Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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
Options
Mou Waho Island Cruise Guided
Reviews
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Island Tour on Lake Wanaka
Mark H,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice boat ride, beautiful scenery, interesting facts about the lake, island, wildlife and plants Need to be able to hike over some rocks and up a grade.
Good value for money
Susan C,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A lovely excursion. A lovely boat ride up the lake and then a walk up to the top of the island. It foes get zteep at the top but we enjoyed it.
Boat trip to Mou Waco Island
CIP0410,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the Guided option which was very worthwhile. Toby was well informed, interesting and knowledgeable. Shop around for the best prices. Inadvertently we managed to save over $100 on the booking.
Nice trip to island & moderately difficult walk
Stephen M,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.0035 min each way on small boat 15 pax in total. Steep climb at times, occasional damp (remember decent footwear. Im 71 with average capability. Managed the climb with a few stops to catch a breath. Well worth the views from the top. Jaimie was our guide who walked with me (others already spurted on ahead of the “group”). Really enjoyed the walk. Only spotted a bellbird, no weka for me but some did see the elusive bird🤣 Would do it again. Long drop type toilets by the island landing point for those in need🤪
Excellent trip to Mou Waho Island
mpm445,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent trip from Wanaka to Mou Waho island. The boat trip to and from the island went very smoothly with excellent views of the surrounding landscape of Wanaka. When we reached the island we had a very enjoyable guided walk to a lake at the top of the island and then proceeded to the summit of the island with spectacular 360 degree views. Highly recommended.
Try it!
Yashika J,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience with nice views and a bit of cardio/steps to round out the day. Jamie (guide) was very informative and personable. The boat ride out to the island was a little choppy initally because of the weather, but generally felt safe and comfortable during the ride. The walk up the island does require a little bit of fitness as it is a steady incline, BUT there are numerous rest points, you can take your time and go at your own pace and you don't have to walk all of the way to the top of the summit to enjoy nice views. We had a decent range of age groups, fitness levels etc., so don't feel intimidated. Great tour - would recommend.
360 degrees views!
lisabV9391TO,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed the walk on Mou Waho and cruise out to island. Tim was a great tour guide very knowledgeable. Scenery was amazing. Perfect weather.
Scenic cruise and hike to Mou Waho - spectacular views
Pat T,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely experience on a gorgeous day luckily! Toby took our small group of 6 on a 30min boat ride to the island. Was a bit rocky on the way in, much smoother on the way out with gorgeous views. We then spent about 2hrs in total on the island hiking up to the viewpoint and back down.
Beauty beyond words
Karen B,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. Just breathtaking and I’m not sure if words or iPhone pictures can do it justice. A lovely and relaxing boat ride and then a short walk to the peak of a small mountain. And then — prepare yourself — a scene out of a fairy tale. Incomprehensible. On the way down you help plant a tree to generate even more beauty. Craig was our incredible guide. Make sure you book this one!
Rainy but adventurous
Dennis L,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The first thing to know is they go in all weather. We had a steady rain trying to lightening today. There were 7 of us for the boat ride which was rough in pretty large waves. The captain did his best and the sense of humor was necessary. The nature walk was through a downpour and an adventure. Pick up stated at the Wanaka Marina but at the time of pick up I called and was told I was at the wrong place. They swung in and picked us up. I would recommend in good weather but consider cancelling in bad.
From NZ$179.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Cruise Lake Wanaka Ltd