Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breathtaking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks.

Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters.

Trip includes a 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island.

Note: Christmas Day Mou Waho Island Tour includes a Xmas picnic and will run a bit longer so we can all celebrate together.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum numbers apply

A 20/30 minute walk up hill is involved. (Optional)

Due to uneven surfaces and the steepness in places, the walk is not recommended for those with walking disabilities but they are more than welcome to join us on the boat trip and skip the walk and stay at the bottom of the island.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Landing and facility fees

1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island

Extensive live commentary onboard

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Wanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer

We will meet you on the jetty. From here we will boat 15km up the lake to the scenic reserve, Mou Waho Island. Your skipper will inform you about the history and geology of the lake while cruising the sparkling waters of Lake Wanaka

Admission Not Applicable

Lake Wanaka

Our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island! Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short, steep walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breath taking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks. Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters. Stay for 1.5 hours on the island to explore at your own pace.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Mou Waho Island Tour

Mou Waho Island Tour: Enjoy fascinating insights from your skipper en route, then explore the island on your own
Duration: 3 hours: 3-3.5 hours

Reviews

4.93

200 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

194

A beautiful trip to stunning location
Travel49512836346,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A really fun and informative trip on Lake Wanaka on a beautiful day. Hannah had good information about the islands, the wildlife, the history of the area and she was chatty and friendly. The island stop itself was spectacular. Amazing views, sensational setting and we even managed a swim in the glacial, freezing water, which looked so inviting and clear. Would definitely recommend!
Great experience in Mou Waho
Elero26,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A lovely excursion. We were taken by a lovely girl who was explaining everything we saw. The scenery is spectacular. Then we reached Mou Waho and had 1h 45' to walk to the top. We had plenty of time and could see the lake on the island and climb to the viewpoint from where the views are incredible.
Our new favourite place
TerryB882,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A truly fantastic experience. We weren't sure what to expect but the trip surpassed all expectations, and then some. Brent was so knowledgeable and shared information without rushing, taking time to point out areas of interest. Mou Waho island was a complete surprise and such wonderful views although it was a strenuous walk but so worth it when you got there. Stupendous views in every direction. Brent allowed us plenty of time to explore on our own. A truly memorable experience, highly recommended.
Mou Waho Island Water Taxi Tour
lesleybG9623XQ,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time on this activity. The water taxi was on time and the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of information on the various islands and Wanaka in general. Once we arrived at the island, we were given very clear instructions on how to get to the top and also what time pick up was. The hike was a constant uphill, but it was easily managed. We are reasonably fit. There was plenty of time to take the walk more slowly if needed. The water taxi also supplied hiking poles if people wished to use them. There were plenty of viewing stops on the way up. Take your own food and water as none available on the island. The views from the top were amazing. A lake, on an island, on a lake on an island. Loved it.
Brilliant
R8918OEkirstyf,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing! Our skipper, Hannah, was fantastic and shared a lot of information about the area. The trip across to the island was really enjoyable and the water taxi was prompt & efficient
Wonderful trip to Mou Waho with Wanaka Water Taxi and Hannah at the helm!
jodys532,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fun adventure to Mou Waho with Hannah and Wanaka water taxi! Hannah was a fantastic guide and skipper. She provided excellent information about the region, conservation notes and fun historical facts. The hike to the lake and look out in Mou Wago was a highlight of our trip. The water taxi was comfortable, providing excellent shelter from the wind and splash. I highly recommend Wanaka water taxi and ask for Hannah to guide you to Mou Waho!
An island not to be missed
Sharon T,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Hannah was our skipper for our trip and she was excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a lovely trip and we learnt so much about the conservation and the history of Wanaka. Had a swim in the lake inside the lake. Hannah definately made it very enjoyable with her sunny personality. Thank you.
Sunday Funday!
Ann Margaret E,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time today! Thank you Hannah for a wonderful excursion! The commentary on the trip over was great! We loved learning more about the history of the area. Hannah is a wonderful Skipper and the visit to the island was so chill and relaxing. Highly recommend this activity!
Water taxi to the island and not much more
zitavskeho,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
We were somehow disappointed by this excursion. It represents a boat trip to the island with some broad explanations of the skipper and then drop off where you can freely walk on the island. The lake on the island is impressive but that’s all and not worth the price and the time. The skipper remains in the boat and will not show you around for birds and these are difficult to spot. This is too expensive for what it is worth.
A wonderful trip.
S6675NTkk,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a wonderful trip! The boat ride out was education and fun. Visiting the Island was beautiful and the views were outstanding. There was plenty of time to see both sites and sit to enjoy a quick picnic lunch. Being in our sixties, some parts of the paths were steep, but if you take your time you get there. It was well worth the trek.