Waiau

Travel Guide

Discover the natural hot springs, hiking trails, and tranquil landscapes that surround Waiau for a refreshing getaway.

Waiau is an ideal destination for scenery and beach travelers. Nearby, you can visit the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs, or take in panoramic views from the Hanmer Springs Bridge Lookout. For those interested in outdoor activities, the nearby Mount Isobel Track offers a scenic hiking trail, while the nearby Hanmer Springs Ski Area is perfect for skiing in the winter. Additionally, you can explore the recreational opportunities at Hanmer Forest Park, which is known for its outdoor adventure tourism.

Take time to wander through the nearby areas surrounding Waiau, each offering unique experiences. Emu Plain and Leslie Hills are known for their scenic beauty and outdoor experiences, making them great for nature enthusiasts. Rotherham, another nearby area, provides opportunities for beach and scenic experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural landscapes.

The best time to visit Waiau is from December to March when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 64°F. While demand remains fairly steady throughout the year, expect it to be a bit busier from January to March. In contrast, May and October to November are slightly quieter months, offering a more tranquil experience for visitors.

Braemar Lodge And Spa

Braemar Lodge And Spa

4.5 out of 5
283 Medway Road Hanmer Springs
$134 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$155 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Braemar Lodge And Spa
Alpine Adventure Holiday Park

Alpine Adventure Holiday Park

2.5 out of 5
200 Jack's Pass Rd Hanmer Springs
$38 nightly
The price is $45 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$45 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly holiday park in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mount Isobel Track ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (448 reviews)
"We only had a night's stay here but staff were super friendly and very responsive via email. It's a nice campground and the tourist flat we had was great value for money! We would definitely go back :-)"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Alpine Adventure Holiday Park
The St James

The St James

5 out of 5
20 Chisholm Crescent Hanmer Springs
$118 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Nov 25 to Nov 26
$136 total
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this ski motel in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (568 reviews)
"Clean, location"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

The St James
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aspen Lodge Motel

Aspen Lodge Motel

4 out of 5
24 Jacks Pass Road Hanmer Springs
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
"Close to all amenities."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2026

Aspen Lodge Motel
Private fabulous views including woodland reserve - Private Cedar Hot Tub

Private fabulous views including woodland reserve - Private Cedar Hot Tub

Hanmer Springs Canterbury
Stay at this vacation home in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Conical Hill Walkway and Conical Hill ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (203 reviews)
"very nice and spacious"

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

Private fabulous views including woodland reserve - Private Cedar Hot Tub
Village Lake Apartments

Village Lake Apartments

5 out of 5
1 Rutherford Crescent Hanmer Springs
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hanmer Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Chisholm Park ...
Village Lake Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Waiau?
The best time to visit Waiau is from November through March, when the weather is generally warmer and pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of June through August are a good option, offering cooler temperatures.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Waiau?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Waiau by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Waiau with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Waiau trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Waiau?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Waiau can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Waiau trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Waiau trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Waiau trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Waiau trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Waiau?
If it's your first trip to Waiau, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Waiau hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Waiau hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.