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
Summer Savings at Velas Resorts in Mexico
Budget
Jun 11, 2021#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Jun 16, 2021Spend Father’s Day in Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Father’s Day is right around the corner and Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is ready to help you spoil and celebrate the great men in your life. Destin-Fort Walton Beach is home to 24 miles of sugar-white-sand beaches and emerald waters with plenty of dad-favorite experiences and activities for the perfect Father’s Day celebration. With nearshore and offshore fishing to unique water adventures and delicious dining options, there are endless ways to celebrate dad.
Age Specific / Teens
Jun 15, 2021A Maine Getaway Celebrating Teen Vaccinations
With vaccinations now available to young teens, we wanted to celebrate our newfound freedom to travel with our teenager, Mary. As we considered where to go, June’s unusually warm weather immediately made Mary think of Maine’s beaches, uncrowded before the summer tourist season.
Listicles
Jun 14, 2021Celebrate Dad with a Vacation
Get out and explore this Father’s Day in a new destination. After being cooped up for over a year, we all deserve a nice getaway. Check out these hotels offering celebrations just for dad!
Destinations / North America
Jun 10, 2021What’s New in Virginia Beach
After the past year, no one really needs an excuse to get away and go on a well-deserved vacation. Whether you are looking for a weekend family getaway or a week-long trip, Virginia Beach is the place for you. With brand-new amenities, offers, activities and more, you can’t go wrong.
Destinations / North America
Jun 9, 2021Great Wolf Lodge Welcomes Families to Summer CampIn
Families can enjoy the nostalgia of summer camp without tents, bugs or rain during Great Wolf Lodge’s Summer CampIn celebration, offering several exclusive, limited-time offerings alongside the resort’s indoor waterpark with slides, rafts and water play areas for all ages.
Listicles
Jun 8, 2021Tailgating Must-Haves
A summer favorite for sports enthusiasts is tailgating before the big game. Whether it be baseball, soccer or football, bringing the right items for an awesome day can be hard, and it’s important not to overpack. These are the things you want to make a priority on your tailgate list.
ShareThis