Things to Do in Wānaka with Kids

We have run jet boat trips out of Wānaka since 2005 and raised our own kids here, so we get asked this a lot. Here is what actually works, by age.

Under 5

• The lakefront: the playground by the i-SITE, the shallow beach at Roys Bay, and the That Wānaka Tree walk along the shore path.
• Puzzling World’s illusion rooms (the maze can wait until they are taller).
• Our jet boat takes kids from age 4. Four-year-olds love the spins and the walk is short enough, and you can stay by the boat with a little one while the rest of the family walks.

5 to 12

• Jet boat & wilderness walk: this is the age it really lands. Four hours feels like an expedition, the walk into the forest is an adventure rather than a hike, and the spins on the way home are the story they tell at school. Family price: $739 for two adults and one child, $789 for two and two.
• Mount Iron: a 90-minute loop with a summit view over the whole lake, doable for most seven-year-olds.
• Puzzling World’s Great Maze, bike hire on the Outlet Track, the Wānaka Lavender Farm animals, and Cinema Paradiso with homemade ice cream at half-time.
• Rainy day: the Wānaka Lakes Centre pool, the library, or, honestly, the jet boat. The valley in mist is spectacular, and we supply the wet-weather gear.

Teenagers

• Packraft Wānaka (minimum age 10, must swim): a full day paddling the Matukituki in stable inflatable packrafts, with a swim in the turquoise pools for the brave. GoPro photos included.
• Roys Peak if they are fit (allow 5 to 6 hours), Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain if not.
• Bike the Deans Bank track, or the Hāwea River trail with a pick-up at the far end.

Practical

Book the jet boat’s 9:45am summer departure, you are back for a late lunch and the afternoon is free. The i-SITE departure point is on Ardmore Street, a two-minute walk from the playground and the cafés. Ask us about combining with the Ridgeline 4WD safari for a full day.