Glenorchy Island Safari, Self-drive option

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Queenstown, New Zealand

4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Fahim_P ·

Dec 2025

Fantastic kayaking experience with Glenorchy Island Safari. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made everyone feel safe. Stunning scenery, calm waters, plus a lovely break with hot Raro drink and fruit cake. Very well organised and truly unforgettable.

· Alex_M ·

Feb 2026

Andy was an excellent tour guide. We truly enjoyed the kayak cruise on the lake and the hike on the island. It may make more sense to revise the meeting place to be by the lake where the tour starts on kayaks rather than in Glenorchy followed by a drive to the lake launch area. Just a suggestion.

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Overview

Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is a great way for animal lovers to immerse themselves in nature, but other tourists can sometimes dampen the experience. Avoid the crowds and explore a secluded wildlife sanctuary not open to the general public on this private kayaking tour across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island, a haven for flightless birds nestled in the Southern Alps.

Private kayaking wildlife sanctuary visit
Great for nature lovers: See species not seen outside of New Zealand
Avoid the crowds: Exclusive access to a park away from the general public
A great opportunity to see the landscape of the Southern Alps

What's Included

Snacks

Cake and a hot drink
Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

64 Oban Street, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand
We meet outside Mrss Wooly's Gerneral store on Oban Street

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Mount Aspiring National Park

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Not suitable for children under 8yrs old
All participants must be able to speak English
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

David_M

The whole experience was relaxed and very enjoyable, Marcus and Andy are very personable and great guides. I would highly recommend booking this regardless of your kayaking experience. We were very lucky in that when we arrived at the hut, a family of Weka walked right out in front of us. There was a speculation that they knew when the cake was going to arrive.

Reviews

4.9

based on 23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Sort by: Most insightful

Scenic, peaceful and friendly guide. Wonderful experience

Rachael_A, Mar 2026

We had that section of the lake and the island almost all to ourselves and it was so peaceful! Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and I thought it was fantastic value given the price of other tours from Queenstown

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thanks guys, we've had the best weather lately and we've all enjoyed being out there.

Great afternoon

Mary_F, Mar 2026

Such a fun afternoon. Really e hyped this activity. Andy was a great guide and kept us safe and informed and entertained. Beautiful scenery

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thanks Mary Good to hear you enjoyed our tour. Ill pass this on to Andy

Excellent kayak ride in the most exceptional scenery and amazing sunny day

Alex_M, Feb 2026

Spectacular scenery, very relaxed kayaking, Weka and fruit cake thrown in.

David_M, Jan 2026

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thanks David, Always good to hear when the Weka are out. I'll make sure that your review is passed to Marcus and Andy.

Very well organised and truly unforgettable.

Fahim_P, Dec 2025

Amazing day on the lake!

Quoc_T, Feb 2025

It was an amazing and lovely day on the water with our friendly guide Grace! She was knowledgeable, funny, warm and a great storyteller! We loved hanging out with her kayaking around the lake. It was a beautiful day and the water was so nice and peaceful. Highly recommend! Thank you again Grace for an amazing day ❤️

Amanda was a fantastic...

Angie_M, Feb 2025

Amanda was a fantastic tour guide and has excellent knowledge to share! We had a great time kayaking with her and thoroughly enjoyed this experience!!

The lake was beautiful....

ShuRanMichael_L, Feb 2025

The lake was beautiful. Amanda our guide did admirably in teaching two novices to kayak, and teaching us about the surrounds. Strongly recommended!

A must do in Queenstown!

Jack_B, Feb 2025

This was one of the highlights of our stay in Queenstown. Amanda is fantastic and super knowledgeable. She was happy to shape the tour to whatever we wanted and it was great to chat away while we paddled. Highly recommend!!

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Hi Jack, Thank you for your review. I'll make sure that thus is passed on to Amanda. Kind regards Sam

Lovely afternoon on the lake.

Rachel_S, Jan 2025

We ended up with a private tour which was fantastic. I went with my 8 year old niece who was too young for white water rafting with her brother and my teenaged kids so I volunteered to take her kayaking instead of going with my kids. Our guide Amanda was very friendly and supportive and very patient with my niece. The sea kayaks were comfortable and well looked after and we were able to paddle across to pig island despite quite a stiff breeze. Saw some native birds there and it was so peaceful having a private beach to ourselves.

Beautiful scenery

Leanne_H, Jan 2025

Our group of 8 had a great time kayaking. The scenery is beautiful and the snack was homemade cake - a nice addition to an already fun trip. So peaceful and Amanda filled us in on lots of interesting information - great story teller 😁 one of our group had never kayaked before and was a bit nervous but loved it!!!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for the feedback guys. I'll pass this on to Amanda to make sure she knows. All the best for 2025!

Fun experience for family.

Masato_Y, Dec 2024

Great experience. Nice and kind guides. Whole family enjoyed (including 10, 13, and 15 years old daughters).

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you guys, I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. Happy new year and all the best for 2025.

Great experience

Tony_B, Dec 2024

We’re very satisfied with this excursion, our guide Amanda was really nice and helpful. Due to bad weather in lake Wakatipu we went on Moke lake that was the best option and It was really amazing. Highly recommended

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you Tony, your review is much appreciated and i will make sure Amanda knows.

A great way to experience the lake up close.

Darin_R, Nov 2024

Great way to experience the lake and islands up close. It helped that the weather was sunny and calm. Definitely worth spending the morning out there!