A trip to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Wānaka! It’s one of the cutest, most beautiful towns on the South Island and we highly recommend spending at least a few days here!
Located just an hour from Queenstown (and Queenstown International Airport), Wānaka is super easy to get to, and once you’re there you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of mountains all around you.
After spending 8 months in New Zealand, and a good chunk of time in Wānaka, we’ve put together a list of the best places of accommodation and hotels in Wanaka. Make sure to take a look at all 6 of these – or if you’re limited on time, check out our quick overview below and save this post to Pinterest for later!

Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ll have found the perfect place to stay for your visit. For being a smaller town, there are some amazing options from more traditional hotels to unique private stays and glamping experiences.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Quick links: The 3 best hotels in Golden
The most beautiful hotels in Wanaka, New Zealand

In this post, you’ll find some of the best places to stay in Wanaka, New Zealand which includes a variety of different hotels and types of accommodations at different price levels from more affordable to more luxurious. (For budget getaways, check out this post on the best hostels in Wānaka).
All of these hotels are located within close proximity to the lake or in the city center. Wanaka is just a little city in central Otago so no matter where you stay you’re going to be walking distance from all the coffee shops and restaurants and short drives from all the amazing hikes in Wanaka.
One thing we love about Wanaka is that even though it’s a small town, there is a nice variety of unique places of accommodation, more traditional hotels, and even some cheaper motels to stay at if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly (without staying at a hostel).
Prices in New Zealand have definitely gone up over the past few years but if you book in advance and try to avoid peak season, you can still get some decent deals when booking your hotel.
Whether you’re just staying for a night or you’re planning to spend a few days in Wanaka to experience all the awesome hikes and things you can do here we hope this guide will come in handy for planning your stay.
📍 Want to know about all the best spots in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Then check out our New Zealand Maps with +200 locations around the country that we have visited during our 8 months of living and travelling in NZ! 🗺️
Altamont Lodge Wanaka


💰 Price: Starting at $142 NZD per night
📍 Location: Next to the Wanaka Tree
⭐️ User rating: 9/10
🌿 Sustainability? N/A
👉🏼 Check out Altamont Lodge Wanaka prices & availability here
Altamont Lodge is a unique lodge located right across the street from the famous Wanaka Tree. It’s one of the more affordable lodge/hotel options in Wanaka because the rooms are private but the facilities are shared.
If you’re looking for a bit of privacy but also want to mingle and chat with other travellers and adventurers, this is a great place to stay. The lodge has some nice facilities where you can cook, read a book, and just enjoy the fresh air outside.
At the lodge, you can find small single-bed private rooms or family rooms that are good for small groups or your family. It’s a great place to stay if you’re planning to spend a few days exploring the area without breaking the bank.
What makes Altamont Lodge Wanaka unique?
Altamant is a unique lodge in Wanaka with great facilities and a beautiful outdoor area to enjoy the panoramic views of Wanaka.
Wanaka’s Private Escape

💰 Price: Starting at $197 NZD per night
📍 Location: Outskirts of Wanaka (3-5 minute drive from downtown)
⭐️ User rating: 9.7/10
🌿 Sustainability? N/A
👉🏼 Check out Wanaka’s Private Escape prices & availability here
Since Wanaka is a small town in the Otago Region, you won’t find as many big-name hotels and chains around here as you would in say Queenstown. Lots of the accommodations, hotels, and backpackers are smaller and often local and family-run places such as Wanaka’s Private Escape.
Here you’ll have your own private apartment that will truly feel like home from the moment you enter. You’ll have everything from a washing machine to a laundry machine and a very comfy king-sized bed.

This is a unique stay in Wanaka if you’re looking for something a bit more personal and a place where you can cook a few meals or prep some lunch if you plan to go hike Isthmus Peak or Roys Peak.
If you’re looking for a cozy little apartment to call home while you’re in Wanaka, this a great place to stay for a few nights or longer!
What makes Wanaka’s Private Escape unique?
Even though you might be halfway across the world you will feel right at home during your stay here in Wanaka.
Club Wyndham Wanaka

💰 Price: Starting at $341 NZD per night
📍 Location: Next to the Wanaka Tree (a 2-minute drive to the town centre)
⭐️ User rating: 8.7/10
🌿 Sustainability? n/a
👉🏼 Check out Club Wyndham’s prices & availability here
When it comes to classic hotels in Wanaka, Club Wyndham is the place to stay! This lovely hotel right outside of the town centre has everything you need for your stay. This is more a traditional style hotel but the rooms do offer kitchenettes if you’re interested in cooking at home some nights.
The facilities include everything from a gym to a bar and a cafe that are open every day (also check out these cafés in Wanaka). This is one of the few “normal” hotels in Wanaka so if that’s what you’re looking for, give this place a stay.

At Wyndham, you’ll also find a really nice outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and an outdoor area where you can just relax, read a book, and hopefully enjoy the nice Wanaka summer weather! The sauna and jacuzzi are also nice after a full day of hiking and exploring! 😉
What makes Club Wyndham Wanaka unique?
Wyndham has an amazing seasonal pool with a waterslide! It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful town of Wanaka.
Archway Motels and Chalets Wanaka

💰 Price: Starting at $173 NZD per night
📍 Location: A few minutes walk from town
⭐️ User rating: 9.0/10
🌿 Sustainability? n/a
👉🏼 Check out Archway Motels and Chalets here
These self-catering rooms at Archway Motels are the perfect place to stay while you’re visiting Wanaka. The rooms are super spacious and modern and really make you feel like you’re right at home.
Even though Wanaka is an outdoor paradise it’s nice to have a place you want to come home to and spend some time at. Whether you want to watch TV in bed or spend some time in the outdoor hot tub with beautiful views of the property, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your time at Archway!

This is one of the more quiet and peaceful places to stay in Wanaka and the location is really good as well. It’s close to the lake and just a short walk from some of the best cafés in town (you need to try out Scroggin Coffee and Eatery during your stay).
What makes Archway Motels and Chalets unique?
Archway is a beautiful secluded accommodation on 2 acres of land only 700 meters away from Lake Wanaka.
→ Book your stay at Archway Motels and Chalets in Wanaka here ←
Te Wanaka Lodge


💰 Price: Starting at $259 NZD per night
📍 Location: A few minutes walk from town
⭐️ User rating: 7.9/10
🌿 Sustainability? N/A
👉🏼 Check out Te Wanaka Lodge here
This is another cozy little bed and breakfast hotel in Wanaka located within walking distance from the lake. If you’re looking for a place where you’ll really get the most out of Wanaka and enjoy good food, wine, and hospitality then this is the place.
At Te Wanaka Lodge you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the hot tub and spa before you go down into the cellar to enjoy a nice glass of wine or an ice-cold beer.
During the summer months, Te Wanaka operates as a nice getaway where you can enjoy the fresh Wānaka air and everything this town has to offer. In the winter months, Te Wanaka Lodge transforms into a more ski and apres-ski type of accommodation.
So no matter the time of year, you’ll enjoy yourself at one of the more high-end bed and breakfasts in town. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a bed-and-breakfast-style place in Wanaka.
What makes Te Wanaka Lodge unique?
Te Wanaka Lodge is a unique and cozy bed and breakfast located within walking distance of downtown Wanaka.
Cross Hill Lodge & Domes

💰 Price: Starting at $549 NZD per night
📍 Location: Lake Hawea (15-minute drive from Wānaka)
⭐️ User rating: 9.4/10
🌿 Sustainability? n/a
👉🏼 Check out Cross Hill Lodge & Domes here
Last but not least on this list, we have the epic Cross Hill Lodge & Domes! While this isn’t located right in the heart of Wānaka, it’s too unique to not include in this blog post – and it is only a 15-minute drive away from town.
Nestled amongst trees next to Lake Wānaka’s neighbour, Lake Hawea, you’ll find this beautiful glamping place that has everything you need for a romantic getaway. From the bed, you’ll have a great outside view right ahead and a fireplace next to you for the cooler nights.

If you wish, you can also book a package with access to the hot tub and the sauna where you can enjoy some downtime and maybe a nice glass of wine or just soak up the sounds of nature.
Since this place is one of a kind, it does tend to book up quite quickly, so if you already know that you want to stay here and have your dates, we suggest you book it right away to secure your spot.
What makes Cross Hill Lodge & Domes unique?
Cross Hill Glamping offers a unique glamping experience with stunning views set in a secluded area near Lake Hawea.
You may also like…
- 5 Stunning Hikes to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand
- How to Get From Queenstown to Wānaka
- Exploring the Beautiful Mou Waho Island in Lake Wānaka
- 7 Best Cafes in Wanaka You Need to Try
- The Ultimate New Zealand Packing List
Recap of hotels to stay at in Wanaka

As you can see, Wānaka offers a wide variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, lodges and all sorts of unique stays. That’s one of the many things we love about this small mountain town. While it’s very well set up for tourism and the locals are super hospitable, it doesn’t feel too commercial or overrun by tourism.
No matter where you decide to stay, we hope you’ll feel right at home in this beautiful little town and that you’ll have the best time hiking, enjoying the coffee shops, and just exploring Wanaka.
It’s one of our favourite places on the south island simply because of how peaceful and quiet it is but also because of the proximity to nature and all of the amazing hikes you can do in and around Wanaka.
If you have any questions about your time here in Wanaka please DM us on Instagram or leave a comment below. We love to share all the information we have about Wanaka (we even offer customized itineraries). We hope you enjoy this paradise on the South Island!
📍 Save this post for later & share it with a friend



📍 Want to know about all the best spots in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Then check out our New Zealand Maps with +200 locations around the country that we have visited during our 8 months of living and travelling in NZ! 🗺️
Omg, I definitely have to stay at the Domes! Those are adorable 😍
I know, right!? Such a unique stay 😍
– Jo
Wow, I am obsessed with Wanaka and I haven’t been in years! These hotels are so incredible, I need to go back and visit these.
Hey Lita,
Wanaka is amazing. Hopefully you get a chance to come visit sometime soon again!
– Dom