Fun-Filled Family Adventures: Exploring Wanaka with Kids on a Holiday!
- By Auckland for Kids
- Updated:
- Topics: New Zealand Travel, Otago, South Island
Welcome to Wanaka, the stunning gem of New Zealand’s South Island! If you’re planning a family holiday and seeking a destination that combines natural beauty with thrilling activities, look no further. Wanaka offers lots of family friendly attractions that will ensure an unforgettable holiday experience. Here is Auckland for Kids guide to discovering the wonders of Wanaka alongside your children and teenagers.
Admire Wanaka's Nature on a Walk with the Kids
Unveil the captivating allure of the Lone Tree during a delightful walk along the edge of Lake Wanaka. Capture some family photos with the kids.
Wander through the scenic Rippon Vineyard and Winery walking trail, admire the panoramic vineyard vistas while the kids revel in wide-open spaces and the pure New Zealand mountain air.
Meander through the aromatic Wanaka Lavender Farm, where colourful lavender fields and charming garden paths create a truly enchanting experience for the whole family. Summer is the best time to visit to see the lavender in full purple bloom, but the gardens are still beautiful to visit at other times of year too! There are alpacas, highland cows and sheep for the kids to see all year too.
Enjoy a Family Picnic
Find your perfect picnic spot in Wanaka for the family.
Eely Point Reserve with Lake Wanaka as a stunning backdrop and a large grassed area for the kids to play.
Discover the hidden gem of Paddock Bay Reserve with it’s towering trees offering shade nestled along the tranquil lake shore.
The beautiful Wanaka Station Park has spacious picnic areas, delightful playgrounds for the kids, and breath taking views of the majestic mountains and Lake Wanaka.
Discover Wanaka's Spectacular Scenery on a Family Hike
Immerse your family in Wanaka’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from the pristine Lake Wanaka to the majestic peaks of Roys Peak and Mount Aspiring National Park.
Embark on a leisurely adventure along the captivating Glendhu Bay Track and admire the stunning lake views. The walk will take between 1 and 1.5 hour to complete depending on the age of your kids and how fast they walk.
Traverse the Diamond Lake Track, where majestic mountains and the shimmering Diamond Lake itself await. The well-maintained path has some uphill sections and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and is a fun hike for the whole family.
Seek a touch of adventure on the Rob Roy Glacier Track, a mesmerizing trail that winds through lush beech forests and beside rushing rivers, ultimately revealing awe-inspiring glacier vistas. This track is better suited to older kids or teens as it will take around 6 hours to complete the trip up to the summit and then back down again.
Remember to be prepared on these hikes, take sun screen, water and food and allow enough time to complete the hike in daylight. And if your kids are young, remember to add some extra time allowances in for lots of stops along the way.
Have fun at one of Wanaka's playgrounds
Let the kids burn off some energy at one of Wanaka’s fun playgrounds. Some of our favourites include:
Wanaka’s Rotary Playground on the Wanaka Lakefront at the Stoney Creek end of Roys Bay Recreational Reserve.
Wanaka Station Park is right next to the famous Wanaka tree and is a beautiful park with lots of large trees and swings for the kids.
The Dinosaur Park at Roys Bay Recreational Reserve in Wanaka’s town centre is always fun for the kids with it’s infamous dinosaur slide.
Try an Adventure Activity in Wanaka with the Kids
Ignite your families adventurous spirits with thrilling experiences like ziplining with Ridgeline Adventure, or horseback riding with Backcountry Saddles. For the water loving families you can’t go wrong with paddleboarding on the crystal-clear lake with Paddle Wanaka.
Discover the family-friendly ski resorts Cardrona Alpine Resort or Treble Cone where your family can revel in the magic of New Zealand’s South Island winter snow and have a go at skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing outdoors! Or go on a snowshoeing adventure with Basecamp Adventures Wanaka.
If you are visiting in Summer go Mountain Carting at Cardrona in their three-wheeled mountain carts. Kids as young as 6 years old can go mountain carting too!
Explore the network of bike trails with the family. Don’t worry if you don’t have your bike with you as Bike Glendhu and Wanaka Bike Tours both provide bike rentals and family-friendly guided bike tours. And in Summer you can learn downhill mountain biking with The Cardrona Bike School.
Go rock climbing outdoors in the beautiful Matukituki Valley, on the doorstep of Mt Aspiring National Park, near Wanaka with Basecamp Adventures Rock Climbing with the kids.
And if you packed your skateboard, rollerblades or scooters then don’t forget to try Wanaka Skate Park with it’s ramps, bowls and rails.
Visit Wanaka's Family-Friendly Museums and Festivals
Immerse your family in Wanaka’s vibrant culture by visiting the National Transport and Toy Museum. Kids will enjoy it’s large toy collection, the interactive exhibits, vintage vehicles and the model trains. Plus the museum has an outdoor play complete with ride-on-tractors and pedal cars.
Don’t forget to see what family-oriented festivals and events are on when you are visiting Wanaka. Some of our favourite events in Wanaka include the Wanaka A&P Show and the Festival of Colour, where the entire family can celebrate art, music, and local traditions.
Embark on a Heart-Pounding Jet Boating Adventure
Feel the rush as you zoom on a high-powered jet boat through the mighty Clutha River with Go Jets Wanaka. With narrow gorges and thrilling twists, hold on tight as you skim the water, feeling the wind in your hair. Brace yourself for this exhilarating adventure and experience the heart-pounding thrill of jet boating with your family in Wanaka.
Uncover our Favourite Swimming Spots
Discover our favourite places to swim in Wanaka for your family to enjoy:
Glendhu Bay
Glendhu Bay is a serene spot on the north-eastern shore of Lake Wanaka. In summer the kids will love splashing in the crystal-clear waters, and building sandcastles on the sandy shores. It’s a perfect place for lakeside picnics too.
Bremner Bay
Unwind in the peaceful ambiance of Bremner Bay, a picturesque beach offering a safe haven for family swimming. Let the kids dip their toes in the calm waters while you relax on the sandy beach, soaking up the sun’s rays. Enjoy quality time together as you create cherished memories, whether it’s building sand sculptures, playing beach games, or simply enjoying the tranquility of this inviting spot.
Lake Hawea
Venture a short distance from Wanaka and discover the pristine beauty of Lake Hawea. With its golden sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, it offers a haven for families seeking a peaceful swimming experience.
Waterfall Creek
Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Wanaka, Waterfall Creek provides a safe and secluded spot for family swimming. Let the little ones paddle in the shallows, while you unwind on the pebbly beach.
Rainy Day Adventures: Indoor Entertainment for Kids in Wanaka
Seek shelter from the rain while keeping the kids entertained at one of Wanaka’s indoor family attractions, like the mind-bending Puzzling World or the Wanaka Recreation Centre, offering endless entertainment for children of all ages. At Puzzling World you can try out the indoor illusion room, tilted house, Ames room, Sculptillusion Gallery and puzzles then head outdoors to conquer the giant outdoor maze.
Catch the latest family-friendly films at Cinema Paradiso or Rubys Cinema in Wanaka.
Head to the indoor swimming pools at Wanaka Recreation Centre and Pool. The Wanaka pool crew always put on lots of fun activities in the school holidays too.
Check out SITE Wanaka with their super tramps, air bag jump, and spring floor and indoor skate bowl there is plenty to keep the kids entertained for the day.
Visit Hāwea Library to read some books, and if it’s the school holidays there is often daily activities and story telling sessions happening for the kids
Eat Out at one of Wanaka's Family Friendly Restaurants and Cafés
Our favourite family-friendly cafes and restaurants for parents and children in Wanaka are:
Federal Diner
Located in the heart of Wanaka, Federal Diner is a popular choice for families. They serve a range of delicious meals, including all-day breakfast options, burgers, salads, and sweet treats. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it an excellent spot for families with kids.
Kamino Cofffee Shop & Eatery
You will Kamino Cafe in an alley off Helwick Street who does great coffee and breakfast. With a spacious courtyard on the rooftop and an outdoor courtyard on the ground floor you are spoilt for choice!
Visit the Red Star Burger Bar on Ardmore Street which serves up over 25 different types of hearty burgers made from fresh, local produce and they have a kids menu. For the non-meat eaters in your family vegan burgers are available. If your family don’t feel like going out to eat, you can order the burgers to take away too.
The Big Fig
Situated on Ardmore Street, The Big Fig offers a warm and inviting environment suitable for families. Their menu features an array of tasty dishes, including gourmet pizzas, burgers, pasta, and a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. And they have a dedicated children’s menu with appealing choices for the little ones.
Relishes Cafe
Nestled in a beautiful garden setting, Relishes Cafe is a charming spot for families seeking a tranquil dining experience. They serve a variety of fresh and locally sourced food, such as salads, sandwiches, and delectable baked goods. Their outdoor seating area provides plenty of space for kids to move around while enjoying their meals.
Check out this food truck with outdoor seating serving healthy tasty meals with 100% wholefoods that are mostly organic and local produce.
Kai Whakapai
Overlooking Lake Wanaka, Kai Whakapai offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. It’s a popular gathering place for families, offering an extensive menu that includes pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, and a range of vegetarian options. The spacious outdoor seating area and nearby playground make it an ideal choice for families with energetic children.
Speight’s Ale House
Known for its hearty pub-style food, Speight’s Ale House welcomes families and offers a warm and friendly ambiance. Their menu features classic New Zealand dishes, such as steaks, seafood, and hearty mains. They also have a dedicated children’s menu and provide colouring activities to keep the little ones entertained.
In the summer visit the Food Truck next to the playground at The Camp at Lake Hawea. You don’t need to be dmaping at the The Camp and can pop in for dinner and a play at the playground.