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
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mou Waho Island tour
Journey28746494203,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent naturalist tour of Mou Waho island. Don’t miss it ‼️
Not to be missed if visiting Wanaka
Sherpa38809416422,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Trip not to be missed. Michael was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Fun for the whole family. Stunning.
Definitely a 10 out of 10 excursion.
scott h,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with David. Excellent hike to the top of the island to see “the lake on top of the Island. Also learned a lot about the vegetation and animal life on this sanctuary island.
Nature’s Beauty at Every Turn
Kim W,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip today with our boat captain and nature guide Michael. The scenery on the ride across the lake is beautiful. The hike to the small lake on the island of Mou Waho is quite steep in places so good walking shoes are a must! Michael has walking sticks for loan so those were helpful for some guests. Michael is very passionate and knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the island, lake and surrounding mountains. The views along the walk and from up top are stunning! We saw and learned so much! All of today’s guests were adults but this would be a great trip for elementary and middle school children as well
Facinating conservation project
williamk271,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the early morning tour with Criag and as the only guests and first on the island, were blessed with undisturbed birdsong all around us. Craig provided a wealth of information about the nature of the Island and conservation efforts. Planting a tree made us feel a small part of the project. The hike up to the lookout was well paced, with frequent stops while Craig pointed out specific plants and other interesting points on the trail. We were thrilled to see the hide box containing Weta and a small dusky gecko. It was a lovely few hours getting out with nature, highly recommended.
Fantastic Trip don't miss it!
Cruiser43211634773,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was fantastic. Our guide Dave was so knowledgeable and friendly he made the trip so interesting and I would thoroughly recommend. We got fantastic views of the lake from the top of the hill and even got some hot drinks and biscuits to keep us going!
Great way to see a different aspect of Wanaka
heathersW1123AL,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend the opportunity to experience a different perspective of Wanaka and its surrounds. Dave was a great host and shared so much local knowledge that one would have otherwise walked past.
Wonderful outing on Lake Wanaka
kbc001,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michael is fantastic! We learned about the plant life, birds and insects so we could appreciate what we were seeing. Two of us took a jump into the alpine lake! Planting a tree and doing a little bit to help the island thrive feels great.
Lovely hike on an island
Susanfreeman820,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We had a beautiful day for an easy climb to see the lake. Craig and Michael were excellent guides, both kind and knowledgeable. Unfortunately we didn’t see a weka but did see many other lovely birds and interesting trees.
Outstanding and Wonderful
alangQ4526XR,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an exceptional experience. Thank you Craig and Michael for a great tour and wonderful morning.
From NZ$285.00
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Operated by Eco Wanaka Adventures