Where to Stay in Wanaka, New Zealand

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, choosing where to stay in Wanaka can make all the difference in making your trip a memorable one.

In this post we will explore the various accommodation in Wanaka to help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit.

From luxury hotels to budget friendly hostel, I’ve got you covered! I’ll break this post down by type of accommodation and give you multiple options in each section so you know what is the best Wanaka accommodation for you.

So, let’s dive in and discover where to stay in Wanaka.

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Hostels $ – $$

Hostels are by far my preferred type of accommodation, especially when travelling for longer periods of time.

Hostels can come in many shapes and sizes but generally they are great value for money and give you the chance to meet other like-minded travellers.

Rooms range from multi-bed dorms with shared facilities to twin/double/family rooms with private bathrooms.

Expect a guest kitchen that you can cook meals in, a laundry, a communal area of sorts to hang out with other travellers and helpful staff who know where all the best and cheapest places to eat and drink are.

The biggest misconception with hostels is that they are only for young people and backpackers. But things have change a lot over the last 10 years and hostel are now a haven for cheap, clean and comfortable accommodation for all ages.

Over the years, I’ve stayed in hostels that are fancier than some hotels. Spacious rooms, comfy bedding and lots of free facilities make them a very attractive offering.

No more should you discount this option as viable just because you don’t fit into the hostel stereotype.

Here are three hostels for a cheap stay in Wanaka that are all centrally located.

YHA Wanaka

Located right in the heart of Wanaka, just a few minutes walk to the waterfront, shops and restaurants, YHA Wanaka has fantastic lake and mountain views, making it one of the best hostels in Wanaka.

The hostel features large communal spaces including a log fire in the living area, a billiards table, reading room, balcony and movie room. You’ll have access to the onsite kitchen and laundry as well.

Rooms range from 4 and 6 bed dorms, both mixed and single sex, as well as private rooms with private bathroom facilities

Mountain View Backpackers

Located behind the main shopping and dining area of Wanaka, Mountain View Backpackers is an easy walk to everything you will need when staying in cheap accommodation in Wanaka.

It features free wi-fi throughout the property, shared living room and fully equipped kitchen, outdoor seating on the sun terrace and a barbeque area. You’ll also be able to book any tours and experiences you might want to do during your stay at reception.

Rooms range from 4 or 6 bed mixed dorms with share facilities, to double rooms which also having share facilities.

Mt Aspiring Holiday Park

Located 3km out of town, however in a picture perfect location with tonnes of green space and views of the lake and mountains making this one of the best holiday parks in Wanaka.

Mt Aspiring Holiday Park features a swimming pool for the warmer months, playground for the kids, outdoor BBQ area, communal lounge and games room and free wi-fi throughout the park.

Accommodation ranges from standard studio cabins to one bedroom cabins that can sleep up to 6 people. Some have their own private bathroom, others can access the shared facilities onsite. If you have a van, there are powered sites available as well.

Budget Hotels/Motels $ – $$

Budget hotels and motels are quite similar to hostels except you’re not likely to interact with other guests and you are unlikely to have shared facilities like a kitchen and communal living space to enjoy.

They might however have shared or private bathrooms and rooms themselves will be basic with a minimum of a single, twin or double bed.

Budget hotels and motels are most likely to be kitted out with a small TV, kettle and mini-fridge. And rooms with bathrooms will have a basin, toilet and shower, sometimes over a bathtub, with generic toiletries.

Here are three affordable accommodation in Wanaka for those wanting to save a bit on accommodation costs.

Alpine Motel

Located a short few minutes walk to the lake front and centre of town, Alpine Motel, one of the best hotels in Wanaka at this price point, is a simple but comfortable motel and a good choice if you are wanting to save a little on Lake Wanaka accommodation during your stay.

A combination of apartments and motel rooms are available, all have air-conditioning and heating, TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathrooms. Apartments have the addition of a small kitchenette. Onsite, surrounded by lovely gardens, is an guest BBQ area with picnic tables.

Wanaka View Motel

Fantastic location on the park across from the lake with uninterrupted views and a easy walk to the nearby shops and restaurants.

The property offers free wi-fi, a dedicated room for drying your sky gear, free onsite parking, shared laundry and a tour desk to book activities.

Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, LCD TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee making facilities and plenty of space. Apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, with some boasting views of the lake.

Wanaka Heights Motel

Located just a short 5 minute stroll to both the centre of town and the waterfront, Wanaka Heights Motel is a simple, yet modern motel in a large complex. It is one of the best Wanaka hotels for the budget conscious.

Guests have access to free wi-fi, outdoor seating and BBQ area and tour desk to book all of your activities while visiting Wanaka.

The rooms are studio style with heating, electric blankets, satellite TV, kitchenette where you can prepare a simple meal and generous ensuites.

Self-Catered $$ – $$$$

Expect either apartment style of even houses/villas that have their own private kitchen, separate living area to sleeping area and most of the time a balcony or terrace area.

Self-catered accommodation, while it might be a bit more expensive, can help you save money on eating out which is some cities can be very expensive.

It is also a great option for groups travelling together and families looking for extra space and a more homely experience.

Here are three self-catered apartments in Wanaka for those wanting more space.

Belvedere Apartments

Located on a quiet street, the Belvedere Apartments are an easy few minutes walk to the waterfront and the shops and restaurants in town.

The property offers guests free wi-fi, covered parking, drying room for your ski gear and saunas to help relax the muscles after a day of adventure

All apartments are modern and include a well-equipped kitchen, internal laundry, lots of space for relaxing and a balcony with garden or mountain views, some have distant lake views.

Wanaka Luxury Apartments

Located 600 m from the lake and short walk to the town centre, Wanaka Luxury Apartments is a great place to stay if you are looking for more space when staying in Wanaka.

Onsite you will find hot tub, outdoor heated pool, free wi-fi, outdoor wood-fire pizza oven and BBQ area.

The luxury apartments are well appointed with satellite TV and DVD player, full kitchen and spacious living areas. Some apartments also have a spa bath.

The Moorings Apartments

These lakefront apartments are located just a short few minutes walk to town and offer fantastic views of the lake.

Onsite you’ll have access to free parking, wi-fi, BBQ area, ski equipment room and self-serve laundry. Across the road is a nice park with a playground for the kids.

The apartments are modern with full cooking facilities, under floor heating, Netflix enabled TV and plenty of space to relax when not out exploring.

Top Class Hotels $$$ – $$$$

Expect nothing but the best in service and quality at any hotel with a four plus star rating.

Rooms should be spacious and plush with lots of extras like in-room mini-bar, luxury toiletries and a desk or small sitting area.

Staff will go out of their way to help on check-in and out and assist with local activity bookings or any other queries you might have.

Contained in the property for all guests to enjoy might be a pool, gym, cafes/restaurants/bars, conference facilities and many more luxurious facilities.

Here are three options in Wanaka for those wanting the splash out a little more during their stay.

Lakeshore Springs Apartments

This 5 star lakeside apartment complex in Wanaka is located in the heart of this beautiful town, just a stones throw from the lake and town centre, making this one of the best Wanaka central accommodation options.

Onsite you’ll find a ski equipment drying room and storage for those days you’ll spend on the slopes and a sauna to help relax any sore muscles.

In the rooms you’ll have free wi-fi, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with heated floors and incredible lake and Mount Aspiring views from every apartment.

Marina Terrace

Located lakeside and just a short stroll along the lake into the town centre, these apartments are a top pick when looking for luxury accommodation in Wanaka.

The complex features, free wi-fi, a lovely garden area, mountain views from every angle and an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.

Apartments are full of light and come fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and plenty of space to relax in while you take in the stunning lake and mountain views.

Lakeside Apartments

Another fantastic luxury apartment complex in an equally fantastic location, Lakeside Apartments is located on the lakes edge and just a short walk to the town centre.

The property features outdoor pool with hot tub, free wi-fi and parking, BBQ area and a tour desk at the 24 hour reception.

Rooms all have laundry facilities, full kitchen with dishwasher, roomy seating area with satellite TV and DVD player and plush furnishings.

Over to You!

Which of these places to stay in Wanaka are you going to pick for your next trip?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.