Wanaka is Queenstown's laid back cousin, same jaw dropping mountains and turquoise lake, minus the crowds. It is an easy place to fill a family itinerary too, an indoor puzzle house for a rainy afternoon, a gentle lake cruise for the grandparents, and jet boating for anyone chasing a proper adrenaline hit. Here is where to start planning your Wanaka family days.
A rainy day essential
The Puzzling World Wanaka General Admission ticket covers the famous 3D Mega Maze plus a run of gravity defying illusion rooms, all under one roof. Child rates apply for ages 5 to 15, infants aged 0 to 4 get in free, and kids under 14 need a paying adult or older child alongside them. It is the classic answer to a wet Wanaka afternoon, and honestly a hit on a sunny day too.
A gentle cruise the whole family can share
The Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk is a relaxed 60 minute sail on a 17 metre catamaran to Ruby Island, with an optional 20 minute walk to see the remains of an old 1920s dance hall. It is described as an activity for travellers of all ages, and if the walk feels like too much, you can simply stay on board or wander the beach instead. Guests younger than 13 do need an adult with them.
Jet boating on Lake Wanaka
The Wanaka Jet Boat Ride, 60 Minutes races across Lake Wanaka and down the Clutha River with the famous Hamilton Spin thrown in for good measure. Child pricing covers ages 5 to 14, and a family pass for 2 adults and 2 kids is available too, making it an easy adrenaline fix without needing to book everyone separately.
Jet boating plus a proper wilderness walk
The Jetboat and Wilderness Walk turns the adventure into a 3 hour outing, an hour of jet boating up the Matukituki River past Lord of the Rings filming locations, then a 50 minute walk that is rated flat and suitable for mostly everybody. Kids aged 4 to 15 can join, with adult pricing from 16 up, so it is a solid full morning out for families wanting scenery and speed in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good rainy day activity for families in Wanaka?
Puzzling World is the go to option, an indoor maze and illusion house with child rates for ages 5 to 15 and free entry for infants aged 0 to 4.
Which activity suits the widest age range?
The Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk is built for travellers of all ages, with the option to skip the short walk and simply enjoy the cruise if needed.
What is the minimum age for jet boating in Wanaka?
The 60 minute Wanaka Jet Boat Ride has child pricing from age 5, while the Jetboat and Wilderness Walk accepts kids from age 4, both with a family friendly structure.
Is a family pass available for jet boating?
Yes. The 60 minute Wanaka Jet Boat Ride offers a family pass covering 2 adults and 2 children, which can work out cheaper than booking everyone individually.
How fit do we need to be for the wilderness walk?
The walk on the Jetboat and Wilderness Walk tour is rated flat and suitable for mostly everybody, so it does not require a high fitness level despite the tour's high intensity rating overall.
Local tip: pair Puzzling World with the Ruby Island Cruise on the same day, one is indoors and one is on the water, so you have got a backup plan whatever the Wanaka weather decides to do.
Book your Wanaka family activities above and make the most of this laid back lakeside town.