Flying Kiwi Backpackers

Story

ABOUT US
Established in 2013 Flying Kiwi Backpackers is owned and operated by a true Flying Kiwi (often found harnessed under a Paraglider in the skies around the district), with a love for the outdoors, adventure and travel; if I’m not attending to the running of Flying Kiwi Backpackers or out Paragliding you could also find me up a nearby ski field or out on my mountain bike.
Having come from a farming background outside Wanaka, but in the heart of the South Island, I spent a lot of my down time within the district taking advantage of the surrounding waterways, tracks and peaks. It is these trips to this truly amazing slice of New Zealand that made me want to share my home country and Wanaka with backpackers, travellers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Having travelled extensively myself over the past few years I feel I can contribute to your travel within Wanaka and New Zealand, by providing a laid back kiwi experience, a friendly welcome, traveller friendly affordable accommodation, with simple surroundings that provide everything you could need to get what you want out of your time within Wanaka, from a relaxed few days on one of our couches chatting with other travellers to an adventure packed week of hiking, flying and boating.
Flying Kiwi Backpackers is a Hostel established by a Flying Kiwi who has experienced life as a backpacker. We are a backpackers for backpacker’s and can’t wait to hear your travel experiences and stories......




Wanaka is a year round destination with something for everyone. A Photographer’s dream Wanaka showcases nature’s beauty at its best. From crystal clear lakes and rivers to hill-scape and mountain ranges. Wanaka is a Hub for adventure activities in every form while still offering leisurely family activities and a vibrant relaxing atmosphere. There is something for everyone in Wanaka!
• Visit Mt Aspiring National Park
A World Heritage Area, a walker’s paradise and a must for mountaineers. A true 100% Pure mixture of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys, the views are endless and unforgettable.
• Skiing and Snowboarding
Wanaka is the closest centre to Australasia’s largest skiable terrain boasting 4 world-class ski areas’ all within a 40 minute drive: Treble Cone, Cadrona, Snow Farm and Snow Park. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are a 60 minute drive from Flying Kiwi Backpackers.
• Paragliding and Sky Diving
Why not see all there is to see... From Above! If this is something you have always considered doing – what better place to do it! Strap yourself to a qualified stranger and get ready for an experience of a life time.
• Walking and Hiking
There are endless short walks, day long hiking excursions and multi day treks all within easy reach of Flying Kiwi Backpackers, 750km worth to be precise - you will be spoilt for choice!
• Mountain Biking
Don’t fancy walking so much? If you don’t have your own bike with you Flying Kiwi Backpackers have Mountain Bikes for hire – get out and about for a leisurely ride around Wanaka or hit some of the local and national level trails the area has to offer with a mix of single tracks, wide tracks for the whole family and challenging terrain for the really adventurous.
• Watersports
With pristine lakes and wild rivers surrounding us there is a water activity to suit most. Enjoy a refreshing swim from the lakes edge and if that’s not daring enough then how about: Kayaking, Rafting, Sailing, Whitewater Sledging or Canyoning..?
• Fishing
Bring your own Rod and fish at your heart’s content or book one of many fishing charters available in the area and get the most from your precious time in the Trout fishing paradise that surrounds Wanaka.
• Jet Boating and Boat Cruises
There are a number of boating options available from leisurely cruise’s to thrill seeking jet boating adventures.
• Health and Wellbeing
Relax and unwind at one of Wanaka’s numerous massage, wellness or day spa centres.
• Food and Wine
Sample Wanaka’s finest Food and Wine’s at the weekly Farmers Market on the Lakefront and through the menu’s of the many restaurants, cafes and bars. The region’s wines are renowned the world over while the locally brewed beer is world famous in New Zealand. And if sampling all this for yourself isn’t enough why not take a guided food and wine tour and really discover how truly passionate local food and wine producers are about their fare.
• Sightseeing Tours
Want all the fuss taken out of organising your days venture while in Wanaka and surrounds? There are tours available for almost everything also.