8 Tips – Explore Wanaka With Your Family Part 1.

8 Tips – Explore Wanaka With Your Family

Part 1: Holiday with small children

Wanaka is a valuable and beautiful destination for families. Whether you are coming with your preschoolers, your teens or both, Wanaka offers relaxation and entertainment for all ages and all budgets. With such a wide range of opportunities, we will help you get your planning started with our tips of what to see and do in Wanaka with your family.

This week it is all about our smallest guests, up to 5 years, with our 8 Tips to keep them entertained. Check out part two next week for another 8 tips for the older children.

Playgrounds and Parks

When you stay with us at Wanaka TOP10, your little ones will be in love with our trampoline and two playgrounds right on site. In the town centre the fun Dinosaur Park attracts all preschoolers. With practical seating, picnic tables and free BBQ all within the area on the lakefront, it is a great spot to spend the afternoon. Large Pembroke Park, also in town, is great for a picnic in the grass while enjoying the mountain views.

Around the Lake

The waterfront is a natural playground by itself. Swimming or nappy dipping, watching the eels at the wharf, meeting the curious duck families - there is lots to see and do. If you want to explore a little further in the bay you can go for a short kayak, pedal boat, or SUP ride with hire available from Paddle Wanaka or Lakeland Wanaka.

Meeting Mini Donkey and Co

Picturesque lavender fields and display gardens at The Lavender Farm ensure this natural setting is pretty all year round. You are welcome to enter the farm area for a small fee to say Hi to the friendly animals. The beautiful barn style store will surprise everyone with homemade lavender products, honey and more.

Family Friendly Attractions

Wanaka has some amazing indoor attractions too, so even when it rains you dont need to worry about how to keep your brood entertained.

Famous Puzzling World offers a fun exploration through its illusion rooms for an affordable price and the café is complete with many table puzzles.

Two exciting museums are waiting for you at the Wanaka Airport. Your little ones will be stunned by various classic cars, airplanes, toys and much more at The National Transport and Toy Museum and Warbirds and Wheels. Both museums offer family passes, a cafe and shop. 

Biking with Tots

A popular and low budget way for families to explore the lakefront is by bike. In our Wanaka Top10 Park we have well serviced mountain bikes for hire including 2 sizes of kids seats and a tag along for pre bikers. The gentle tracks around the lakeside are suitable for all ability levels.

Up the Mountains

Ski season at Cardrona or Treble Cone awaits you with fully licensed childcare centres for peace of mind and Ski and Snowboard School to get your little ones started. At the Snow Farm you enjoy all general winter games like snowball throwing, snowman making or snow tubing for just a small entry fee.

In summer you can go hiking within all alpine resorts. If you don’t want to carry your little ones around but want to reach new heights, jump on the Cardrona gondola and enjoy a picnic with special views.

Like a Bird

Take your babies with you on a scenic flight over Wanaka and its beautiful surroundings. With Southern Alps' fleet of little aircrafts, infants up to 4 years travelling for free on an adult’s laps. With Wanaka Helicopters your child is free up to the age of 3.

Treats for everyone

Did someone say ice cream? Yes, we did! In town Black Peak Gelato and Patagonia Chocolates are waiting for you. In winter we recommend a hot chocolate or a warm crepe from Charlie Browns vintage caravan.

After a jam-packed day, you can visit the little shop in our Top10 Reception to treat yourself and your children with some sweetness. We assure there is always a wide variety of chocolate and ice cream for everyone.

Have we got you excited for a family getaway between mountains and lakes? Our lovely reception staff are happy to take the time to discuss the best daily options for you and your small footed crew. Next week we will show you what Wanaka has on offer for your older kids and teens. Stay tuned!

Posted by Andrea Kendrick on May 25, 2020