Top Wanaka Private and Luxury

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.

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.

Welcome to a Wine Lover's Paradise! Join us as we embark on a wine tasting - sightseeing adventure like no other visiting wineries around Wanaka - Pisa - Cromwell - Bannockburn - Bendigo. It is a day full of new mates, scenic beauty, a beautiful gourmet lunch platter and some seriously good wine. Meet the winemakers who are pouring their passions and get an insider's look into everything that is involved in creating the perfect glass of wine from vineyard to bottle. Living the Dream Tours is a wine tour company that encourages guests to unwind for an unforgettable day and let us do all the work. It's not just a tour; it's a connection with the artisans who make the magic happen.

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 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.

Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions, producing well-respected reds and whites in alpine vineyards, but it’s risky to sample wines and drive around the region. On this afternoon tour, visit four boutique wineries and taste some of their award-winning offerings. Learn the secrets behind the wines from the winemakers themselves, and enjoy a platter lunch matched with award-winning wines. The small-group tour provides an intimate atmosphere.

Take in the stunning vistas of Lake Wānaka and its surroundings from the sky. Beginning at Wānaka Airport, enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride that soars above the shimmering waters and rugged ridgelines of Roy Peak, culminating in an alpine landing at an impressive 1,200 meters on Mt Alpha. Here, you can step out and soak in 360-degree views that encompass the majestic Southern Alps and the expansive lake below. This scenic flight, available year-round, offers breathtaking perspectives, whether under summer's golden light or winter's crisp snow. A perfect choice for families and travellers looking to experience the beauty of New Zealand's South Island in a short time.

Soar high above Wānaka and take in breathtaking views of the stunning landscape on this winter scenic flight. The 25-minute journey offers an unforgettable alpine snow landing at 1200m, where you can admire the beauty of Lake Wanaka and the township below, along with glimpses of the majestic Mount Roy Peak and Mount Aspiring. This family-friendly flight is ideal for those short on time but eager to experience the region's winter charm and scenic splendor. - 25-minute scenic flight on Mt Alpha showcasing Wānaka's winter beauty - Alpine landing at 1200m with panoramic views - Family-friendly adventure suitable for all ages - Snow landing subject to snowfall and weather conditions

Wānaka is a pristine alpine village where mountains blend into crystal-clear waters in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. On self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover Wānaka’s remarkable transformation from remote settlement to beloved lakeside destination. The tour begins at the Wānaka War Memorial, with its commanding view over the township and lake. From there, you’ll meander through the charming village center with its cafés and galleries, follow the spring-fed Bullock Creek, and stroll along the scenic lakefront boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll learn how the town evolved from a frontier outpost called Pembroke, and a hub for gold miners and high-country farmers, to the adventure hub it is today. The tour ends in the peaceful Wānaka Station Park, once part of a vast sheep station established in the 1860s, where you can relax amongst its collection of mature exotic trees planted by early settlers.

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.

Embark on the Aspiring Snow Special, a one-hour helicopter adventure into New Zealand’s most remote and spectacular alpine landscapes. This unforgettable experience features a stunning glacier or snow landing in the heart of the Southern Alps, followed by a scenic local landing near the shores of Lake Wānaka. Soar above rugged mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls, sheer rock faces, and pristine alpine terrain, with lush native forests providing a striking contrast to the dramatic high-country scenery. Touch down on an alpine glacier or snowfield and step into a world of untouched wilderness before concluding your journey with a breathtaking second landing overlooking Lake Wānaka. Available year-round, the Aspiring Snow Special is a truly memorable experience and a standout highlight of any Wānaka holiday - offering remarkable views, rare access to remote landscapes, and moments you’ll never forget.

Those wishing to experience Wanaka’s natural beauty will love this scenic bike tour. This easy grade, guided bike ride takes visitors along one of Wanaka’s beautiful rivers where they can take in the crystal blue waters and endless mountain vistas. This is a great opportunity to take in the sites of Wanaka while enjoying some gentle exercise.

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.

This once in a lifetime hike takes visitors into the dramatic mountain range through the high road, allowing them spectacular views of the surrounding vistas and of Lake Wanaka. Succumb to the comforts of the four-wheel drive and learn expert knowledge of the local flora and fauna from a professional guide.

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.

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

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.

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!

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass, and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

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.

The pōwhiri, or welcome, is an important ritual in New Zealand’s Māori culture, inviting visitors as they arrive on their whenua (land). Experience a full pōwhiri, including the challenge and mihi whakatau (welcome speech), first-hand in Wānaka. Connect with Māori traditions in a way that you simply can’t through guidebooks and museums; learn more about the local iwi (tribe) and their responsibilities as custodians of the land.

You choose the trail you wish to Bike, and we pick you, and your group up for a Private Tour which we aim to be a highlight of your holiday. We ride every day during the year (except Christmas Day and Anzac Day). Whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter/Ski Season your family will enjoy a brilliant experience. Our Guest Experience Manager will host your day, share a little history with you on the way, brief you on the trail/bikes, make sure that you are comfortable before you ride off with your seats at the right height. Your actual ride is 'Self-Guided'. You will have a direct company mobile number to your Guest Experience Manager for any support required and on many trails you will see them along the way. If any of the group get tired, we can arrange additional pickups and take them to meet you at the next location if possible. Our company is a Qualmark Gold accredited tourism operator, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences