Weather and What's On
August is one of the coolest months in Wanaka, with average highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. It's a great time to enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The Treble Cone Ski Area is open, and it's a great spot for families with older kids. If you're not into skiing, you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a stroll along the Wanaka Lakeshore walk, which is free and suitable for all ages.
Wanaka is relatively quiet in August, with fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. This makes it an ideal time to visit popular attractions like Puzzling World and the Wanaka Lavender Farm, which are suitable for all ages and cost around $20-$30 per person.
- Treble Cone Ski Area: open from June to October, with lift tickets starting from $120 per person
- Wanaka Lavender Farm: open daily from 9am to 5pm, with admission prices around $10-$20 per person
- Puzzling World: open daily from 8:30am to 6pm, with admission prices around $20-$30 per person
Best Activities for Families
Wanaka has plenty of activities that are perfect for families, from skiing and snowboarding to exploring the town's quirky attractions. The Rippon Vineyard Picnic is a great spot for a free, BYO picnic, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
For older kids (7+), the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain track is a great option, with stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the Matukituki Valley. The track takes around 3 hours to complete and is a 20-minute drive from Wanaka. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available on Lake Wanaka, with prices starting from $20-$50 per hour.
- Rippon Vineyard Picnic: free, BYO, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains
- Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain track: 3-hour loop, 20 minutes from Wanaka, suitable for kids 7+
- Lake Wanaka kayak/paddleboard rental: prices starting from $20-$50 per hour
Practical Tips for Families
Wanaka is a relatively small town, and most attractions are within walking distance or a short drive away. However, it's still important to plan ahead and book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak winter months.
Make sure to pack warm clothing, including jackets, gloves, and hats, as it can get very cold in August. Don't forget to check the weather forecast before heading out, and consider purchasing a ski pass or lift tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Book your accommodations and activities in advance to avoid peak season prices
- Pack warm clothing, including jackets, gloves, and hats
- Check the weather forecast before heading out
- Consider purchasing a ski pass or lift tickets in advance to avoid queues
- Take a stroll along the Wanaka Lakeshore walk, which is free and suitable for all ages
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