Wanaka is a beautiful town of just under 10,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north from Queenstown, and about 40 minutes from Cromwell. Serving as the gateway to the Pacific Coast Highway (SH6), it’s a popular destination for day-trips, Summer stayovers and Ski-season breaks. Wanaka is known for it’s sleepy lake vibes, offering a contrasting experience to the more hedonistic party-town vibes in Queenstown, and you’ll also find amazing views of the nearby Aspiring National Park. 

Unlike Queenstown, Wanaka is a very easy location in which to park a car or small campervan. The local council has provided plenty of dedicated free parking options around the town in the form of 30 minute and 4-hour max parking spots. These are located directly in the central business district (CBD). All these restricted parking spots are within a 1-2 minute walk of the main shops and bars. There is no paid parking within Wanaka. 

Outside of the main CBD area, in the adjacent streets there is plenty of residential street parking options. These are safe and free. You’ll find plenty of parking options around Brownston St, Ardmore Street, Helwick St, Dungarvon St and Upton St. 

For guests of Adventure Wanaka Hostel, there are a limited number of free park spots directly outside of the hostel, on Helwick St. Alternative parks can be found on Upton St, Dungarvon St or a 3-5 minute walk away on Brownston St, towards Pembroke Park. We have a disabled parking bay at the hostel, if you require this please contact us in advance. 

Overnight or freedom camping is restricted within Wanaka’s township and streets, unless parking on dedicated Campgrounds.