If you’re going to Wanaka with kids here’s a few recommendations before you go.  Lake Wanaka is “refreshing”, which means if you’re kids are a bit on the wimpy side, they’re probably not going to want to swim in the lake.  It’s fine for a bit of a paddle for most, but they probably won’t be diving in and going mad in the water for too long.

Speaking of wimpy kids, if you’re in Wanaka with kids and along the lake front by the town, you might consider a jetboat ride.  This pretty tame and nothing like the Shotover Jet in Queenstown. Takes you out on the lake and down part of the Clutha river.  When I was about 3, I did it and fell asleep on the way back – not that hair raising at all!  Their office is on the Lake Wanaka lakefront, or website here.

Most people who visit Wanaka with kids give the Wanaka Maze a try, as well as the actual Maze, there’s loads of puzzles and games you can play inside which are suitable for both adults and kids of most ages. Worth a visit for a few hours.

I’m going back to Wanaka in December 2017, and will climb Mt Iron, which my Dad says is much easier than Dragons Back in Hong Kong and I did that easy peasy.  If you’re over 4 or 5 you should be able to get up Mt Iron with your mum and dad, maybe have a snack or picnic up the top.

Make sure you take your kids to the Dinosaur slide playground also at the lakefront, and yes, it’s got a big dinosaur slide as well as a few other things to have a play around.  Mum and Dad can get a coffee across the road in the town and after the playground you can head to the lake to try and spot some fish, feed the ducks and skim stones.

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