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Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka: Our most recommended tours and activities

Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

1. Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

Set off on a 1-hour cruise on Lake Wanaka to enjoy crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery. The perfect end to a great day or the perfect beginning to a great night. Marvel at the scenic beauty and take pictures while cruising to remember this relaxing experience.  As you cruise along, enjoy a local wine, beer, or soft drink with some cheese. Spend a beautiful evening and meet your fellow travelers while cruising down the waterfalls and other areas.

Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

2. Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

Hop aboard a comfortable water taxi and make your way to Mou Waho Island. Along the way, your tour guide will explain the island's unique geology and history. Of the Lake Wanaka’s 5 islands, Mou Waho is the most remote and the most beautiful. Once there, you will have 1.5 hours to yourself to enjoy this special place. Hike 20 minutes to the island’s hidden lake. Created by glacial action thousands of years ago, this secluded lake contains an island itself. This island is known as the “island on a lake, on an island on a lake on an island in the sea.” (Close your eyes and visualize that for a moment). Walk 5 minutes from the hidden lake to reach Tyrwhitt Peak, the highest point on the island. From the top of the peak take in the luscious panorama of lakes and jagged peaks. Witness the diverse bird life of this predator-free nature reserve. See the elegant kereru (wood Pidgeon), the adorable korimako (bellbird), the delightful Tomtit, and the Weka. Wekas are charismatic birds that disappeared from the mainland of New Zealand but were introduced to these islands as a part of a breeding program in 2002. When you spot one, stop and say hello. These birds are particularly charismatic and cheeky characters and are often attracted to human interaction. Relax on the island’s small sheltered beach. Cool off with a swim in the waters of Lake Wanaka before taking the water taxi back to Wanaka.

Wanaka: Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River

3. Wanaka: Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River

Experience the water like never have before on a jet boat adventure in Wanaka. Skim across shallow water, over sand bars, through rapids, and around rocks at speeds in excess of 80 kilometers per hour. Departing from Wanaka’s waterfront, enjoy a short jaunt across the lake taking in stunning snow-capped mountain views, and prepare to enter one of the world’s swiftest-flowing rivers, the Clutha River.  Of course, a jet boat ride wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Hamilton Spin, a high-speed maneuver causing the boat to spin rapidly on the spot. Your expert driver will raise your adrenalin, demonstrating the maneuverability of the jet boat and pushing it to its absolute limits, safely and skillfully navigating you on an unforgettable adventure.

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

4. Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

Embark on a leisurely 40-minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery to Stevensons Peninsula and then into Stevensons Arm, home to the Mount Burke high country sheep station. Rolling green pastures precede Mount Gold and Mount Burke which rise majestically into the Eastern skyline. Relax in comfort as you cruise to Stevensons Island for a beach landing. Your guide will take you ashore via the front loading ramp for a short hike to the summit of the Island. Stevensons Island is an inspiration for photographers. On return, complete your experience with afternoon tea and another 40-minute scenic cruise back to the Wanaka waterfront.

Wanaka: 1.5-hour Beginner Iron Road Waterfall Climb

5. Wanaka: 1.5-hour Beginner Iron Road Waterfall Climb

Enjoy a thrilling 1.5-hour introduction to ‘via ferrata’ or ‘iron road’ climbing. This unique experience uses cable, iron rungs, pegs, bridges, and ladders, allowing you to climb routes that may not have been accessible otherwise.  Start your journey in Wanaka town center where you will meet your friendly and experienced guides. Embark on a short 20-minute ride in a minibus through the stunning countryside around Wanaka, to the location of The Twin Falls Waterfalls. After a safety briefing, grab your helmets and harness and prepare for a practice climb over a small rock at the base of the waterfall. Once you have mastered the practice route, join an intimate group of no more than 4 people per guide - ensuring your safety throughout the experience. After a short walk up to the cliffs, the real fun begins. On this beginner route, spend approximately 1 hour scaling vertical and horizontal rock climbs, crossing suspension bridges over pools and discovering hidden waterfalls. At the end of this trail, take the opportunity to stop for a small snack and drink, admiring the stunning panoramic views over farmland, mountains, and Lake Wanaka. If you feel like you're climbing journey is over, begin a 20-minute descent back down the mountain to the base of the waterfall. Your wonderful guides will assist you with your equipment and drive you back to Wanaka Town Centre in the minibus.

Wanaka: 4-Hour Intermediate Waterfall Climbing Adventure

6. Wanaka: 4-Hour Intermediate Waterfall Climbing Adventure

Enjoy a thrilling 4-hour guided experience at the highest waterfall climb in the world. This unique activity uses cable, iron rungs, pegs, bridges, and ladders, allowing you to climb routes that may not have been accessible otherwise. Start your journey in Wanaka town center where you will meet your friendly and experienced guides. Embark on a short 20-minute ride in a minibus to the location of The Twin Falls Waterfalls. After a safety briefing, grab your helmets and harness and prepare for a practice climb over a small rock at the base of the waterfall. Once you have mastered the practice route, join an intimate group of no more than 4 people per guide - ensuring your safety throughout the experience This intermediate route will have you climbing up 350m of vertical cliffs, crossing over blue pools, and braving suspension bridges. Take the opportunity to stop on a bridge next to a huge cascading waterfall for an unforgettable photo. When you reach the summit of the climb, relax at the base of the 60m waterfall for lunch. Enjoy a quick swim or sit back and take in the stunning views over the mountains and farmland surrounding Wanaka. When you’re ready, begin the 45-minute descent down to the starting point. Your wonderful guides will assist you with your equipment and drive you back to Wanaka Town Centre in the minibus.

Wanaka: Mount Burke 4x4 Explorer and Boat Tour

7. Wanaka: Mount Burke 4x4 Explorer and Boat Tour

Climb aboard a water taxi and cross Lake Wanaka towards the head of Stevenson’s arm. Gaze at the constantly changing vista of steep walls and alpine peaks. Learn about the fascinating history of this area devoid of people. Venture past Stevenson’s Island and disembark at the foot of Mount Burke. Board a 4x4 vehicle with your guide, and climb high above the lake. Take in the expansive panorama of crystal clear water and the rugged summits of Mount Aspiring National Park. Breathe in the quiet solitude of Wanaka. Hear stories of the early settlers who sought farmland, gold, and a better life in New Zealand. Enjoy a gourmet open-air picnic. Choose between a morning tea menu of fruit and muffins with tea and coffee, or an afternoon menu of fruit, cheese and crackers and local wine (red, white, or rose). Of course, you can choose to have wine in the morning, coffee in the afternoon, or to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage. The choice is yours.

Wanaka: Self Guided Bike Tour from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka

8. Wanaka: Self Guided Bike Tour from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka

Get the most bang for your buck as you experience the most popular of any bike trip in Wanaka. Start your journey in Wanaka Town center where you will meet the experienced team to get you fitted for your equipment and receive a comprehensive safety briefing. Then, enjoy a leisurely shuttle from downtown Wanaka to the neighboring lakeside town of Hawea. Feel free to grab a coffee from a local cafe before setting out on the Hawea River Track, an easy riverside amble set in mountainous surroundings. Pass by Albert Town, where there are a few places to grab a refreshment, before continuing along the mighty Clutha River towards its source at Lake Wanaka. A picturesque lakeside trail will lead you back to Wanaka township, where ice cream and the famous Wanaka Tree await. After arriving back to Wanaka, extend your ride with a visit to Rippon Vineyard at your leisure. This is an exceptional ride offering great value for money. Upgrade your trip to an e-bike for an easier ride.

From Wanaka: Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk

9. From Wanaka: Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk

Take a relaxing cruise out to Ruby Island and enjoy a guided walk of the island with many photo opportunities. The grade is easy, suitable for children and seniors. Your friendly local kiwi guide will take you ashore on Ruby Island. Discover the intriguing history dating back to the days of prohibition. Often called the jewel of Wanaka, Ruby is small but very photogenic. The eclectic mix of exotic and native plants adds a foreground to the colors of the lake and the mountains behind. After your walk, return to the vessel for the short cruise back to the Wanaka waterfront. Please note that if you want a more extensive cruise into the mountain scenery please choose the Stevensons Is cruise or the Mou Waho Is cruise.

Mou Waho Island 3 Hour Cruise & Nature Walk

10. Mou Waho Island 3 Hour Cruise & Nature Walk

Visit Mou Waho Island on a 3 hour cruise experience departing from Wanaka's lakefront. Mou Waho is a predator free Department of Conservation reserve. See first-hand the results of conservation efforts including the Mountain Stone Weta and the rare flightless Buff Weka, extinct on the mainland since 1920. Take a relaxing cruise out to Mou Waho Island on our fast super taxi. On arrival, enjoy a 2-hour guided bush walk that takes you up to a lake right on top of the island. The guides have extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, geology and both colonial and Maori history. Marvel at magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. Your guide will then take you even higher to a lookout rock. On the scenic cruise back to the Wanaka waterfront, relax and take in the mountain views.

Other Sightseeing Options in Lake Wanaka

Want to discover all there is to do in Lake Wanaka? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Lake Wanaka

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 158 reviews

Great ride. Got lots of care from the driver/operator and help with the bikes getting set up and met us during the ride - next level of care was very much appreciated by us older riders. Beautiful route along the river and lake. Good easy riding route most of the way; some challenging bits when the path along the lake was narrow, beside steep sides, or windy. When it was windy, we got off the bikes and walked to be safe. We got to ride our bikes right back to our hotel - we were tired and happy. One of our best days in New Zealand.

Thank you Brent and Wanaka Water Taxi. Had the most exceptional morning. What a great host with mountains of useful facts and a sense of humour. Obviously the glorious sunshine was the icing in the cake. If you only have one day in Wanaka make sure this is on your agenda!

It was a great experience. Hosts were fantastic and we felt safe the entire way. We did the level - 1 comb since we were short on time but would definitely recommend doing level 2 if time permits. Worth the extra money for sure. Will do it again!

An amazing little island with a tarn near its high point. Brent gave an excellent commentary on the area and the pauses on the way out gave a great opportunity to underand the geology and human history of the area.

Great Happy Hour cruise Nice staff, great Sav & hubby’s favourite Heineken beer, music on a gorgeous summer’s evening!!