Located on the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is a resort town bursting with luxury accommodations, adventure activities and seemingly untouched natural beauty. Sure, this may all sound like a pricey family vacation, but amid all the tourist destinations, there’s still quite a bit for active families with a love for nature, fresh cuisine and vistas to do on a budget.
Follow this list of tips for easy ways to stay within budget around Wanaka with the family.
Activity and Nature
Start off the day at Wanaka Lakefront. Take in the idyllic views of Roys Bay and go for a walk with the kids, or make the scenic stop an adventurous one and get out on the water with a boat ride or watersport.
There is so much to do and see at Lake Wanaka, no matter your family’s interest or activity level.
Next up, head to Wanaka Recreational Reserve, Lismore Park and Eely Point Recreational Reserve — all lining the waterfront. The nature-loving kids will think this day is all about them, but you’re secretly getting in some affordable family time filled with natural beauty.
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. Photo: Wirestock | Dreamstime.com
Local Attractions
Pay a visit to Wanaka Lavender Farm for $2–5 a person. Let the kids stroll through the purple-dusted fields and visit the beloved farm animals, including alpacas, sheep, chickens, beehives and, visitor favorites, Koko the pig and Milly and Kristen, the resident cows. Be sure to try the lavender tea and ice cream, all made from homegrown ingredients, and grab some local honey, soap and essential oils to go. Think of the unbeatable family pictures!
Quirky Fun
For the thinkers and game players in your crew, head to the Puzzling World of Wanaka. Admission is $14–18 per ticket and includes a lot of fun, including a 3-D maze and illusion rooms.
Dinner Time!
With a day well spent, and a lot of activity under your belt, have fun and splurge on dinner. Enjoy food, drinks, a view and family-style vibes at Kota.
Traveling with picky eaters and young kids? Read through this list of kid-approved dining options in Wanaka, including diners and casual takeaway locales.
Either way you’ll have the relaxing opportunity to take in the incredible resort town with the family.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedParents
Apr 24, 2024Treat Mom to Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta
Are you planning family travel to Atlanta for Mother’s Day this year? For those in the area on May 11 and 12, celebrate mom with a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta. Afternoon tea is a hallmark at the property and this year’s Mother’s Day version will honor Audrey Hepburn and her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Apr 23, 2024What’s New in Billings, Montana, This Spring and Summer
Plan your spring or summer family travel to Billings, Montana, this year. The largest city in the state offers plenty of family-friendly fun.
Destinations / North America
Apr 23, 2024Where to Tiptoe Through Tulips in the United States
First brought to the United States by Dutch immigrants in the late 1600s, tulips have become a colorful symbol of spring throughout the country and a popular spring and summer spot for family travelers. You don’t need to travel far to find them blooming in front yards and, in spring, displays of tulips paint parks and botanic gardens from Maine to Texas. A few places go all out with annual tulip festivals that are perfect spring trips for families.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations / Caribbean
Apr 23, 2024Family Fun Awaits at Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
Celebrate the warm weather with family travel to the sun-kissed shores of Aruba. Here, you’ll find Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, a family-friendly resort filled with endless activities for all ages. This property features 10 all-inclusive dining options, four freshwater pools, eight bars and more.
ShareThis