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Mou Waho Island Cruise: Guided Nature Walk and Lake
5.0
42 Ratings
Wānaka
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:
1 day
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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 geology, history and biology of this fascinating island while enjoying abundant photo opportunities.
- Arethusa Pool - Visit a beautiful natural glacial lake on top of the island and it has small island in it. So there are islands in a lake, on an island in a lake, on an island in an ocean!
- Roys Bay - Cruise back to Roys Bay Wanaka for a well deserved lunch
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
Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our fast lake cruiser, guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a 30 minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery with commentary on local history, geology and culture. On the island you will have 2 hours ashore for a guided walk. Learn about the island and its unique bird-life from our knowledgeable guides as you hike to the summit enjoying outstanding photo opportunities. Mou Waho Island is a predator-free Department of Conservation nature reserve with a natural glacial formed lake at its summit. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds.
- This experience requires a minimum of 4 adult bookings to run
- Boarding is at 8.45 am. You may not be admitted if you are not present at this time.
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- An average level of fitness is required for the walk
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
5.0
(42 Ratings)
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Yunfei_x
Jul 23, 2024
Fantastic experience with great guide & gorgeous view - The boat trip to the island and the scenic view on the island were gorgeous. And we were so lucky to get very close to the cute kewa. It's a great tour with our guide Reon, very friendly and knowledgable.
Review provided by Viator
Phelisia_n
Jul 15, 2024
Beautiful scenery at Mou Waho - Weather was great when we went , which is worth checking (we were lucky there too) - sunny, no wind. We had such amazingly clear views at the lookout, which was neither a particularly long nor difficult walk (only a couple steep sections but doable with regular sneakers - easy with hiking boots). The guide was friendly and patient with us, told us a bit about the island and answered all our questions, took our photos, etc. The group as a whole had good synergy too and I got to meet some interesting people from overseas! Thanks for a great trip!
Review provided by Viator
Bookwormkarin
Apr 17, 2024
Kiwi Version of Russian Doll - The Kiwi version of a Russian Doll: at the top of the hill on Mou Waho Island you can see an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island.
Stunning views and nature awaits you in that picturesque place. The track to the arthresian lake is a bit steep, so make sure to wear good shoes. I would also advice that children should be no younger than about 8 (or else have been up mountains before). However, the reward is well worth the effort of the climb.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bob
Mar 11, 2024
Views - We really enjoyed the whole tour. Captain Breon (sp) was so pleasant and engaged. The views. Were awesome
Review provided by Viator
Evets1232016
Feb 19, 2024
Great day out on Lake Wanaka - The day consisted of a leisurely one hour cruise about halfway up the lake, on a very nice boat, to Mou Waho island. There are a couple of hours on the island, then a return cruise back to the Wanaka marina. Lake Wanaka is stunningly beautiful, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, and this is the best way to see it. The captain and guide, Tim, gave us just enough info. on the lake and its history, without overdoing it. On the island, which is full of wekas, we climbed to the top, learning a lot about the local fauna along the way. Just be aware the climb to the top of the island takes you up 150 metres in altitude, so it's not for everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
18103sunshine
Jan 17, 2024
Beautiful outing - Beautiful boat ride to the island. Incredible views once you reach the top including a small lake. Walk is easy enough for most people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ln1996_28
Jan 14, 2024
Recommended guided island tour - This was a 5* experience from start to finish. In a comfortable boat you are taken over to mou waho island and we were given a guided walk of the island. Although the lookout and pools are sign posted. You get interesting information about the wildlife and also taken down some off the beaten track paths.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarina_a
Sep 19, 2023
The best short hike. - The views, the birds and swimming in the lake. The only down part is it wasn’t long enough, we could have stayed longer to observe the birds.
Review provided by Viator
Penelope_h
Feb 11, 2023
Mau Waho wonders - This was the first of our boat and discover journeys. Tim was a gentle feast of knowledge on the faurna and flora and the Māori significance of the islands in Lake Wanaka. the hill climb was a moderate climb with some tetchy moments but Tim gave us breathing space along the way as we heard about the Wekkers and the naughty stout and the need to protect the Wekkers. we had a lovely time enjoying a friendly wekkers at the lookout!
it was a great morning and the weather was perfect
Review provided by Viator
Brent_b
Mar 23, 2024
Scenic unique location - A unique experience. Very scenic, mostly nice day (just missed the rain). The hike up the mountain IS strenuous, don't rush, but your heart will be beating faster at the top of the hike.
Review provided by Viator
