Top Wanaka Half-day Tours

All visitors to Wānaka see Lake Wānaka, but fewer visit a lake on an island in the lake. Be one of them on this half-day trip to Mou Waho Island. Cruise to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wānaka and walk to the Arethusa Pool. Admire the mountain views, spot wildlife, and listen to onboard commentary. Spend time exploring the island independently before the return cruise.

Experience Wānaka from another angle with a cruise across Lake Wānaka to remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Make an eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret: another lake, nestled atop the island, with panoramic views of Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through outstanding mountain scenery to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. We are contracted to the Department of Conservation and every guest contributes to funding the conservation work on Mou Waho Island ensuring that it is a predator-free conservation area for our unique native birds and other fauna. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. A two hour self-guided nature walk is included and this will take you up to the natural glacial lake right on top of the island and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and rated among the best Wanaka walks and hikes.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

Explore the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park on this thrilling half-day tour. Start with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, You’ll be dropped at a hiking trail beside the Siberia River. Hike at your own pace, for around 4–5 hours. Once you reach the Wilkin River, hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline-inducing ride back to the starting point.

Take a break from busy sightseeing and sail around serene Lake Wanaka on this late-afternoon cruise with a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink. Enjoy views of the Southern Alps and local landmarks including the lakeside Lone Tree while relaxing with a cheese and cracker board. Purchase extra drinks from the fully licensed bar, if you wish. The short cruise is easy to fit in before dinner plans in Wanaka.

Immerse yourself in Maori culture, history, and wine with this small-group wine tasting and culture tour in Wanaka. Enjoy convenient pickup from your Wanaka hotel or accommodations and travel around in air-conditioned comfort. Visit two wineries to sample wines and learn about Maori culture and history in the region.

Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.

Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mt. Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views.

Explore the stunning vineyards around Wanaka and indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience. Visit three exceptional vineyards and savor up to 13 hand-crafted wines, including world-renowned varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. One vineyard features a mouthwatering 3-course barrel-cooked banquet paired with select wines, enhancing your culinary journey. This intimate tour, limited to just eight guests, ensures personalised attention while you soak in the breathtaking scenery and world-class hospitality of the region. - Taste 13 different hand-crafted wines from local vineyards - Enjoy a delicious 3-course barrel-cooked banquet at one vineyard - Limited to small groups of maximum 8 guests for an intimate experience - Daily tours lasting 3.5 hours, with pick-up at 1:30 PM from your accommodation

Wānaka is surrounded by rolling alpine farmland, but most of it is privately owned and inaccessible. This small-group half-day tour opens the gate to one of those farms, the massive West Wānaka Station. Explore the Central Otago backcountry in a rugged 4-wheel-drive vehicle, stopping for astonishing photo opportunities against the backdrop of Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps, and Mount Aspiring National Park.

On this half-day tour, experience two unique sides of the Wanaka area: the wine made from grapes grown in the whenua (land), and the culture of the tangata whenua themselves—the indigenous Māori who live on the land. Visit four boutique wineries in Wanaka, Tarras, and Cromwell, sampling various wines and a platter of local produce. Receive the manaaki (hospitality) of the local Māori community and experience a stirring live haka.

Leave the crowds behind and discover a hidden side of Lake Wānaka on this scenic, 5km, self-guided walk with Wanaka Water Taxi. Enjoy a 20-minute cruise across the lake to the remote shores of Stevenson’s Arm - a privately accessed area only reachable by boat and not open to the public. From the shoreline, follow a gentle lakeside farm track beneath Mount Burke before turning onto a narrow uphill bush trail through mānuka. The walk leads to two scenic lookouts with sweeping views across Lake Wānaka, Mou Waho Island, and the surrounding alpine ranges. The track then descends to a secluded bay where you’ll have time to relax, picnic, or swim before your return water taxi ride back to Wānaka. This self-guided experience lets you explore at your own pace along historic trails once used by shepherds on Mount Burke Station.

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for those who appreciate exercise and scenery.  Participants need to be able to ride a bike on loose sand and gravel, and up and down (moderate) hills. A medium level of fitness is required. The length of the ride is 12kms.

Small group island tour on Lake Wanaka, max 6 guests, with owner Austin as your skipper and guide. 9am: Mou Waho Island. Cruise past The Wanaka Tree, Glendhu Bay and Mou Tapu Island to Mou Waho, a DOC reserve, for about 2 hours ashore. Walk 2.6 km return (170 m climb) through native bush to Arethusa Pool, a lake on an island on a lake. Look for buff weka. 2pm: Stevensons and Ruby Islands. Round Eely Point, past the Clutha River outlet, to Stevensons Island, then Ruby Island, about an hour ashore on each. Afternoon north-westerlies can make the Mou Waho run rough, so this trip visits the sheltered islands. Swim in Arethusa Pool or off island beaches. Tea, coffee and baked goods on the heated McLay 651 hardtop. Views to Roys Peak, Treble Cone and, from Mou Waho, Mount Aspiring National Park. Austin is a Maritime NZ SRL skipper with 8 seasons on the lake. Adventure Mark certified. DOC concession holder. Part of every booking supports WAI Wānaka and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust.

Your boat, your plan! Lake Wānaka's islands, hidden bays and trout-filled waters are yours to explore on a fully private charter built entirely around your group. Drop a line for trout and salmon, step ashore on one of the lake's islands, or cruise to a secluded beach for a picnic surrounded by mountains. Can't decide? Do a bit of everything. Whether it's a family day out, a corporate escape or a celebration worth remembering, choose 3 hours or a full day (6 hours) for up to 6 guests, and leave the rest to your local skipper. - The whole boat to yourselves, for up to 6 guests - Fish, explore the islands, find a quiet beach, or do it all - Sweeping alpine views and local wildlife along the way - A local skipper who knows the lake inside out - Premium catering from a local Wānaka café