photos by Lake Hawea View

Wanaka Venues for Hire - The Complete Guide

by Avya Hlaváč | 27 Mar 2024

For those who love an alpine landscape but wish to escape the bustle of Queenstown, venture an hour further, and you'll find the breathtaking lakeside township of Wānaka. With glassy waters and snowcapped mountains for as far as the eye can see, the Wānaka region is as pretty as a postcard. As the gateway to the Southern Alps, Wānaka has many beautiful venues, from luxury lodges to heritage hotels, lakeside restaurants, and high country stations. Whether in town for work or play, you couldn't pick a more beautiful region to host your event. If you're looking for our guide to Queenstown venues, you can find it here.

The Venue Wanaka


Image by The Venue Wanaka

The Venue is a rustic space in the heart of Wanaka, surrounded by striking alpine ranges. Its timber interior, fireplace, and intimate spaces make for a cosy haven, while the courtyard and mature gardens are perfect for soaking in that southern sunshine. Experience the heart of Wānaka, at The Venue. 

Cardrona Terraces


Image by Cardrona Terraces

Cardrona Terraces is a Wānaka estate that embodies luxury in every sense of the word. A 700m2 residence set on 42 acres of premium private land, this southern sanctuary is available for exclusive corporate getaways and incentives. From catering to team-building activities, allow the expert hosts to handcraft an itinerary with your specific objectives and needs in mind.

Edgewater Hotel


Image by Lake Wanaka Tourism

As the only accommodation set on the shores of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater certainly has the right to brag. The beautiful property extends along the lake, while the Pavilion and the Alcove combine to create a beautiful area for up to 100 guests to enjoy. With several lakefront apartments and rooms to select from, Edgewater Hotel could not be dreamier if it tried.

The Olive Grove


Image by The Olive Grove

There are BYO venues, and then there's The Olive Grove. Framed by olive trees, this landscaped property provides the perfect area to set up a marquee overlooking Lake Wānaka. With easy catering access, water supply and generous parking - The Olive Grove is BYO at its best.

Puzzling World


Image by Lake Wanaka Tourism

Take a walk on the wild side and host your event at Wānaka's Puzzling World. With the option of booking the entire venue, Puzzling World offers guided tours of its illusion rooms, races on the world-famous Great Maze and, of course, refreshments. After all that puzzling, you're going to want a drink! Perfect for team-building, birthdays and celebrations - Puzzling World is an interactive venue like no other.

The Lookout Lodge


Image by Alpine Image Company

For magical winter events by the fire or summertime soirees on the manicured lawns, The Lookout Lodge is a breathtaking venue all year round. The Lodge includes a grand dining room, seven guest rooms and a commercial kitchen - a large marquee is available to extend the scope of your event. Whether intimate or significant, The Lookout Lodge is proud to host yoga retreats, weddings, corporate getaways, product launches and more.

Oasis Yurt Lodge


Image by Oasis Yurt Lodge

Oasis Yurt Lodge is a beautiful and earthy backdrop for your intimate elopement, retreat, or workshop. This luxury eco-lodge sits on the elevated Cardrona River terraces, surrounded by mountain vistas. The night skies out here are breathtaking! Venue hire includes the Lodge, several yurt/tipis to stay overnight and manicured lawns to dine al-fresco or add a small marquee.

Maple Lodge


Image by Maple Lodge

Maple Lodge is a boutique lodge set on some of Wānaka's finest land. The Lodge offers a dining room suitable for 40 guests - while the clear-sided marquee can bring your larger-scale event to life with its 90-guest capacity. With beautifully maintained gardens in the foreground and mountain vistas in the background, Maple Lodge is a breathtaking location for all manner of occasions.

Rippon


Image by Charlotte Kiri

Rippon Hall is a hilltop venue with decades of wonderful stories to tell. The Hall itself was built from the land on which it stands - the walls are made from earth dug from the Rippon hillside, the trusses and beams are made of timber from the larch forest, and finally - the boiler warms the building with wood taken from the farm. With its rich history and thoughtful offering - Rippon Hall is proud to host events both small and large, casual and corporate.

Cardrona Hotel


Image by Weddings by Alex

For a Southland venue that is a little rustic and a lot iconic, there's Cardrona Hotel. A landmark building on the stretch between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardrona Hotel is the definition of a destination venue in New Zealand. The Restaurant seats 80 guests, and the Hotel sleeps 40 guests. A marquee can be added to the gardens to increase that capacity, and catering options range from walk & fork to set menus.

Lake Hawea View


Image by Lake Hawea View

Lake Hawea View is a cedar-clad homestead set on a breathtaking landscape alongside the glassy Lake Hawea. The homestead seats 40 guests, and a marquee can be added to the picturesque property to increase the guest capacity. Dream big for your next event and book Lake Hawea View for the weekend.

Glendhu Station


Image by Glendhu Station

Glendhu Station is a family-owned station set on 1,200 hectares of Wānaka high country. The modernised woolshed is a beautifully rustic space for 160-200 guests, while the property has consent to host 500 guests for festival and art-style events. Have your next event mountain-side, with Glendhu Station.

Rove Café and Bar


Image by Rove Café and Bar

Rove Bar wears many hats: premium cafe, bar, event space & wedding venue. Known for great food, coffee and cocktails - Rove Bar offers the golden trio. Hosting up to 150 guests, it's a laid-back venue in the heart of Wānaka.

Lake Wanaka Centre


Image by Lake Wanaka Centre

Lake Wanaka Centre is one of the town's largest and most versatile venues. With its auditorium, meeting rooms, outdoor deck, commercial kitchen, bar facilities, and excellent sound and light infrastructure, Lake Wanaka Centre is fully equipped for whatever event your heart desires.

Wanaka Golf Club


Image by Wanaka Golf Club

Established in 1922, Wanaka Golf Club continues to be an integral part of Wānaka's community. An 18-hole golf course framed by mountains and overlooking Lake Wanaka, you'll be hard-pressed to find more picturesque greens. When it comes to events, the Clubhouse is a beautiful venue with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sheltered patio and 200-guest capacity.