Wānaka is hands down my favourite place in all of New Zealand. This mountain town stole my heart and is why I wake up every morning, dreaming of moving to the South Island.

If I had to try to describe Wānaka, I'd say she was a bit like Queenstown's younger, cooler sister. It's not a substitute for Queenstown, as that is phenomenal in its own right, but what I love about Wānaka is that it's a bit quieter, more laid-back and a better representation of Kiwi life.

How to get there

Getting to Wānaka is very easy. It's an hour from Queenstown, so if you're flying into Queenstown Airport, you'll drive through the Crown Ranges, which is an experience in itself. If you're already road tripping and coming from Christchurch, it’s about a 5-hour drive, or 2 hours from Tekapo and Mount Cook.

How long should you stay?

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this: spend as long as you possibly can here. While it’s tempting to make Wānaka a quick stop, I highly recommend staying at least three nights to fully enjoy everything the area has to offer. Wānaka has something for everyone, from world-class hikes to delicious food, and you’ll want enough time to take it all in.

Do you need a car?

The short answer is yes. Wānaka isn't as tightly packed as Queenstown, and a lot of the most popular and beautiful things to do require driving 10+ minutes from the town centre. Plus, having a car will allow you to explore remote spots, like Mount Aspiring National Park, and go on hiking trails like Roy's Peak. If you don't have a car, you can still enjoy Wānaka, but it'll be much more restricted, and taxis/shuttles/tours can rack up quickly.