Skip to main content

Top Wanaka landmarks

Beyond Wanaka

Wanaka trip ideas

Top Wanaka Outdoor Activities

Outdoor Activities

64 results

Sort by: Featured

Best Seller

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk

In other parts of the world, it may take several days to trek to places as beautiful as the Rob Roy Glacier, but we offer this experience in a World Heritage Area, in just one day! Our experienced local guides are with you from pick-up to drop-off, offering their knowledge of the area, it's history, flaura & fauna. The day begins with a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley. After driving through several fords, we arrive at Raspberry Hut. From here, this guided hike begins along the banks of the Matukituki River. We enter Mt Aspiring National Park via a swing bridge, crossing the river. The walk steadily climbs through New Zealand Beech Rainforest with a wide variety of flaura & fauna. After walking for 2.5 hours, the forest drops away and we enter open ground. Here the beauty of Rob Roy Glacier unfolds. Take time to relax and enjoy one of the best views Mother Nature offers, whilst enjoying a gourmet packed lunch!

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Likely to Sell Out

Experience stunning views of Lake Wanaka (left) and Lake Hawea (right)

Marvel at the sprawling South Island from the sky on this unique and thrilling sightseeing adventure. Perfect for beginners as well as experts, this skydiving experience will pair you with a certified Tandem Master, your partner for your dive above Wanaka. Take a scenic flight to the jump spot, then take the plunge and take in the landscape, including the rolling Southern Alps, the Twin Lakes and the mighty Clutha and Waiau Rivers.

Skydive Wanaka with optional Queenstown Transfers

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Cheese boards for nibbles

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.

Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese

1 hourFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

On top of Mou Waho Island nature reserve with its natural glacial lake and then Lake Wanaka below that

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.

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Just outstanding

Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wānaka. On this short trip—ideal for busy schedules—catch a luxury catamaran from Wānaka and sail out to the island. Upon disembarking, hike with your guide to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake, and the Southern Alps. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the return journey.

Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Outstanding natural beauty!

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.

Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Wildwire Wanaka- Climb & Canyon (4-5 Hours)

Wildwire Wanaka- Climb & Canyon (4-5 Hours)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Siberia Experience

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.

Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

Adventurous travelers will love this moderately challenging waterfall climb up towering waterfalls, with epic views along the way and from the top. Climb steel ladders and cross high, narrow bridges. Enjoy a sandwich and sweet treat lunch beside beautiful falls. While no experience is required and full safety briefings are given, this trip is best suited to active travelers who are sure-footed and unafraid of heights.

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Lake Wanaka Roy's Bay Kayak Tour

Experience Lake Wānaka from the water on a 3-hour guided kayaking adventure through the scenic waters of Roy’s Bay. Paddle approximately 7 km with a local guide while taking in spectacular views of the Southern Alps, surrounding mountains and crystal-clear lake. Enjoy a relaxed pace with time to take photos, explore the shoreline and learn about the lake and surrounding area from your guide. Depending on weather and lake conditions, the route may offer views of iconic Wānaka landmarks including the famous Wānaka Tree and Ruby Island. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers, this is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Wānaka while enjoying an active outdoor adventure.

Lake Wanaka Roy's Bay Kayak Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

'Devils Nook"

The wide, blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this jet boat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps, and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners. This exciting 1-hour 15-minute excursion shows you parts of New Zealand’s South Island you can’t get to any other way.

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Coromandel Peak on Mt Roy overlooking Lake Wānaka

The Wanaka Max experience delivers an exceptional aerial adventure, featuring two alpine landings, including the breathtaking Coromandel Peak on Mt. Roy (if available). At 4,000 feet, enjoy panoramic views over the turquoise waters of Lake Wanaka, the charming township, and the majestic peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Glide above the pristine Matukituki River and witness the unique 'lake within a lake' on Mou Waho Island. This scenic flight allows you to absorb the rugged beauty of Lake Hawea and Stevensons Arm, all while a skilled pilot shares insights about the stunning landscapes below.

Wanaka Max and Wanaka Flight with Alpine Landings

45 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk - Small-Group, Wanaka

Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk - Small-Group, Wanaka

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Ruby Island sky

For travelers short on time in Wanaka, this one-hour cruise and walk to Ruby Island is an ideal way to experience the lake and mountains. Glide across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island in comfort on a luxury catamaran. There, enjoy an easy walk to lookout points that are great places from which to take pictures. Families and senior travelers will enjoy this tour as it’s suitable for all levels of mobility.

1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk

1 hourFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Eco Wanaka Adventures Boat at Mou Waho Island

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.

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Packraft Wanaka

For a full day of adventure and nature, join this pack-rafting experience. Set on the mighty Matukituki River, just a short drive from Wānaka, you’ll start by walking to a waterfall and then gearing up for your paddle. Learn the basics of paddling before climbing aboard your lightweight, stable, two-person rafts and taking in the mountains and glaciers of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. All guests must be able to swim to participate.

Packraft Wanaka

7 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

3 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Entering the canyon after Bridge 1

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 1 (2 Hours)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Waterfall at Milford Sound - one of many you will see on this flight & cruise

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.

Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Easy alpine meadow walking

Wanaka High Country Walk

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

After enjoying the Shuttle from Wanaka your Guest Experience Manager will give you a quick briefing on how the bikes work and some tips to ride safely. You then ride in your own group - self-guided

A fully hosted day where your Guest Experience Manager (who you will have a direct phone number for) will ensure you are set up to have a great ride and experience. The Lake Dunstan Trail is one an Official NZ Great Ride and possibly the best one-day NZ Great Ride in New Zealand. nzbiketrails is a Qualmark Gold accredited company - meaning that we a provider delivering within the top 10% of New Zealand Experiences. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional levels of Guest services which is represented by our reviews. Our aim is to help guests see the beauty of New Zealand, on great bikes, led by passionate trail riders who love what they do. We also aim to 'do good' in the communities that we operate in.

From Wanaka Bike the Lake Dunstan Trail with Shuttle Return

8 hoursFree Cancellation

en

aa7655bb-c919-4ea2-b596-f3aa896c8fee

things_to_do_group

Banner for Geo Experiences

Not seeing something you are looking for?

More Tours in Wanaka

Attractions in Wanaka, New Zealand

Things to do near Wanaka

Popular on Viator

Wanaka Best Experiences

Sightseeing Tours Outdoor Activities Private Drivers Jet Boat Rentals Half-day Tours Bike Tours Helicopter Tours White Water Rafting Hiking Tours Food & Drink Wine Tastings Air Tours