Mou Waho Island Cruise: Guided Nature Walk and Lake

Embark on a scenic cruise to Mou Waho Island for guided nature walks and a visit to a stunning glacial lake. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and learn about the island’s history, geology, and culture.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Wanaka - Cruise on Lake Wanaka to the famous Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Your knowledge kiwi skipper will provide commentary along the way.
  • Ruby Island - Pass Ruby Island with a the 1920’s dance hall on top
  • Mou Waho - Your guide will take you ashore for a guided walk on this predator-free nature reserve. Learn about the…
What's Included
  • Department of Conservation Park fees
  • Local skipper/guide
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • Cruise and guided Island walk
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a cruise to the distinctive Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to its natural glacial lake located at the island’s peak. Once on board our swift lake cruiser, guests can unwind in comfort and enjoy a 30-minute cruise amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, accompanied by commentary on local history, geology, and culture.
Upon arrival at…

Location
Wanaka Marina
Lakeside Road
You will board your vessel from the Wanaka Marina. The access is at 100 Lakeside Rd Wanaka. Please be at the departure point before 8.45 am. If you are not present at 8.45 am, you may not be able to join the cruise. Parking may or may not be available at the marina. Arrive early to check.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(52 Ratings)
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1 star
Jim_m
Feb 22, 2025
Great nature experience - This was a great experience. We travelled across the lake to Mou Waho island which is free of introduced pests and so is a sanctuary for the NZ birds. The walk was to the top of the island on a well formed track. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about both the flora and fauna as well as the history of the island, both Maori and European. We saw several birds including the Weka (flightless bird about the size of a farm chicken). The trip lasted about 3 hours.
Review provided by Viator
Matthew_r
Feb 16, 2025
Nice morning jaunt - Very nice half day trip. Some boating mixed with a small hike and nature tour. Ion (sp) was a local for sure who appreciates his surroundings every day.
Review provided by Viator
737lisad
Jan 30, 2025
A lake on an island in a lake - Our captain and guide Toby was helpful, informative and entertaining. An awesome trip well worth the time and effort. A great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Udayke69ve
Jan 25, 2025
Amazing lake views! - This was a great guided tour! The hike up wasn’t super difficult but you might need to go slower than the rest of the group if you’re having some trouble. You won’t get lost though since there’s really only one track to follow. The lake was absolutely gorgeous. We even saw a few wekas! Definitely recommend doing this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julien
Jan 6, 2025
Hiking up to the lookout - The half day trip was very good. The location was very scenic so it was a great choice. We had beautiful weather and all in all it was enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bdb1977
Jan 1, 2025
Wanaka Cruise - We did this last week. Nice cruise and walk. We did Guided tour. I don’t think it’s worth to spend extra money for it. It’s one track goes up and same comes down. Otherwise worth to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markwq4389zg
Sep 19, 2024
Stunning & Enjoyable! - Trip was excellent from start to finish. Rion was a first-rate guide full of interesting facts and observations whilst being laid back enough to let you take it all in yourself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Toddsc2530vm
Dec 21, 2024
Worth a visit - Great guide and nice fast trip over the lake to the island. Has amazing 360 degree views from the top so awesome for photos. It was hoping to see one of the 200 odd Weka birds but no luck.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kcvic
Mar 25, 2025
Lovely island. Not an EASY climb! - The boat trip was a gentle one. But, the climb on the island was anything but easy. There were lots of rocks and a steep climb. No way should this be listed as an “easy” hiking trip!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
695josephine
Mar 14, 2025
A great thing to do if you're fit. - Two words in the title that are not quite accurate - "cruise" and "walk" - more like "full throttle" and "climb" - having said all that, in hindsight I'm glad I did it - Toby was a very personable and knowledgeable guide. I'm in my late 70s with arthritis and was always the last one to join the group at the various short stops to hear what Toby was saying so consequently missed out on most of the information. Luckily I had my more able husband to help me on the more challenging parts! If you are in good walking/climbing condition you will love the scenery and the challenge of the narrow rocky track to the summit - it is a stunning sight! Its a solid hour and a half climb up and back so go for it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $101
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).