Hostel · Wanaka
YHA Wanaka
9.2
472 reviewsCentral, reliable facilities, near lakefront.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$35–55
- Wi-Fi
Wanaka
South Island · New Zealand
Common stamp · 25 km circle
Stamp Wanaka
Not stamped yet
- A day
- ~NZ$93
- Best
- Nov–Apr
- Dorms from
- NZ$35
Adventure base
Why Wanaka
- Roy's Peak hike produces the single most iconic backpacker photo in New Zealand
- Quieter, more relaxed alternative to Queenstown (1 hour away)
- Surrounded by world-class hiking (Rob Roy Glacier, Diamond Lake, Isthmus Peak)
Wanaka sits on the southern shore of its namesake lake, surrounded by mountains and just an hour from Queenstown but with a completely different personality. Where Queenstown is loud and packed, Wanaka is relaxed, outdoorsy, and slightly more affordable. The Roy's Peak hike is one of the most photographed trails in New Zealand, and the town serves as an excellent base for hiking, skiing, and exploring Mount Aspiring National Park. Many backpackers find themselves extending their stay or returning on a Working Holiday to do a ski season.
A day in Wanaka
- Hostel dorm
- NZ$45
- Food
- NZ$25
- Transport
- NZ$8
- Activities
- NZ$15
- About a day
- NZ$93
Where to stay in Wanaka
Tap a hostel for the details, or + Plan to save it for the planner.
- YHA Wanaka
9.2 · NZ$35–55 dorm · central, reliable facilities, near lakefront
- Mountain View Backpackers
7.8 · NZ$35–55 dorm · friendly staff, cozy, lake views
- Wanaka Bakpaka
7.8 · NZ$35–55 dorm · long-running backpackers, character-filled, offers work-for-accommodation trades
- Haka House Wanaka
7.0 · NZ$70 dorm · clean, modern, good social spaces, from $70 NZD per night
Hostel · Wanaka
Mountain View Backpackers
7.8
215 reviewsFriendly staff, cozy, lake views.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$35–55
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Wanaka
Wanaka Bakpaka
7.8
167 reviewsLong-running backpackers, character-filled, offers work-for-accommodation trades.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$35–55
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Wanaka
Haka House Wanaka
7.0
387 reviewsClean, modern, good social spaces, from $70 NZD per night.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$70
- Wi-Fi
Things to do in Wanaka
Tap one to see it, or + Plan to add it to your trip.
Nature
Hike Roy's Peak
Tours · Wanaka
Explore the quirky Puzzling World attraction
Explore the quirky Puzzling World attraction ($22 NZD)
- Price
- NZ$22
Nature · Wanaka
Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain for lake panoramas
Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain for lake panoramas (2-3 hours, free)
Nature · Wanaka
Hike Roy's Peak
Hike Roy's Peak (16 km return, 5-7 hours, free) — arrive early for sunrise or to avoid crowds
Nature · Wanaka
Walk the Rob Roy Glacier Track in Mount Aspiring National Park
Walk the Rob Roy Glacier Track in Mount Aspiring National Park (10 km return, 3-4 hours, free, jaw-dropping glacier views)
Getting to Wanaka
- Bus from Queenstown1 h 30 minUS$9
Coming soon · The Wanaka wall
Stamp selfies from travellers who were really here
Stamp Wanaka, then frame a selfie with your stamp and share it here or on your socials. Only stamped travellers can post. Month only, never the day, and the location is stripped from every photo.
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