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.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jun 23, 2025Beat the Heat at These 2 Family-Approved Miami Splash Parks
In South Florida, family travelers can expect not one but two acclaimed splash parks perfect for cooling down and having fun this summer.
Destinations / North America
Jun 20, 2025Bucket Brigade Beach Tours in Galveston, Texas, Teach Kids to Respect the Beach
A summer vacation in a laid-back beach town sounds like a dream come true for family travelers, but add in fun and educational activities for kids and you’ve got a sure-fire winner on your hands. Galveston delivers on these components and ups the game with Bucket Brigade tours, giving your family the perfect place to relax and have fun with a healthy dose of responsible travel mixed in.
Destinations / North America
Jun 20, 2025Frisco, Texas, Launches Summer Family Fun Sale
This summer, family travelers seeking a vacation that won’t break the bank should look to Frisco, Texas. This city just launched its Summer Family Fun Sale for a limited time, giving families savings of up to 30 percent off a variety of accommodations.
Hotels
Jun 20, 2025Rosewood Mayakoba Launches Family-Friendly Summer at Rosewood Program
Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico, invites family travelers to experience a season of personal connection with its Summer at Rosewood program.
Destinations / North America
Jun 19, 2025Have a “Sundae” Funday at Pennsylvania’s East Broad Top Railroad
A new, unique adventure at East Broad Top Railroad awaits family travelers this summer. The little engine arrives at Orbisonia Station to welcome families on a sweet, hot fudge sundae-filled adventure that perfectly mixes summer fun with education. On select Sundays (including June 29, July 20 and Aug. 10), take a vintage train ride filled with delicious ice cream sundaes. The Sundae Special experience departs Orbisonia Station at 3 p.m. for a 90-minute, 9-mile ride through Aughwick Valley, Pennsylvania.
Hotels
Jun 19, 2025Italian Dolomites’ Resort Perfect for New Parents
You might not think of traveling in the first few months after your baby is born, but a luxury resort high in Italy’s Dolomite mountains has designed a family getaway just for new parents.
ShareThis