5 Hiking & Trekking in Wanaka to Build a Day Around

1.Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 346 reviews · from $80Our pick

Start in Wanaka, ride by shuttle to Lake Hawea, then cycle back through river trails, Albert Town, and Lake Wanaka. Choose a regular bike or e-bike. James, David, or another nzbiketrails team member gives you a route briefing, safety advice, and a test ride before you set off. Return bikes by 4pm.

“Good experience and a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Wanaka. I must say we got turned around more than once despite the map and instructions, which was a bit stressful.”

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2.Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · from $433

Ride into the Cardrona mountains with a small group of up to seven, crossing rivers and passing cattle, deer, sheep, and gold-rush sites. The pace includes walking, trotting, and cantering, so you need solid riding skills. Guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley match horses to ability. Your reward is a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

“I was surprised that we were going to ride in the drizzle and was a little nervous but Emily was great. She offered me some waterproof clothes, helmet and off we went. She was a great equestrian and excellent communicator. Took a real interest in us and I was very grateful because I hadn't been on a horse in years!”

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3.Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $80

Take a shuttle from Wānaka to Lake Hāwea, then ride a self-guided 30 km trail beside the Hāwea and Clutha rivers. James, Tristan, David, or another nzbiketrails host explains the route, adjusts your bike, and helps if needed. Expect 2 to 2.5 hours of riding, hills, narrow sections, mountain views, and a useful stop at Pembroke Patisserie.

“Having booked regular mountain bikes as that is what we were used to occasionally we wished we had booked an e bike as at times the terrain was fairly steep. Albert town was a great half way stop with a patisserie offering tasty pies and cakes. The views along the way were stunning with mountain backdrop over crystal clear blue lakes. We did get lost along the way, a bit more signage would have been helpful but all in all a fabulous day out”

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4.Wānaka: Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails on Bike or eBike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 42 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $86

Take a luxury shuttle from Wānaka to Lake Hāwea, then ride 34km back on the Gladstone, Hāwea, and Wānaka Trails. James or David fits your bike, explains the route, and remains available by phone. Choose an e-bike, standard bike, or children’s specialist e-bike, with time for coffee at Pembroke Patisserie and a photo at #ThatWanakaTree.

“David was an outstanding host and the whole experience was first class. Excellent bikes and thorough intro to them. Stunning route and weather too. We could not praise them enough for their care and enthusiasm. Wish we had time to do other routes with them ! A huge Thankyou for making Wanaka memorable for us”

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5.Bike the Dunstan Trail with shuttle return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 7 hours · from $119

Meet David, Ian, or Melissa in Wanaka for an 8:30am shuttle to Cromwell, then ride 42km to Clyde on the Lake Dunstan Trail. You’ll cross an 84m suspension bridge, tackle two climbs, pass Carrick Winery, and return by luxury shuttle. E-bikes are recommended for the hills.

“The trip was well organised and well worth the money. Fabulous track and fabulous views. One of the best things we have done in the holiday! Do this!”

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