3
33%
Market Overview
Only 3 hair salons operate in the Wanaka area, serving a resident population of roughly 13,200. That's approximately one salon per 4,400 residents — a notably low density compared to urban centres in New Zealand. The wider region counts 33,945 total business units, yet hair care is barely represented in Wanaka's commercial mix.
To put that in perspective, Wanaka supports 30 restaurants, 19 cafés, 8 fast-food outlets, 6 bars, and 3 pubs — a combined 66 food and drink businesses. Against that backdrop, 3 hair salons is a thin presence. The town's commercial economy clearly favours hospitality and dining over personal care services.
Website adoption tells a similar story of underinvestment. Only one of the three salons — alice hair — maintains a website. The remaining two-thirds have no web presence at all. For a town that draws significant tourist traffic year-round (skiing in winter, hiking and lake activities in summer), that's a meaningful gap. Visitors searching "hair salon Wanaka" before arriving will find very few results online, meaning walk-in tourist trade is largely left to chance.
Competition among the three existing salons is modest. There's room for a new entrant, particularly one that invests in digital visibility and targets both the local resident base and Wanaka's seasonal visitor population.
What Customers in Wanaka Care About
Finding you online
With only 1 of 3 Wanaka salons having a website, customers rely on word of mouth and Google Maps — a basic online listing makes you far more discoverable than two-thirds of local competition.
Peak season availability
Wanaka's population swells during ski season and summer holidays, meaning salons fill up fast and locals need to book well ahead to secure their usual spot.
Outdoor-damaged hair treatment
Wanaka's lake, mountain, and ski lifestyle means regular clients face UV exposure, chlorine, windburn, and dry alpine air — they want a salon that actually understands those conditions.
Being known by name
With only 3 salons in town, Wanaka residents expect to be recognised and given proper consultation, not treated like a walk-in at a chain — personal relationships are what keep them loyal.
One stop for the family
Wanaka's growing young family base means parents often need children's cuts alongside their own, and a salon that handles both in one visit saves them a separate trip.
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in Wanaka
Get online — the bar is low
Only 1 of Wanaka's 3 salons has a website. A simple site with your services, prices, and location puts you ahead of two-thirds of local competitors and captures tourist search traffic that currently has nowhere to land.
Lean into the visitor economy
Wanaka has 66 food and drink businesses but only 3 hair salons. Position your salon as a holiday indulgence — promote quick styling packages or blow-dry specials that appeal to tourists already in town for dining and activities.
Build local loyalty first
With modest competition (3 salons for 13,200 people), you don't need to fight for every customer. Focus on consistent quality for residents who return every 6 to 8 weeks, and tourist trade will follow through reviews and word of mouth.
Competition Snapshot
Wanaka's hair salon market is underbuilt. Just 3 salons serve 13,200 residents — compared to 66 food and drink businesses in the same area. Only one salon has a website. Competitive intensity is low across the board, meaning the real challenge isn't beating rivals; it's simply being visible enough for customers to find you. The market is underserved relative to both the town's population and its tourist inflow. A new entrant with a solid online presence and a focus on both regulars and seasonal visitors would face very little direct competition.
Other Industries in Wanaka
Hair Salons in Other Cities
Own a hair salon in Wanaka?
See your exact rank against nearby competitors, what customers say about them, and where you can win.