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Wanaka, New Zealand

Otago · New Zealand

Wanaka is a small city in Otago, New Zealand with a population of 13,100. Elevation: 1,066 ft (325 m). Average temperature: 47°F (8°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.1 /5.0
C Fair
13,100 Population 1,186/sq mi density
1,066 ft Elevation 325 meters
47°F Avg Temperature 8°C
51.3 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$25,200 Median Income
C
Overall
2.1 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$25,200 median income, 2.2% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$291,200 home value, $1,456/mo rent

Discover Wanaka, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

People

Population13,100
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density1,186/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$25,200
Per Capita$25,200
Unemployment2.2%

Housing

F
Home Value$291,200
Rent$1,456
Ownership71.0%
Housing Units5,240

Climate

Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain51.3 in/yr
Sunny Days243/yr
Elevation1,066 ft (325 m)
Population13,100
Population Density1,186 / sq mi
Elevation1,066 ft (325 m)
Coordinates-44.7000°, 169.1500°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceOtago
Average Temperature47°F (8°C)
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average34°F (1°C)
Annual Precipitation51.3 inches (1,303 mm)
Annual Snowfall9.0 inches (23 cm)
Median Household Income$25,200
Median Age43.3 years

About Wanaka

Wanaka is a small city in New Zealand (Otago) with a population of 13,100. The city sits at an elevation of 1,066 feet (325 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 47°F (8°C). Temperatures range from 58°F in January to 34°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 51.3 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Wanaka has a population of 13,100 with a density of 1,186 people per square mile, spread across 11.1 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

13,100
Total Population
1,186
People / sq mi
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above New Zealand avg
11.1mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Wanaka vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Wanaka is $25,200, which is 66% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,200 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $485, 66% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 1,205 business establishments.

Income: Wanaka vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$25,200
66% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$25,200
Avg Weekly Wage$485

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.2%
39% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)1,205

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Wanaka is $291,200, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,456 (25% above the national average of $1,163). 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,240 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.6x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$291,200
3% above New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,456
25% above New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership71.0%
Owner-Occupied71.0%
Renter-Occupied29.0%
Housing Units5,240

Property Tax

Climate in Wanaka

Wanaka has an average annual temperature of 6.9°C (44°F). The hottest month is Jan (13.1°C), the coldest is Jul (1°C). Average annual precipitation is 1388 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 13.1°C / 56°F 1.6° / 23.5° 98.4
Feb 12.3°C / 54°F 1.6° / 21.9° 109.0
Mar 10.4°C / 51°F 0.9° / 20.1° 103.9
Apr 7.1°C / 45°F -1.7° / 16.7° 112.1
May 4.8°C / 41°F -2.8° / 13.7° 116.6
Jun 2.1°C / 36°F -3.7° / 9.3° 89.2
Jul 1°C / 34°F -6° / 8.2° 124.9
Aug 2.3°C / 36°F -4.9° / 10.3° 120.0
Sep 3.7°C / 39°F -4.2° / 13.4° 146.5
Oct 6.1°C / 43°F -3.2° / 15.9° 133.4
Nov 9.2°C / 49°F -0.3° / 19.8° 106.1
Dec 10.9°C / 52°F 0.8° / 21° 128.2
Wanaka experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 34°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 243 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 51.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,066 feet.

Temperature

58°F Jan (14°C) 34°F Jul (1°C)
Annual Average46.6°F
14% below New Zealand avg
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average34°F (1°C)
Sunny Days243 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,066 ft (325 m)
Area11.1 sq mi (28.6 km²)
Population Density1,186/sq mi
Coordinates-44.7000°N, 169.1500°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 51.3"
35% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 9.0"
Wettest Month (Sep) 6.30"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.56"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

273 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M4.1 on Mar 5, 2025.

Dec 7, 2001 59 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.8 60 km
Jun 24, 2020 87 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.6 133 km
May 4, 2015 28 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.6 29 km
Aug 12, 2019 80 km NW of Queenstown, New Zealand M5.4 100 km
Oct 20, 1998 104 km NNE of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.4 105 km
May 2, 2005 83 km N of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.4 84 km
Feb 24, 2002 79 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.4 80 km
Nov 29, 1991 97 km NW of Queenstown, New Zealand M5.3 110 km
Jul 10, 1990 South Island of New Zealand M5.2 91 km
Jun 12, 2011 86 km NW of Arrowtown, New Zealand M5.2 90 km
Jul 6, 2015 56 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.1 56 km
Feb 28, 1996 48 km N of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 122 km
Aug 21, 2003 25 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 138 km
May 2, 2005 85 km N of Wanaka, New Zealand M5.0 85 km
Apr 26, 2020 56 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.0 129 km
Jun 8, 2019 85 km NW of Arrowtown, New Zealand M4.9 91 km
Aug 5, 1999 89 km NW of Queenstown, New Zealand M4.9 112 km
Jan 30, 2017 72 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand M4.9 73 km
Feb 24, 2020 79 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M4.9 141 km
Oct 21, 2000 80 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand M4.9 80 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2002 ALBERT TOWN Meteorological - - 4 km
1886 JACKSON BAY, SOUTH ISLAND Meteorological - - 93 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 58°F (14°C) 4.0 in Warmest
February 58°F (14°C) 2.6 in Driest
March 54°F (12°C) 4.0 in
April 48°F (9°C) 3.2 in
May 41°F (5°C) 4.0 in
June 35°F (2°C) 4.3 in
July 34°F (1°C) 4.7 in Coldest
August 38°F (3°C) 4.5 in
September 43°F (6°C) 6.3 in Wettest
October 47°F (8°C) 6.1 in
November 51°F (11°C) 3.3 in
December 55°F (13°C) 4.5 in

Wanaka has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 34°F in July to 58°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 51.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.3") and February the driest (2.6").

View full weather details →

Schools in Wanaka

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Mount Aspiring College - - - -
Wanaka Primary School - - - -
Holy Family School - - - -
Te Kura O Take Kārara - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Wanaka

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Oamaru Heritage Radio alternative, canterbury MP3 64 kbps
Radio one 91 fm eclectic MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Wanaka

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Cardrona Distillery & Museum
National Transport and Toy Museum
Warbirds & Wheels

Libraries in Wanaka

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Hāwea Library0.0
Wanaka Library0.0

Hotels in Wanaka

12 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Belvedere Apartments
Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort
Edgewater
Lakeshore Springs
Maple Lodge
Oakridge Resort Wanaka
Panorama Court
Riversong B&B
The Moorings
Wanaka Hotel
Websters on Wanaka Lodge
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Wanaka

Restaurants in Wanaka

30 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Amigos
Aprēs
Arc
Ashraf's
Big Fig
Bombay Palace
Curbside Coffee & Bagels
Edgewater Restaurant
Francesca's Italian Kitchen
Fudog
Gogi Jip Korean BBQ Restaurant
Gusto Chinese Restaurant
Kika
Muttonbird
Relishes Café
Rove Bar & Eatery
Sagun Cafe & Indian Cuisine
Sal's Authentic NY Pizza
Shinaburo Korean Eating House
Snack Shack Turkish Kebabs
Sofi
Sushi Mi
Thai Siam
Thai2Go
The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House
The spice room
Tititea Steak House
WanaFusion
Ya Ma's
ZUKA Japanese Diner

Cafes in Wanaka

18 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Alleyway Emporium
Charlie Brown
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice
Coffee Dojo
Curbside Coffee & Bagels
Double Black Cafe
Dripping Bowl
Florence Foodstore & Café
Kamino
Patagonia Chocolates
Ritual Espresso
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery
The Black Cat
The Coffee Shack
The Doughbin Bakery & Cafe
The Good Spot
The Little Brewer
Urban Grind

Cinemas in Wanaka

1 cinemas within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Cinema Paradiso

Theme Parks in Wanaka

1 theme parks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Puzzling World

Veterinaries in Wanaka

1 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Vetlife

Gas Stations in Wanaka

5 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Allied
allied petroleum
BP Connect
Caltex Wanaka
McKeown Wanaka CardFuel 24/7

Banks in Wanaka

4 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

ANZ
Bank of New Zealand
Kiwibank
Westpac

Shopping Malls in Wanaka

1 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Spencer House Mall

Golf Courses in Wanaka

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Tarras Golf Club

Breweries in Wanaka

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Ground Up Brewing
Rhyme X Reason

Ski Resorts Near Wanaka

7 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
The Remarkables Ski Area 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Coronet Peak Ski Area 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Snow Farm 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Cardrona Alpine Resort 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Invincible Snowfields 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Treble Cone Ski Area 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Ōhau Snow Fields 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Wanaka

10 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Queenstown AirportZQNLarge Airport
Alexandra AerodromeALRMedium Airport
Wanaka AirportWKAMedium Airport
Cascade Station Airstrip-Small Airport
Cromwell Racecourse Aerodrome-Small Airport
Cromwell/Louburn Airport-Small Airport
Dingleburn Station Airstrip-Small Airport
Hawea Downs-Small Airport
Makarora Airstrip-Small Airport
Neils Beach Aerodrome-Small Airport

Post Offices in Wanaka

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
NZ Post

Churches & Religious Organizations in Wanaka

4 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Holy Family Catholic Church
St Columba Wanaka
Upper Clutha Presbyterian Parish
Wanaka Baptist Fellowship / Church (Lake Wanaka Centre)

Explore Near Wanaka

Waterfalls
10
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Wanaka.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wanaka

What is the population of Wanaka?

Wanaka has a population of 13,100 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 1,186 people per square mile, spread across 11.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Wanaka expensive to live in?

The median household income is $25,200, 66% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $291,200 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,456 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Wanaka?

Wanaka has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 58°F in January, while summers reach an average of 34°F in July. The area receives 243 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 51.3 inches, with 9.0 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Wanaka?

The job market in Wanaka is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $485. There are 1,205 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Wanaka?

The median home value in Wanaka is $291,200. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,456. The homeownership rate is 71.0%.

Nearby Cities

Lake Hawea, F7 2,190 pop · 8.3 mi Arrowtown, F7 2,151 pop · 23.4 mi Cromwell, F7 5,160 pop · 23.5 mi Frankton, F7 3,780 pop · 30.1 mi Arthurs Point, F7 1,280 pop · 30.7 mi Jack's Point, F7 4,300 pop · 32.5 mi Queenstown, F7 10,442 pop · 33.0 mi Alexandra, F7 5,830 pop · 39.4 mi Twizel, E9 1,780 pop · 55.9 mi Te Anau, F8 2,910 pop · 85.7 mi Weston, F7 1,190 pop · 90.4 mi Oamaru, F7 13,000 pop · 93.3 mi Waimate, E9 3,650 pop · 93.3 mi Palmerston, F7 1,050 pop · 93.6 mi
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