# Lake Wanaka

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/otago/wanaka/lake-wanaka-plc_h3xdfd4y06jgx/

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Attraction

Lake Wanaka is a 45-kilometre alpine lake bordering Wanaka township in Otago, ringed by the Southern Alps. The town lakefront, at the end of Ardmore Street, is used for swimming, kayaking and walking, and is home to the lone willow known as "That Wanaka Tree." The lakefront is open to the public at all times; boat trips and water sports are run by separate operators and generally require booking.

## Tours and tickets for Lake Wanaka

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Lake%20Wanaka%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-lake-wanaka)

## How to get there

Lake Wanaka borders Wanaka township directly, with the town lakefront a short walk from the main street and the Wanaka i-SITE. Wanaka is roughly a 70-minute drive from Queenstown Airport over the Crown Range or via State Highway 6, and about 110 kilometres from Queenstown by road. Shuttle and coach services connect Queenstown and Wanaka several times daily. There is no train service to Wanaka. Once in town, the lakefront, jetty and walking tracks are all reachable on foot.

Approximate location: -44.50044, 169.10609

## Hotels near Lake Wanaka

- [Hotels in Wanaka](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/otago/wanaka/)

## More in Wanaka

- [Things to do in Wanaka](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/otago/wanaka/)
- [What to Do in Wanaka: Pick by Trip Type and Season](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-wanaka/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Wanaka?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-wanaka/)

## Quick answers

**How far is Lake Wanaka from Queenstown?**

Wanaka township, on the lake's edge, is about 110 kilometres from Queenstown, roughly a 70-minute drive over the Crown Range or via State Highway 6. Shuttle and coach services run between the two towns.

**Is the Wanaka lakefront free to visit?**

Yes, the lakefront and wharf at the end of Ardmore Street are open to the public at any time with no charge. Boat cruises and water sports on the lake are run by separate operators and are usually booked in advance.

![A lone willow tree standing in shallow water on an alpine lake, mountains reflected on the surface.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-wanaka--lake-wanaka.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-wanaka--lake-wanaka.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()