Wanaka Tours: Top 5 Sightseeing Tours & Helpful Advice

Wanaka, found on New Zealand’s South Island, is almost unfairly blessed, I mean, with breathtaking scenery, right? It’s a haven, more or less, for those seeking adventure and tranquility, you know, basically. With so many things on offer, picking the best sightseeing tour could be tough, yet very exciting. So, this guide showcases the top five Wanaka sightseeing tours, filled with advice and things you might want to bear in mind, honestly. From scenic flights soaring above Mount Aspiring to calming cruises on Lake Wanaka, prepare to uncover experiences you may just cherish, literally!

1. Lake Wanaka Cruise: A Peaceful Escape

A cruise on Lake Wanaka may be exactly what some are looking for, you know? This tour is absolutely a must for anyone looking to soak up the awesome views surrounding Wanaka in what some might call a more chilled manner, more or less, truly. You often get taken to Mou Waho Island, alright, a unique island sanctuary that boasts its own lake, and it is found right in the middle of a bigger lake; it’s sort of cool, isn’t it, actually? These boat tours offer amazing, very cool photo opportunities of the shoreline, mountains, plus an in-depth, very descriptive peek into the environment that you’re looking at, in some respects. Some operators actually offer guided nature walks on the island, right, allowing one to fully embrace the landscape. And who doesn’t love learning about local birdlife?

Consider a sunset cruise to just see Lake Wanaka glow, and glow a lot, that is. These voyages give an almost cinematic view as the sun starts to go down behind the peaks, just amazing, right? And it’s great because cruises suit all ages and fitness levels, frankly. These generally ensure everyone experiences something unique from Lake Wanaka. You will create awesome memories, probably. Oh, and I almost forgot, look out for the Wanaka Tree from the water; it presents one amazing photo opportunity, by the way.

2. Mount Aspiring National Park Scenic Flight

Taking a scenic flight over Mount Aspiring National Park may just become the most jaw-slackening event that you partake in. It’s so much cooler when one appreciates the majesty of the Southern Alps from above, almost. You get the chance to gaze down on big glaciers, isolated valleys, and snow-capped mountains, naturally. These flights actually show you what makes this part of the Southern Island rather unforgettable, or so I’ve heard. Usually you can select between different flight paths, actually, with most trips lasting between thirty minutes and a whole hour, maybe, so. Some of the lengthier tours may bring you closer to Milford Sound, and allow for spectacular views from pretty far above of one of New Zealand’s gems. Most of the people I know seem to find it memorable.

You need to choose an operator with highly seasoned pilots that offer some amazing commentary, that. They are usually keen to give you some insight on the geological features as well as on the rich past of the local area. Scenic flights tend to leave quite an impression, right, though I am no mind-reader. And they offer a fantastic point of view, seemingly, which is absolutely something to consider when the mountains might just look more stunning viewed from up high, literally. And hey, these experiences are just top-tier. Oh, by the way, it does come with the additional ‘wow’ factor.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mount Aspiring Flight Tours)

3. Wanaka Bike Tours: Exploring on Two Wheels

Bike tours let you find hidden jewels that might not show up in bus trips, yet. There are lots of trails just ready for checking out close to Wanaka, okay. And a bike is great since it enables one to enjoy these at whatever speed one prefers, naturally. I think that is a draw card to lots. You get choices of different trips, some might take you through beautiful vineyard regions, right? Or there may be scenic paths around Lake Wanaka. You pick between handled group trips, that, where a guide will fill your brain with regional details, okay? Alternatively, you could go for a self-led experience; it is entirely up to you. If one enjoys vineyards, one of my sources says that there are biking trips which will take you from cellar door to cellar door; it’s quite enjoyable.

Those on trips that go around Lake Wanaka will be happy with amazing mountain views combined with smooth tracks, actually, yet. And if you need anything, don’t worry, I mean as the local rental shops supply every thing you may need for a comfy day on the roads, apparently. It is not something one would ignore.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wanaka Cycling Tours)

4. 4×4 and Off-Road Adventures around Wanaka

For excitement seekers, like your friend, possibly a 4×4 trip will provide memories. As the nearby region includes tough land, that, an off-road journey will unlock spectacular, isolated scenery. Some guides lead amazing tours via river crossings plus up steep climbs. These seem scary though pretty exciting, really. This adventure option gives you close access, usually to rural areas. This is the only option for one who likes the outside a great deal, actually, or so I believe anyway.

Going on a tour allows the ability to experience exciting challenges in a well-controlled setting. Another plus is expert local guides show you the land’s past and teach about attempts at preserving this for all the flora and fauna of New Zealand, usually. You want gorgeous backdrops along with experiences. The rugged landscapes make such outings memorable; it will remain long afterwards.

5. Wanaka’s Wildwire Waterfall Climb

For really active folks, remember this. There is a via ferrata, close by, that means you’ll ascend along falls. This means taking security into account. But the tours include metal rungs/cable routes that are made onto rock to ensure safety while you clamber. They allow one to view drops and scenery from awesome angles. Different grades tend to exist; beginner routes, through challenging heights for skilled climbers are pretty commonplace.

Guides help throughout while ensuring you have security plus comfort along routes, still. Such journeys make extraordinary experiences. The guides also discuss neighborhood information, adding insight to views, often. I want people with excitement for exploration, like you perhaps, to be alert for Wildwire journeys; these become remarkable Wanaka experiences.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wildwire Wanaka)

Advice and Tips for Wanaka Sightseeing

When figuring out tours nearby, there exist a couple of tips, which I might add:

• Time of Year: Tours have to take account of weather or season when going to Wanaka. For warmer excursions around the lakes, summer (Dec–Feb) comes up tops, usually. When you need winter pursuits for the snows (June–Aug), this will dictate activities as well.
• What to Pack: Plan to take hiking shoes, garments plus sunscreen, of course. Conditions might vary a little; better dress appropriately for ease/comfort.
• Book Early: Because Wanaka stands so sought-after by people generally it helps if travels plus trips can get confirmed at the earliest time for that stay, generally.
• Think About Fitness Levels: Trips differ, but some could prove very physically taxing to certain ones who sign up. Before picking, carefully appraise one’s personal stamina for the exercise at hand to keep from becoming exhausted, seriously.

Read our full review: Wanaka Sightseeing Tours Full Review and Details