The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Wanaka 💑 [2024]

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Outdoor Activities for Couples

Wanaka is set among some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand, so it would almost be a crime to not spend most of your visit in the great outdoors. Here are just some fun ways to experience the area together.

Horse Trekking

There’s something quite romantic about seeing your loved one riding a majestic steed! One amazing way to experience that is on a horse trek with The Cardrona. Join their High Country Pub Trail tour where you’ll explore the New Zealand countryside, see historical points of interest, pass through a working cattle station, traverse rivers and soak in the gorgeous vistas along the way. The ride also includes a stop by the historic Cardrona Hotel to share a drink or two together before returning back to the stables along the Cardrona River. Learn more about the horse trek, as well as read reviews and book the tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Lake Wanaka Cruise

Enjoy a romantic cruise around Lake Wanaka on the affordable Happy Hour Cruise with Lake Wanaka Cruises. The one-hour cruise sails around the lake in the late afternoon, passing by Waterfall Creek, Stevensons Peninsula, Ruby Island and “#ThatWanakaTree”. Relax with your loved one with a glass of wine or beer in hand on a cruise with just a small group to set the mood right. Find out more about the cruise on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Skiing in Wanaka

Nothing strengthens the bond quite like learning a new skill together. In winter, make that skill skiing or snowboarding, taking advantage of the surrounding ski fields! The Cardrona First Timer Package (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) is a great way to get into skiing, offering two beginner lessons, a lift pass and rentals. Alternatively, get the opportunity to learn and hone your new skills over three days with the Treble Cone Learn to Ski 3-Day Package (on Viator and Tripadvisor). Enjoy small-group lessons, a lift pass for the entire three days and gear rentals.

For more experiences to share together, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Wanaka for Couples.

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Indoor Activities for Couples

Admittedly, the weather isn’t always fine in Wanaka, so for those times you’d rather be indoors, here are a couple of all-weather activities worth considering.

Cinema Paradiso

Snuggle up to a movie at Cinema Paradiso. More than just a movie theatre, Cinema Paradiso is a boutique cinema experience with comfortable sofas to relax in and a cafe and bar to take advantage of. There’s an interval during every movie to stock up on freshly-baked cookies, indulge in homemade ice cream and grab a glass of wine.

Crossfire

Not exclusively indoors, but still good as a wet weather activity, Crossfire offers a huge range of unique countryside sports to get the adrenaline pumping and the competitive edge on your relationship. Challenge each other in the rifle range, see if you make a good bow-wielder in archery, shoot disks out of the sky in clay bird shooting, relax with a game of mini-golf and much more! Check out the activities on offer on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Again, more all-weather experiences are listed in the 10 Romantic Activities in Wanaka for Couples.

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Romantic Restaurants in Wanaka

Amp up date night with some spectacular eateries and foodie experiences in Wanaka.

Where to Eat in Wanaka

For fine dining, head to Bistro Gentil just outside of Wanaka on Golf Course Road. The bistro soaks in romantic views of the surrounding gardens and mountains serving up New Zealand produce prepared in a French style.

Something more casual but offers million-dollar views along with flavoursome cuisine, check out Kota Restaurant & Bar at Level 1, 80 Ardmore Street. This Asian fusion restaurant specialises in sweet & sour, tangy and fragrant flavours along with Central Otago wines, New Zealand beers and creative cocktails.

[Update: Ode has closed]. Or for something a little closer to town, choose Ode Conscious Dining on Ardmore Street. The restaurant creates works of art on your plate and eight-course degustation experiences with fantastic vegan options available – see Vegetarian Travel Guide to New Zealand for more advice.

Wine Tours

Combine eating out with a local foodie experience with one of the wine tours in Wanaka. The Wine Tour with Wanaka Wine Tours includes a gourmet food and wine matching experience. Find out more about Wanaka Wine Tours on Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, the Maori culture tour and winery-hopping experience with WanaHaka also includes a complimentary platter of local artisan cheeses, meats and much more. More details on the tour are available on Viator and Tripadvisor.

For more recommendations to treat your tastebuds, head over to The Food Guide to Wanaka.