Wanaka’s 6 Best Lunch Experiences

Wanaka is famous for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, but it also offers some excellent lunch experiences that can make your day even more memorable. Whether you want a picnic on a riverbank after paddling beneath snow-capped mountains or a gourmet meal paired with award-winning wines, Wanaka has a diverse range of options. We’re particularly fond of the full-day guided packrafting tour for its combination of adventure, scenery, and a well-earned picnic on the river. Plus, the E-bike ride and wine tour blends outdoor activity with wine tastings, perfect for those who want a little of both. For a more scenic and indulgent option, the full-day classic wine tour offers a relaxed day sampling fine wines and enjoying a gourmet meal. And if you’re craving a full-day hike with a scenic lunch, the Rob Roy Glacier guided hike provides breathtaking views combined with a delicious meal in the wild.

In this guide, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top lunch experiences, helping you decide which one fits your travel style and interests best.

1. Wanaka: Full-Day Guided Packrafting Tour with Lunch

At number one, the Wanaka: Full-Day Guided Packrafting Tour with Lunch combines adventure and relaxation in one package. This tour takes you on a half-day of paddling on the Matukituki River, a river famous for its dramatic scenery—snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls of Mt Aspiring National Park. The tour includes a safety briefing, a 2-hour paddle, and a break for a lakeside picnic that lets you soak in the scenery. Then you’ll paddle for another 1.5 hours before heading back. The tour’s highlight is the exclusive access to this pristine river, which is rarely crowded and offers some of the best packrafting experiences in New Zealand.

What makes this tour stand out is the mix of adrenaline and tranquility. You get to swim, paddle past waterfalls, and then relax with a scenic picnic. The guide’s expertise ensures safety and plenty of local insights. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a full day of outdoor fun with a satisfying meal at the end. With a 4.9-star rating based on 12 reviews, it’s clear that many guests find this experience a highlight of their trip. The only potential downside is the physical effort involved—this is not for those who prefer relaxing days.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a unique outdoor adventure with spectacular scenery and a riverside lunch, this guided packrafting tour is a top choice.

2. Wanaka: E-Bike Ride, Wine Tour, and Lunch Combo

Number two on our list is the Wanaka: E-Bike Ride, Wine Tour, and Lunch Combo. This tour offers a perfect blend of outdoor exploration and wine tasting, making it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Wanaka’s countryside without the physical strain. You’ll start with a scenic e-bike ride from Hawea to Wanaka, passing through lush landscapes and enjoying spectacular views. After working up an appetite, you’ll visit three of Wanaka’s best wineries, each offering tastings of exquisite local wines.

The highlight here is the 3-course barrel-cooked banquet at a local vineyard, paired with premium wines and a chance to learn about the unique terroir of Central Otago. The guide provides insights into the wine-making process, making this both an educational and indulgent experience. Priced at $234 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the included tastings and meal, especially for wine lovers. Guests typically appreciate the relaxed pace and the combination of outdoor activity with gourmet dining.

While it’s not a physically demanding adventure, you should be comfortable on an e-bike ride and enjoy wine tasting. The tour is best suited for those who want to savor local flavors while enjoying the scenery.

Bottom Line: For a full day of light activity combined with exceptional wine and food, this tour is a splendid choice.

3. Wanaka: Full Day Classic Wine Tour with Lunch

Coming in at number three, the Wanaka: Full Day Classic Wine Tour with Lunch offers a more traditional wine experience. This tour visits six boutique vineyards, where you can taste up to 30 wines, making it ideal for connoisseurs or those eager to sample a wide range. The tour culminates in a five-course lunch paired with some of the region’s best wines, giving you a true taste of Central Otago’s renowned wine industry.

What sets this experience apart is its intimate size and focus on quality. The small-group setting allows for personalized attention and deeper conversations with your guide. The scenery along the way is stunning, with views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains adding to the experience. Guests often remark on the high quality of the wines and the gourmet lunch, which elevates the day beyond just tasting.

This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed, in-depth look at the local vineyards without the physical exertion of hikes or bike rides. If you’re more interested in food and wine than adventure, this is a fantastic choice.

Bottom Line: A refined, flavorful tour for those who want to indulge in Central Otago’s finest wines and gourmet cuisine.

4. Wānaka: Private Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike Lunch

Number four is the Wānaka: Private Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike Lunch, a perfect pick for those who want a full-day outdoor experience combined with a delicious meal. This guided hike takes you through Mt Aspiring National Park to see the stunning Rob Roy Glacier. The tour includes a scenic drive to the trailhead, crossing streams, and hiking above the Rob Roy Canyon with spectacular views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

The highlight of the tour is the gourmet packed lunch served at scenic viewpoints, allowing you to soak in the untouched wilderness while eating. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, sharing insights into the landscape, flora, and fauna. With a 6-hour duration and small-group size, this is perfect for active travelers who want an immersive outdoor experience with a rewarding lunch.

Guests often comment on the breathtaking scenery and the quality of the food, making this hike a memorable highlight. The physical challenge is moderate but suitable for most with a good level of fitness.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for hikers wanting a guided glacier hike with a quality lunch in incredible scenery.

5. Wanaka: Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike with Lunch

Ranking fifth is the Wanaka: Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike with Lunch. This 8-hour tour hits all the high points for lovers of scenery and hiking, offering a guided trek into Mt Aspiring National Park to see the Rob Roy Glacier. The trip begins with a scenic drive, then crosses a swing bridge over the Matukituki River before entering lush beech forest. You’ll hike for about four hours, with plenty of stops at viewpoints to take in the glacier, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.

The tour includes a gourmet lunch in a scenic spot, giving you time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The guide shares local insights along the way, making it a rich learning experience. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience with nature.

Guests describe this as a “breathtaking” trip with stunning views and a very worthwhile hike. Though physically demanding, most fit travelers find it rewarding. The included gourmet lunch and the scenic drive make this a well-rounded day.

Bottom Line: For those who want a full-day guided hike with incredible glacier views and a quality meal, this is a top-tier choice.

6. Wanaka to Franz Josef Small Group 1 Way Tour with Lunch

Lastly, number six offers the Wanaka to Franz Josef Small Group 1 Way Tour with Lunch. This trip is more of a scenic drive with multiple stops designed to break up the journey. Highlights include the iconic Wanaka Tree, Lake Hawea, and the Blue Pools, where you can take short walks and photos. The tour also includes a stop at Ship Creek and Lake Matheson, renowned for its reflective views of Mount Cook.

The included lunch at the Hard Antler in Haast is a hearty stop to refuel. The drive offers plenty of photo opportunities, and the small-group format ensures a comfortable experience. The tour is ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed day with sightseeing on the way from Wanaka to Franz Josef.

Guests appreciate the variety of stops and the focus on scenic spots rather than strenuous activity. The tour is suited for those who prefer a more laid-back, sightseeing-oriented day.

Bottom Line: A scenic, low-effort way to enjoy some of the most photogenic spots on the West Coast with a good lunch en route.

How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Wanaka

When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and fitness level. If you love outdoor adventure paired with a picnic, the packrafting tour is hard to beat. For those who enjoy wine, the E-bike and wine combo offers a delightful outdoor and culinary experience, while the full-day wine tour is ideal for connoisseurs. Hikers should check out the Rob Roy Glacier hikes for incredible glacier views and a scenic lunch, especially if they’re comfortable on trails. If your priority is a scenic drive with sightseeing and a good meal, the Wanaka to Franz Josef tour offers a relaxed but beautiful day.

Book early, especially for popular options like the glacier hikes and wine tours, and consider the time of year—some experiences are weather-dependent. Think about what kind of day you want: active and scenic, relaxed and indulgent, or a mix of both.

Final Thoughts

Wanaka offers a fantastic range of lunch experiences that enrich your trip—whether it’s paddling through icy waters, sampling fine wines, or enjoying panoramic glacier views. For outdoor lovers, the packrafting tour and Rob Roy hikes are hard to beat, while wine aficionados will appreciate the elegance of the full-day wine tours. Scenic drives with stops, like the Wanaka to Franz Josef, provide an easy way to enjoy the region’s beauty without strenuous activity.

Whatever your style, these experiences show that Wanaka isn’t just about scenery—it’s also about connecting with nature in delicious and memorable ways. To ensure you don’t miss out, book your preferred tour early, especially during peak seasons. Your perfect lunch in Wanaka is waiting.