Wanaka is the gateway to the National park. There are activities to suit all levels from a walk past the Wanaka Tree to an alpine ascent of Mount Aspiring.
The National Park office is 250m from the Bothy and they have a wealth of knowledge and the most up to date conditions of all tracks and huts. Click Here to go to the National Park website
Mt Aspiring National Park
Skiing is one of the main attractions in this area and having 3 ski fields to choose from leaves you spoilt for choice.
If a family experience mixed with Park and Pipe is your thing then Cardrona will is ideal.
For a steep fix try Treble Cone. and its famed off-piste terrain.
If you need some extra cardio and you enjoy the snow then Cross-Country skiing at SnowFarm as well as snowshoeing and lots of other activities will keep the whole family busy,
It may only be a tree but it is surrounded by the most photogenic backdrop in the world. The how and the when of this beautifully located Willow tree is not hard to discover but a top tip is to hire a kayak and paddle out to it and your experience will be closer to nature and without the crowds.
The Tree
There are endless short walks, day long hiking excursions and multi day treks all within easy reach of the Bothy, 750km worth to be precise - you will be spoilt for choice!
LIfe in Wanaka is not just a hike up Roy's Peak and our favourite alternative is Isthmus Peak which is equally as stunning or have a look at these alternatives.
With pristine lakes and wild rivers surrounding us, there is a water activity to suit most. Enjoy a refreshing swim from the lake's edge and if that’s not daring enough then how about Kayaking, Rafting, Sailing, Whitewater Sledging or Canyoning..?
There are some fantastic cruises, secret lakes, and stunning scenery that you will only see from the water.
Watersports
If you don’t have your own bike with you Wanaka Backpackers Bothy have Mountain Bikes for hire – get out and about for a leisurely ride around Wanaka or hit some of the local and national level trails managed by Bike Wanaka, visit the new Glendhu Bike Park or Cardrona in the summer. A favourite ride is an early morning adventure to Roy's Peak with a stop at Rippon Winery on the way home.
Why not see all there is to see... From Above! If this is something you have always considered doing – what better place to do it! Strap yourself to a qualified stranger and get ready for an experience of a life time.
Bring your own Rod and fish at your heart’s content or book one of many fishing charters available in the area and get the most from your precious time in the Trout fishing paradise that surrounds Wanaka.
Nature and Cruises
There are a number of boating options available from leisurely cruises to thrill-seeking jet boating adventures. If you are looking to avoid the cookie-cutter jet boat rides trip take a look at the trips up the Matukituki Valley with Wanaka river journeys.
Relax and unwind at one of Wanaka’s numerous massage, wellness or day spa centres.
If you need a doctor or physiotherapy there are a few options at the Wanaka Lakes Medical Centre.
Sample Wanaka’s finest Food and Wine’s at the weekly Farmers Market on the Lakefront and through the menu’s of the many restaurants, cafes and bars. The region’s wines are renowned the world over while the locally brewed beer is world famous in New Zealand. And if sampling all this for yourself isn’t enough why not take a guided food and wine tour and really discover how truly passionate local food and wine producers are about their fare.
Want all the fuss taken out of organising your days venture while in Wanaka and surrounds? There are tours available for almost everything also.