Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land looking over remote islands and National Parks. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. The best place to enjoy the views and your gourmet picnic!
The 4 hour tour departs from the Wanaka Marina and includes a 20 minutes boat ride to and from the base of Mt. Burke where you and your guide board our 4x4.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
There are no toilets on this tour, but bushes.
Please dress appropriately, it can be colder on the mountain so bring a jacket.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Wanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
We will meet you on the jetty of the Wanaka Marina on Lakeside Road. Parking is very limited in the marina and not allowed on the graveled area. You can drive past the marina and park on the left side of Lakeside Rd once it turns up the hill. Or walk from the town center.
Lake Wanaka
Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land looking over remote islands and the National Park. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. Your trip starts by boating up Lake Wanaka towards the head of Stevenson’s arm with tremendous views of glacier carved mountains, a constantly changing vista of steep walls and alpine peaks. We cruise past Stevenson’s Island to our landing point at the foot of Mt Burke. Boarding our 4×4 Vehicle we climb above the lake, your view expands until all of Lake Wanaka lays before you in a stunning panorama of crystal clear blue water and the alpine peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Take some time to enjoy the solitude and enjoy the best view in Wanaka! Your guide will give you an insight into the history of the farm station and the geology of the Alps and some of the stories of the early settlers while you enjoy your gourmet picnic.
What‘s Included
Small-group tour, max of 5 per vehicle
Exclusive acces to Mt. Burke Station
Afternoon Tour includes Afternoon Tea: Cheese and crackers, etc. with a local wine, or non alcoholic drink.
Driver/guide
Return boat trip.
Morning Tours include Morning Tea: Coffee & Tea with treats and a selection of fruit.
Gourmet Picnic
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Summer
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exciting adventure
Ceilings,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great afternoon adventure, we met them at their dock and went across the lake to large private farmland, where 2 4x4 were waiting for us. The upward climb was bumpy, exciting and visually beautiful. You go very high up with great views, the weather started to change to clouds and rain, which resulted in us having our cheese and wines undercover in structures that were perfect in protecting us. Highly recommend this trip, the owner and colleague were such nice people. On our return by water taxi, they kindly ordered a taxi for us to return to our hotl 5 + stars for a great experience.
So much fun
Happiness258136,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tony was 4x4 driver we had a GREAT trip up and down the Mtn. Saw the island in the island in the ocean , had a tasty lunch spread and the BEST VEIWS EVER ! What a super way to see New Zeeland and hear stories from local guides. One of the top things we did .
Great experience, well looked after
Paradise33969148272,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip combining boat ride and 4x4 adventure in a beautiful and secluded station in Wanaka. Booking was easy and they accommodated all our needs, Phil was a knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide, and morning tea was great. Definitely recommend to others.
An experience not to be missed
Mobile51652405297,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the boat trip to the mountains the views were spectacular, the drive was gnarly and fun, and the gorgeous local Rose wine with cheese board picnic was the icing on the cake. The staff were helpful and friendly. Highly recommend
An amazing experience never to be forgotten!
CPS55,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As non-hikers, finding a tour that offered amazing views was a must for us—and wow, did we hit the jackpot with this one! Our lovely skipper, Hanna, picked us up and took us across Lake Wanaka to the base of Mt. Burke. Then Phil, our fabulous driver and tour guide, loaded us into the 4x4 jeep, and we were off on the most memorable morning of our lives. We were the only two people on the tour, so we essentially had the whole mountain to ourselves with Phil. I loved how, before driving over particularly bumpy or rocky sections on the ascent, he would give us a heads-up so we could hold on tight and reduce the jostling. The views of Wanaka and Aspiring National Park were sensational at every stop. It was sunny but super windy that morning, which only added to the adventure and beauty. It felt almost surreal when Phil pulled over at an incredible viewpoint, parked, set up two chairs, made us fresh coffee, and served a sweet morning treat with cakes and fruit as we sat gazing at the endless scenery. We had complete confidence in Phil's ability to navigate that crazy "road" and keep us safe the whole time. We highly recommend this experience—it’s one we will treasure forever.
A view from the top.
MaryJo W,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time on our tour today. The short water taxi ride was easy as we made our way over to our starting point on private land adjacent to Lake Wanaka. Once there, we were met by Tony, our guide, and driver for the day who expertly drove us up the steep inclines and challenging curves of the mountain, while providing us with interesting facts and topics of interest related to the lake and the areas we were exploring. The trip was topped off with a delicious spread of fruits and cheeses, accompanied by local wine, set to the backdrop of beautiful Lake Wanaka. It was a wonderfully thrilling, yet relaxing day.
Outstanding boat and 4x4 experience, picnic and views - Highly Recommend!
peterjsmd,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had the best time on the 60 minute round trip boat ride and 3 hour 4x4 adventure. James (our skipper) and Finch (our driver) were outstanding hosts. The jeep ride was a nice controlled but moderately bumpy ride - driving was very safe.The views were out-of-this worldly perched from what felt to be the top of the world looking down. It helped that we had perfect sun, a warm day and only a light wind; we know the weather can be unpredictable. The lunch snack (cheese, fruits and wines) was real nice. This was our favorite day trip in our three week trip so we highly recommend!
Great morning out
Cazzyg,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great morning out with Hannah, our skipper, and Patrick, our 4WD guide. The views were incredible, and we stopped at a beautiful vantage point to enjoy a delicious and generous morning tea. There were 4 passengers on our tour, and it was great to be the only people up on the hillside. Take layers for changes in weather. It was incredibly windy on the day we went. Definitely recommend this tour
Not worth the money! Poorly run.
Elaine Q,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This is an overpriced excursion that is not well run; very casual attitude by staff; seat belts discouraged. You get tossed around in a jeep up a steep hill where views are of the lake only. Stop a few times but dialogue of staff boring. Also major stop is for a so called picnic of wine and cheese and fruit—no meat. Waste of time and money.
Best 4x4 trip
Susan C,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time from start to finish. Very well orgsnised. We started with a water taxi ride across Lake Wanaka to a sheep station. We were taken up a very steep hill, at the top we had the most amazing views, wome of the best in NZ. Our guide was very helpful and informative.
From NZ$299.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer