Step into Wanaka’s eccentric Puzzling World where a multi-storey maze, six illusion rooms and a hands-on Puzzle Café challenge what you see and how you think. Plan 60–90 minutes for a full visit and bring comfortable shoes—the attraction operates year-round.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A brisk South Island wind meets Highway 6 as you turn north out of Wanaka and the building with its skewed façades and painted trompe-l’œil comes into view. Step inside and the air changes—bright colours, laughter and the faint clack of puzzle pieces as visitors test their logic in the Puzzle Café. The Great Maze rises over multiple levels, its bridges and dead-ends demanding strategy as much as patience.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate—suitable for most visitors who can walk short flights of stairs and stand for exhibits.
Wildlife
History
Puzzling World opened in 1973, created by Stuart Landsborough as a roadside attraction that expanded into a multi-exhibit, family-run venue popular with locals and tourists.
Conservation
The site promotes responsible visitation—stay on paths and use provided bins; combine your visit with public transport or carpooling to reduce local traffic and emissions.
Reserve your spot on the COMBO Admission: Puzzling World, Wanaka today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Booking & Timing
Reserve tickets or arrive early; mid-morning weekdays are quieter and give you more space in the maze and illusion rooms.
Accessibility Note
Most areas are wheelchair accessible but the Great Maze over-bridges are not—check with staff on arrival if mobility is a concern.
Footwear & Movement
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for stairs and small bridges inside the maze and exhibit rooms.
Weather-Ready
Though mostly indoors, the attraction operates in all conditions—bring a light waterproof jacket for travel between nearby sites.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Necessary for navigating stairs, bridges and interactive exhibits in the maze and rooms.
Light waterproof jacket
Otago weather is changeable; useful for travel between locations and unpredictable showers.
fall
Small daypack or bag
Holds water, camera and any purchases while you move through exhibits and the café.
Camera or smartphone
Useful for photographing mind-bending rooms and the surrounding Wanaka landscape.