ever visit. There is a tiny stream with a waterfall and exquisite landscaping throughout.
We ordered burritos from Burrito Craft, and they did not disappoint. Who knew you could find amazing Mexican food 11,000 km from Mexico?
There are several food truck offerings, including bagels, coffee, fried chicken, and more. Plop down on the communal picnic table bench and dig in.
Magical purple door at the Wānaka Lavender Farm
Hello, cute alpaca!
Wānaka Lavender Farm | Best Photo-op Outdoor Thing to Do Near Wānaka
I had seen pictures online of a purple door in the middle of a lavender field and went, “Where IS that?” Turns out, it’s at the Wānaka Lavender Farm.
The farm features more than just rows of lavender — you’ll find cute highland cows, fluffy alpacas, friendly goats, chickens, bees, native plants, flowers, and more.
After exploring the grounds, we popped into the farm store for some locally made lavender ice cream. It was so refreshing on a warm day. We also sampled their honey and brought a jar home with us.
When we visited in late February, the lavender still looked pretty full, and they were harvesting some of the stems. Just walking around the grounds, the smell of lavender in the air was incredible. See their springtime bloom timeline to see which flowers will be at their peak during your visit.
There is a small entry fee for the Wānaka Lavender Farm, but I found there was plenty to do and see for the price. Don’t hesitate to visit this absolute gem and check it off your list of outdoor things to do near Wānaka.
Outdoor Things to Do Near Queenstown
Capture Instagram-worthy moments during these outdoor things to do near Queenstown. Your followers are sure to be just a bit jealous.
Ride the Queenstown Skyline Gondola
Don’t miss the Skyline Gondola when making your list of things to do in Queenstown city centre. The tickets are slightly pricey, but if you’re going to hike the Ben Lomond Track, try the luge, or dine at the Stratosfare restaurant, the tickets are justifiable.
We didn’t need a reservation when we went, and there wasn’t much of a queue. The views from inside the gondola and out on the deck were fantastic. For an even better vantage point, I’d highly recommend hiking the Ben Lomond Track.
View from Queenstown Skyline Gondola
The saddle of the Ben Lomond Track
Hike the Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond Track Stats (Via the Skyline Gondola)
10.8 km (6.7 mi) round trip | 1,110 m (3,316 ft) elevation gain
Ben Lomond Track Stats (Via the Tiki Trail)
15 km (9.3 mi) round trip | 1,443 m (4,734 ft) elevation gain
Although this is one of the free outdoor things to do near Queenstown, you can pay for a gondola ride to shorten this difficult track. We took the gondola up and down, saving us considerable elevation gain and time.
Get sweeping views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. We watched planes descending to the Queenstown airport and even saw baby goats on the trail.
Our original plan was to reach the summit, but we ended up stopping at the saddle just below the very steep part. The views were still lovely, and we enjoyed the trek considerably.
Don’t underestimate this hike — we brought full packs and were prepared for a challenging day hike. Be sure to have all the day hike essentials in your bag.
Wine Tasting with a View | Indulgent Thing to Do Near Queenstown
There are many wineries and vineyards around Queenstown. We picked Mt Rosa because of the views and the vibes.
Right when you walk into the tasting room, you’re greeted with a warm, modern wood-paneled interior. The staff were so knowledgeable and friendly.
I’m not a big wine drinker, but I loved everything we sampled. Most of Mt Rosa’s wines are made from Pinot grapes (Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc), and I realized, then, that Pinot wines are my favorite.
Pinot Noir is considered a dry wine, but it can taste sweet because of its fruity flavors. I’m not a fan of dry wines, but these didn’t taste dry in the slightest.
If you find a wine you want to bring home, they do international shipping to Australia, the UK, the US, Japan, Switzerland, and more.
Sunshine and wine, does it get better?
Relaxing at the Onsen Hot Pools
Soak in the Onsen Hot Pools | Most Relaxing Outdoor Thing to Do Near Queenstown
The Onsen Hot Pools are every bit as luxurious as they look in photos. I knew I wanted to soak right before sunset, so I booked the pool well in advance. They do fill up quickly in the summer months.
We picked the Original Onsen with a snack choice of wine or sparkling non-alcoholic beverage and ice cream or crisps. There are several pool options and spa treatments available.
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to make the most of your booking time. Your time starts as soon as you enter the pool room — don’t waste time getting your suit on!
If the pool got too hot, there was a button to press, and cold water would shower down from the ceiling. They really thought of everything to keep you as comfortable as possible.
