Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
• A “must see” in Wanaka, take a 30 minute cruise to the remote, predator free Mou Waho Island, home to the rare and flightless Buff Weka (extinct on mainland NZ).
• Optional one hour return guided bush walk, taking you up to reveal the island’s secret- a lake on top of the island!
• Morning (or afternoon) tea supplied, overlooking both lakes.
• Plant a native tree on the island as part of this unique eco-experience!
• Departures 9.00am and 1.30pm, allow 4 hours.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Wanaka
Enjoy a 30 minute cruise each way on Lake Wanaka.
Step off the boat and onto Mou Waho. This predator free island is a nature reserve for the Buff Weka, extinct on mainland NZ. Enjoy a guided walk to the top of the island where you will discover the Lake on an island, on a lake, on an island! Enjoy morning or afternoon tea, and help us give back by planting a native tree!
What‘s Included
Professional local guide
Morning tea or Afternoon tea
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea
Plant a Tree!
Private transportation
Options
Infants 0-3yo Free of Charge
Free of Charge Infant Policy: Infants 0-3yo Free of Charge
Lake Cruise & Island Walk
Option 1: Lake boat cruise to magical Mou Waho Island, then a fully Guided Nature Walk to the summit of the island to see the "Lake on top of the island!" and plant a tree!
Reviews
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Small group experience led by an expert.
AlisonWoo,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although the weather wasn’t great we really enjoyed the trip. It was led by Craig who shared his extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem with our small group of 8. The walk up and around the island was not too onerous and revealed a wide range of native plant life. It was worth the short climb up to the lookout with views over the island’s lake and over to the west. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Scenic waterway to hilltop eco experience
margaretcP1283ND,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour consisted of a boat across a lake on a study, fast boat to an island where the goal is to preserve and repopulate the native plants and birds. A pleasant easy walk up to a beautiful viewing spot, where we planted a native tree species. Dave, our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, as was the entire staff. Would be good for all ages. We
Amazing cruise and island tour
Graham L,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful trip our guide Peter was friendly helpful and so full of knowledge and made the experience just right. The island was really good and although there is a climb Peter made sure there were plenty of stops and a leisurely pace. We were lucky to see 2 webas and some wetas. The lake on the island is great and the views from the top spectacular
Great Trip
T8104ZWdavidg,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the boat cruise to Mou Waho Island. The guides were very knowledgeable and passed on lots of interesting information about the island and it's wildlife. Some of the views were spectacular.
Experienced guided tour made hiking Wanaka a must do!
johnpF995WS,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather was perfect so we drove the mountain road from Queenstown which is thrilling for skilled drivers. Wanaka is an awesome lake town. We met Michael, our tour guide at the marina launch and he piloted 8 of us across the lake. The short boat ride was idyllic, clear water, mountain views with a few snow capped elevations. Michael was super knowledgeable. After onboarding he discussed some of the flora and fauna of Mou Waho and we hiked to the scenic lookout. The walk is average difficulty, with hiking poles helping most of us. The total hike is about 3.5 KM. And the lake inside and island inside of a lake is a treat so bring your bathing attire!
Fascinating insight into life on Mou Waho with brilliant tour company.
MaggieRafalowicz,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant half day tour of Mou Waho with great and knowledgeable guides Dave and Mike. Learnt a lot about animals and plants and what makes this island within an island and the lake within the lake so unique. Also great to hear about the conservation works the company does. We were a Small group and everyone made to feel special and catered for. Also thanks to Craig who made sure we got safely back to our hotel
Beautiful
DancingGrandma3,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat ride and hike up to the look out point were remarkable. Gorgeous scenery. Michael is such an incredible and passionate naturalist. He was fantastic with explaining the geography and the plants. My husband and I are 70 and world travelers. This was definitely worth doing. This is a difficult hike for older people so use poles as he suggested and take water. The terrain is rocky and uneven and places are steep.
Epic views of lake Wanaka, and surrounding mountains
Happytravelers1857,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent operator. Excellent Tour Guide. Very much nature focused. Michael was a fantastic guide. Epic views of Lake Wanka.
A must do!
Michele R,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great trip to the island. Dave is the best. Super knowledgeable and went out of his way to engage our teens/tweens. So beautiful out there and getting to swim in the lake in an island in a lake was something we’ll never forget. Kudos to them for their efforts to rehabilitate the island - we were really happy to contribute by planting our tree. Thanks, Dave! Highly recommend.
A very worthwhile trip!
carolwE1687CW,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husbandcand I had a very interesting and memorable trip with Michael as our guide. The scenic views from the boat and from the island were amazing! Michael told us a lot of very interesting information about the geology and ecology of the area. We have a better understanding now of what the ecologists are trying to conserve andvwe helped by planting a sapling. The walk is steep at parts, but Michael stopped frequently so we could pace ourselves. There were spectacular views at the top! We saw different birds and insects as well as plants. Overall it was a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
From NZ$285.00
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Operated by Eco Wanaka Adventures