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Wanaka Water Taxi 3-Hour Mou Waho Island Tour
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Wanaka Water Taxi 3-Hour Mou Waho Island Tour

by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer

3 hours
Wanaka
NZ$125.10NZ$139 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
NZ$125.10NZ$139 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 1 available option

3 hours
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 10 Sept 2026.
NZ$250.20NZ$278Save 10%
2 adults × NZ$125.10
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$278

Overview

Mou Waho Island, a protected nature reserve in Lake Wanaka, is known for its native birds including the flightless Weka. The island features a small lake called Arethusa Pool situated near its summit, offering wide views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The tour begins at Wanaka Marina where the water taxi departs twice daily, traveling 15 kilometers across Lake Wanaka. Along the way, the skipper provides live commentary about the geological formation of the lake, shaped by alpine glaciers, while passing Mou Tapu Island and the cliffs of Fisherman's Cove. Once on Mou Waho Island, passengers have about an hour and a half of free time to walk independently. A short but steep walk leads to the island's top, where the Arethusa Pool and panoramic views can be seen. The trail involves uphill sections and uneven ground, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Guests who prefer can remain near the landing area instead of walking uphill. The water taxi ride back to Wanaka Marina completes the roughly three-hour tour. On Christmas Day, the tour includes a picnic and runs longer to accommodate the holiday celebration. The price covers water taxi transport, landing fees, and live commentary, but does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

Highlights

Boat ride 15 km across Lake Wanaka
Live commentary about lake geology and local landmarks
1.5+ hour free walk on Mou Waho Island
Short steep walk to island summit with views
See native birds including flightless Weka
Tour includes landing and facility fees

What's included

Landing and facility fees included
1.5+ hour free walk on Mou Waho Island
Extensive live commentary aboard the boat

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off not included

Itinerary

1

Wanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer

The tour meets at the jetty at Wanaka Marina. From there, the water taxi travels 15 kilometers across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island. During the cruise, the skipper shares information about the lake’s history and geology while guests enjoy the lake’s clear waters.

2

Lake Wanaka

Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve in Lake Wanaka and is home to native New Zealand birds including the flightless Weka. Visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the island at their own pace. A short, steep walk leads to the island’s summit, offering views of the Arethusa Pool, Lake Wanaka, and surrounding peaks. The water taxi travels 15km up Lake Wanaka to reach the island.

90 min

Meeting point

We depart from the newer jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina. Parking in the marina is on the sealed area only. If this is full, you can drive 200m past the marina to where the road splits and you can park on the left side of both roads right after the split.

End point

We depart from the newer jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina. Parking in the marina is on the sealed area only. If this is full, you can drive 200m past the marina to where the road splits and you can park on the left side of both roads right after the split.

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–12 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Reachable by public transport
Infants travel on an adult's lap
Suitable for all fitness levels
Minimum numbers required for the tour to operate
The walk to the summit takes 20 to 30 minutes uphill and is optional
The walk is not recommended for those with walking disabilities but they may stay on the boat and at the island base
Time on the island is unguided so guests explore independently
Total
NZ$250.20Save 10% vs Viator