Wānaka

Puzzling World Great Maze and Illusion Rooms

Puzzling World is a world unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity. For over 35 years this remarkable business has entertained and amazed visitors of all ages. Offering the world's first "modern-styled" Great Maze, incredible Illusion Rooms, a Puzzle Centre/Cafe and eccentric architecture and oddities. Each remarkable illusion room is an illusion in its own right. On entering you pass through the Hologram Hall. As there is nothing quite like this in the world we can only assure you that you will find the collection of amazing 3-D holograms fascinating! Carry on into the Ames Forced Perspective Room. The technique of this illusion was used in The Lord of the Rings film to create tall people and little people. Move on into the Hall of Following Faces illusion room where 168 giant models of famous faces seem to turn and follow you around the room. This illusion room offers visitors a world unique encounter of being followed left and right, up and down by some very illustrious company. The newest room, the Sculptillusion Room is themed around an illusionary sculpture garden, the gallery invites visitors to wander around the various larger-than-life exhibits that showcase visual trickery at its best. Featuring over 20 large sculptures, artworks and displays the building itself offers illusionary aspects within its design. From Living Walls, wave ceilings, stone carpet and hanging waterfalls the visitor is met with stunning creations from some of NZ's finest artists. All of this is located in the heart of the breathtaking Southern Lakes region of the South Island of New Zealand, set amongst 7 acres of rolling lawns, trees and gardens.

Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk with Eco Wanaka

Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake. Accessible from Wanaka by a 35-minute boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of the early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing! From the top, we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. The perfect spot to stop for tea or coffee. Going back down the track gives us more time to take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively bird-life, and just enjoying this unique wildlife reserve. You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Total cruise time is 1.5 hours. The trip runs subject to weather and lake conditions. Depending on the planting season, you can help The Reforestation of Mou Waho by planting a tree.

Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

Leaving from the Wānaka lakefront, take a gentle cruise around picturesque Lake Wānaka while relaxing with a glass of wine or local beer and a selection of cheeses. The cruise is fully licensed so further drinks can be purchased on board. The cruise takes you toward the 'Wānaka Tree' before tracking up to Waterfall Creek and Ruby Island. You then head across to Stevensons Peninsula before returning via Beacon Point and Eely Point.

Wanaka Bike Tours - Hawea to Wanaka

This amazing 30km scenic ride is ideal to get you away from the crowds and let you set the pace while exploring the beautiful surroundings. Guide yourself along a grade 2 trail that follows the Hawea and Clutha rivers. Stop for coffee or lunch along the way. You will then be transported to Lake Hawea and finish on the lakefront in beautiful Wanaka.

Lord of the Rungs - Easiest

Your adventure begins in Wanaka with a spectacular drive through the mountains to the base of the Twin Falls waterfall. You will learn safety skills and then climb the via ferrata alongside this spectacular waterfall. Along the way you will cross wire bridges, discover hidden pools to finish at a beautiful picnic spot with stunning views. You descend by trail before heading back to Wanaka. This round trip will take approximately 3 hours from Wanaka.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information click here.

15,000ft Tandem Skydive with Skydive Wanaka

Experience the jaw dropping scenery of Wanaka, its lakes and mountains as you freefall at 200kph. A tandem skydive with Skydive Lake Wanaka is the ultimate adrenalin rush in the ultimate location.

Cardrona Resort Day Lift Pass and Ski Rental Package

Cardrona is New Zealand's fun and family-friendly ski resort with the most reliable snow conditions in the region. Its high elevation and southerly aspect mean dry natural snow is plentiful, which is further enhanced by snowmaking facilities. Cardrona is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with NZ's only combined gondola chairlift, easy-to-use surface lifts, specialised beginner packages and plenty of wide open trails spread over three basins. If you're up for a challenge, you'll find it in Arcadia, with secret powder stashes, chutes and cliff drops. Cardrona is home to the NZ Park & Pipe Team & offers the most extensive terrain park facilities in the Southern Hemisphere with four terrain parks, two half pipes and a gravity-cross course. Boasting eight distinctly different cafes, fully licensed kids' centres, on-mountain accommodation, retail; ski & snowboard lessons; and a fully equipped rental department, Cardrona is pure gold.

Wanaka Bike Tours - Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail

The Lake Dunstan Trail flaunts the best of Central Otago's natural beauty and begins from the quaint township of Cromwell (or Clyde). The trail seeps with history from the bygone gold rush days, and as you cycle or walk the easy to intermediate 55km ride alongside the beautiful teal waters of Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and the Clutha River, it will become clear to see why many early settlers chose to reside in this region. Sample cherries and nectarines during the summer and spring months and enjoy some locally produced Central Otago wines along your way. There is even a floating coffee cart for you to stop in at halfway along your bike ride! Parts of this trail is graded at 3 and not a suitable route for beginners. 

Easy Bike Tour with Discover Wanaka

Our professional Wanaka bike guides take the hassle out of organising a family bike tour. We provide all the equipment, including bikes and helmets for both adults and children. The tour follows one of Wanaka's well-known rivers, offering plenty to see and do. You’ll pass by a standing wave, where you can often spot people kayaking or river surfing. The crystal-clear water reveals our local trout population, and the tour concludes with a spectacular crossing of a swing bridge spanning the river. This easy family bike tour takes you along a wide, well-maintained trail. Suitable for ages 12 to 80, the one-way route is mostly downhill with a gentle gradient.

Milford Sound Flyover with Southern Alps Air

Experience the "8th Wonder of the World" on this breathtaking return flight from Wanaka to Milford Sound. Spanning two National Parks, this extended route offers 30 minutes more scenery than Queenstown departures, showcasing over 100 glaciers, the majestic Mt Aspiring, and the pristine wilderness of Te Wahipounamu. This experience guarantees every passenger a window seat to witness soaring snow-capped peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, all accompanied by expert pilot commentary.

Milford Sound Glacier Flight and Cruise with Southern Alps Air

Fly to Milford Sound through two of New Zealand's most picturesque national parks. View alpine lakes nestled amongst soaring snow-capped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers, with vast rainforest and cascading waterfalls visible from every seat!

The Mountain Experience with Cardrona Quads

The ultimate alpine quad bike experience! Offering challenging and varied terrain with breathtaking panoramic views, this ride takes you right from the bottom to the top of the mountain – into the snow in winter! Unquestionably New Zealand’s best guided quad bike tour.

Please note: The minimum age for this activity is 16 years.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.