Top Wanaka Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take a leisurely 45 minute cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Enjoy some of Wanaka's world famous scenery including Mount Gold which rises majestically into the Northern skyline. The commentary will inform you about Lake Wanaka and the surrounding scenery. Relax in comfort as you cruise to Stevensons Island where Dual Image will make a beach landing. Stevensons Island is an inspiration for photographers - shaped by glaciation and eons of winds that funnel down the arm, rock and twisted trunks meld into a patina of nature's finest backdrops. Enjoy 30 minutes at the island beach or relax on board the vessel. Your scenic cruise is complete with tea, coffee and cookies or enjoy a $7 drink from the bar as you cruise back to Wanaka. This luxury boat cruise is the most relaxing way to experience the scenery of Lake Wanaka and frequently rates in the top ten things to do in Wanaka!

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.

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.

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.

Experience the best of Wanaka’s beautiful nature in a single day trip via four-wheel drive, lake cruise, and island walk. Gain exclusive access to private roads on the 4WD safari, and spot rare bird life on Mou Wahou Island, in the middle of Lake Wanaka, with the help of your expert guide. This is two action-packed tours in one, for maximum fun.