Puzzling World in Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s most fun and weird attractions. Here’s everything you need to know before you go — including ticket prices, parking, how to get there, hours, tips, and what else to combine with your visit. You can reserve your admission ahead using this link:
History and overview of Puzzling World Wanaka
Puzzling World opened in 1973 and has grown into a quirky landmark on the outskirts of Wanaka. It is built to confuse in a joyful way — with optical illusion rooms, gravity-defying exhibits, weird architecture and one of the largest outdoor mazes in New Zealand.
The attraction consists of the Illusion Rooms (inside), the Great Maze (outside), a Puzzle Centre, a café (Think Tank Café), and a gift shop filled with oddities. The Illusion Rooms include exhibits like rooms that make you seem to shrink, water that appears to flow uphill, and sculptural illusions. The Great Maze is multi-level with bridges, underpasses, dead ends. It’s good, silly fun for adults and children alike.
Puzzling World is set on rolling lawns and gardens just off the main highway, about 2 km from the lakeside in Wanaka. This location gives both scenic surroundings and easy access, whether by car or by foot from town.
Why visit Puzzling World in Wanaka?
- Combo admission gives you access to multiple attractions and exhibits in one visit.
- Mind-bending illusions and puzzles: Maze, Tilted House, optical illusions and interactive rooms await.
- Fun for all ages: Great for families, couples, or solo adventurers wanting quirky, immersive fun.
- Self-paced exploration: No fixed tour schedule — spend as much time as you like at each exhibit.
- Convenient location in Wanaka: Easy to access from town — ideal for combining with other local attractions.
How to get to Puzzling World and parking
Puzzling World is at 188 Wanaka-Luggate Highway (Highway 84), Wanaka 9382, New Zealand. It lies about 2 km from Wanaka town centre. You can walk from town via sealed pathways, or drive. It is also reachable by local taxis and shuttle services.
There is free parking onsite for visitors. The parking lot is adjacent to the attraction. Because it is not large, arriving earlier in the day helps avoid congestion. On busy holiday periods the onsite parking can fill up, so early arrival is especially useful then.
Opening hours and exact ticket prices at Puzzling World
Puzzling World is open 7 days a week all year (except Christmas Day). Hours are from 9.00 am, with last admission at 4.30 pm, and the facility generally closes at 5.00 pm. Some outdoor maze access may continue for ticket holders after indoor exhibits close.
Exact ticket prices (NZD, valid until 31 March 2027) are as follows:
- Adult (Illusion Rooms + Great Maze, Combo): NZ$32.50
- Child (5-15 years, Combo): NZ$23.50
- Senior (65+ years, Combo): NZ$28.50
- Adult Illusion Rooms only: NZ$26.50
- Adult Great Maze only: NZ$22.00
- Child Illusion Rooms only: NZ$20.00
- Child Great Maze only: NZ$18.00
- Family pass (2 adults + 2 children, Combo): NZ$99.00
- Under-5s: free admission
Accessibility and visitor experience
Puzzling World is suitable for most visitors, including families. The Illusion Rooms are indoors and relatively easy to navigate. The Great Maze is outdoors and involves walking over lawns, bridges, underpasses and sometimes uneven ground. Visitors with mobility issues or pushing strollers should allow extra time and may find some outdoor sections more challenging.
Photography is allowed throughout most of the attraction. The Think Tank Café offers food, drinks and rest spots. For rainy days, indoor exhibits are a good fallback; for fine weather, the outdoor maze is a highlight. Be prepared with sun protection, since even when the indoor areas are full, the outdoor maze can expose you to sun or light rain.
Best times to visit Puzzling World and duration
The best times to visit are weekdays and early mornings just after opening. This helps avoid both crowds and parking issues. The middle of the day, especially during school holidays or peak summer, tends to be busiest. Late afternoons are quieter but make sure you arrive before last admission at 4.30 pm.
A typical visit with Combo entry (both Illusion Rooms + Maze) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you mostly want the maze or are travelling with younger children, you might spend about an hour. If you combine with lunch or relaxing time in the gardens/top photo spots, budget up to 3 hours.
What else to do nearby to combine with your visit
- Spend time in Wanaka town centre — restaurants, lakeside walk, shops.
- Visit Rippon Vineyard nearby if you fancy wine tasting and scenic views.
- Go out to Lake Wanaka itself for water sports, boat rides or relaxing by the shore.
- Drive or walk to Mount Iron Track for panoramic views over Wanaka and its surroundings.
- If you have more time, plan a stay or short trip to Queenstown, which is about an hour’s drive away and offers more adventure-style options.
Tips for a smoother visit to Puzzling World
- Buy combo tickets in advance to guarantee entry and skip possible lines.
- Arrive early (9.00-9.30 am) to enjoy exhibits before crowds build up and parking gets busy.
- Check the weather forecast. Outdoor maze portions are best in dry weather; if it’s wet, take advantage of indoor illusion rooms first.
- Wear comfortable footwear and dress in layers — inside parts are sheltered, outdoor maze exposed to sun or wind.
- Bring snacks or water; while there is a café on site, lunch options can depend on café opening hours and queues.
Frequently asked questions about Puzzling World Wanaka
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to purchase tickets ahead of time? | No, walk-up tickets are possible, but buying ahead with a combo ticket helps guarantee entry especially during peak season. |
| What are the hours of operation? | Puzzling World opens daily at 9.00 am; last admission is at 4.30 pm; closing generally at 5.00 pm. Closed on Christmas Day. |
| Is there parking onsite? | Yes. Free parking is available onsite. It is limited, so arriving early helps secure a spot. |
| Are children under 5 free? | Yes. Children under 5 years old are admitted free. |
| Are there separate tickets for maze or illusion rooms? | Yes. You can buy tickets for just the Illusion Rooms or just the Great Maze, or a combo for both. |
| How long will my visit take? | Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours for the Combo experience. For only one section (maze or illusion rooms) you might spend about an hour. |
| Is it suitable for all ages and abilities? | Most of the venue is friendly for families. Outdoor sections may be challenging for strollers or mobility-limited visitors due to uneven surfaces. |
| Is food available onsite? | Yes. There is the Think Tank Café on site serving food and drinks, as well as a gift shop with puzzles and treats. |
Disclosure: This guide contains an affiliate booking link. If you book via the Viator link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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- Visiting the Royal Albatross Colony on the Taiaroa Headland.
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