Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Please note that the walk goes up 150 m vertically over 1 km.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
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.
Good fitness is required for the walk. Please do not attempt the walk if you have age, medical or fitness related disabilities.
Good fitness level required
What To Expect
Lake Wanaka
Cruise on Lake Wanaka to the famous Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Your knowledge kiwi skipper will provide commentary along the way.
Pass Ruby Island with a the 1920's dance hall on top
Options
Mou Waho Island Cruise Guided
What‘s Included
Department of Conservation Park fees
Local skipper/guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Cruise and guided Island walk
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
77 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mou Waho
Rob and Sarah1,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very cool trip, would do it again
100% worth it, amazing guide!
taniahueston,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic trip, extremely knowledgeable guide Tim, made it awesome. Knew heaps of interesting facts about wildlife and nature making it a great experience. STUNNING scenery, definitely worth it if you have some spare time in Wanaka.
Delightful Lake Wanaka Cruise
Beachtee,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jamie, our Captain and Nature Guide, provided a pleasant and informative trip to Mou Waho island on a beautiful Saturday morning. There was ample time on the island and plenty of photo opportunities. Jamie was gracious and offered to be a professional photographer, even incorporating a trick pano shot. Highly recommend.
Make sure cost is in correct currency
100kerryj,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Expensive as found cost was in usd after I had booked. Not that interesting.. just a walk up a hill on a lake
Excellent
andrewrW5667OZ,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was excellent, scenery outstanding. Note of caution, walk up to top was a little more strenuous than I was expecting but view of lake and from the top was worth it. Just would have liked more time to do it all.
Beautiful tour with a friendly and competent guide
Louise C,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The climb to the top of the island is a must. It is not too steep and accessible to all ages. The view of the lake at the top of the island, which is itself in the middle of Lake Wānaka, is breathtaking.
Lovely island and guided walk.
Nicola M,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be careful to note correct starting point as the App had the wrong information. Luckily we had arrived early so could get to the correct place as another guide had helped us out. The tour itself was great. A lovely climb to the top of the island with fantastic views. Our knowledgeable guide pointed out wild flora and fauna. Well worth a visit but you do need to be moderately fit to do the walk.
Don’t miss this Cruise and Walk!
Trail755676,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful time - in all respects!
Peaceful beauty
Julie w,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely cruise on Lake Manipuri. This got us to the bus. Good narrated bus ride to Doubtful Sound, where we boarded another boat and cruised all over. We had fog to begin then glimpses of blue sky. Waterfalls everywhere! It was very peaceful much different than what I’ve heard Milford is. I prefer fewer tourists.
Great outing!
Steve E,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great trip! Reon is everything to be appreciated in a guide. Even paced, a good listener and completely knowledgeable. This was our second time with him and we still would look forward to another trip?
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Operated by Cruise Lake Wanaka Ltd