Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

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Wanaka, New Zealand

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

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Overview

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.

Look out for rare birds living on the predator-free Mou Waho Island
Tree-planting contributes to the ongoing Mou Waho restoration effort
Captain provides commentary on Wānaka’s geography and natural history
A must-do trip for anyone interested in nature and the outdoors

What's Included

Morning tea or Afternoon tea
Professional local guide
Plant a Tree!
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Wanaka Marina
Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure to check-in. Our boats leave promptly at the confirmed departure time. There is 4 hour parking at the marina, or on road parking further up lakeside road.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Lake Wanaka

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Mou Waho

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Guests MUST be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to check-in.
A minimum of 2 Adults per booking is required
A maximum of 10 people per booking
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
If you have any dietary requirements, you must let us know ahead of time.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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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)

Reviews

5.0

based on 183 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Lovely hike on an island

Susanfreeman820, Mar 2026

We had a beautiful day for an easy climb to see the lake. Craig and Michael were excellent guides, both kind and knowledgeable. Unfortunately we didn’t see a weka but did see many other lovely birds and interesting trees.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thanks for joining us, sorry the weka the didn't come out to play.

This is a must do!

Debra_M, Feb 2026

Very interesting and pretty spot, friendly and informative guide. Just be aware the trail is rocky, often uneven and steep.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks Debra, yes there are a couple of rocky sections which is where we know your guide will have assisted you to access them safely.

We had the best time...

Eva_E, Jul 2025

We had the best time seeing Wanaka from the lake and doing a perfect length hike to the top of the island. We learned so much about the plants and animals in the area too! Boat ride might be a little chilly/splashy in the winter :)

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks for joining us on a winter excursion when I think we got both the lake and the Island completly to ourselves. It was great having two science teachers on board and I hope you find some penguins.

The Mou Wahu Island...

John_D, Jun 2025

The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boat ride to Mou Wahu. The nature walk was fun! Michael has so much knowledge about the flora and fauna. We learned about Manuka, Kanuka, and many other plants and trees. We learned about the different species of birds and of the conservation efforts in New Zealand and on the island in particular. We saw some Wētā which was very cool. The island is very beautiful with its own lake and great views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. We had some nice tea and biscuits. I even got to plant a native tree on the island! It was a fun experience. I'd like to do it again.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks for such a generous review and it looks like you hit all the highlights. Winter on the island is a wonderfu and often overlooked time to join us so thanks for getting out with us.