Wanaka is full of wonderful activities to do – in fact, some of the best things to do here are indeed free. With the town being surrounded by some of the best scenery in the world, you’re never short of fun things to do. Our personal favourites are the Blue Pools Track or going fishing.

So, without further ado here is our list of the best free things to do in Wanaka.

1. The Blue Pools

Just out of Makaroa, The Blue Pools track is an easy hour walk from the parking lot through native forest, and along spectacular swing bridges. The second swing bridge offers the best vantage point to admire the clear, alpine blue waters of the Blue Pools – and if you’re brave enough, walk down the bank for a swim.

Be wary of the sandflies and bring insect repellent though! We promise that this spot is worth the potential bug bites you may receive!

(Credit: https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/blue-pools-track/)

    2. Play Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf)

With multiple parks around Wanaka having disc golf courses, try your luck at finding or renting some frisbees, and head out and play. What’s Frisbee Golf you ask? Essentially it’s a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc (frisbee) at a target. It is usually played on a course with 9 or 18 holes, similar to golf.

While able to play at Lismore Park (the slightly longer course), our favourite course to play at is the wooded Eely Point, then head out for a swim after.

     3. Visit the Cardrona Bras

A landmark in New Zealand, you will not miss the fence of bras as you head into Cardrona Village – chances are you won’t be the only one stopping to take a picture and have a giggle too. The story as to why the bras first appeared here is unknown, but the first few bras were placed here at the end of 1998, and Cardrona’s bra population has grown steadily since to the thousands you’ll find there today.

     4. Go for a swim

Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea have some of freshest and most stunning swimming spots around. Whether you want to stay in town and swim by the lakefront or go for an adventure around the lake, you will be spoilt for choice with all the swimming bays around.

     5. Mountain Biking

Happen to bring your mountain bike with you? You won’t be short of choice for well-formed and challenging mountain bike tracks around Wanaka. Whether you decide to pay and head to Bike Glendhu or up Cardrona (in the summer) or stick to the free tracks such as Sticky Forest, Deans Bank and Minaret Burn, you’ll find a track suitable for all experience levels.

(Credit: https://scopemedia.co.nz/new-mountain-bike-park-for-wanaka/)

We hope this has shown you can enjoy Wanaka without breaking the bank! With so many free and affordable things to do in Wanaka, we’re sure you’ll be able to keep busy, have fun, and explore all the best bits Wanaka has to offer.