Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
Overview
Available languages
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 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
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.
What‘s Included
Landing and facility fees
1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island
Extensive live commentary onboard
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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
210 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fab
joant302,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this trip. This is my second time. Perfect way to spend an afternoon I used walking poles supplied by the team The information shared in the taxi was great too !
Boat trip to an island on lake Wanaka
nickif2026,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great trip to the island. Hannah was a great and interesting skipper. Her narrative was both informative and amusing. Then 2 hours on the island for a walk up to the view point and a swim. Thank you.
Good experience
Ray C,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Mou Waho Island climb to the end of the path to see the lake on the island and the lake and mountains behind, the view is beautiful, the lake on the island can even swim very interesting, it is said that there are some rare birds on the island but unfortunately we did not see, the road on the island is not difficult to go, but pay attention to the return time
Fab way to experience a little bit more of Wanaka!
Kate M,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was fab, great history and storytelling! Hannah was excellent! Our daughter hiked up the epic track at 6, was super impressed! Great weather, great adventure!
Fantastic day out
DavidD823,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding - a great day out, and Hannah was a great guide. Such a special place - highly recommend this! Bring a picnic, and your togs for a swim :)
Great experience
Saikumar K,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, a decent track, wonderful to view a lake on top a hill, definitely recommend to have this experience..
Unique boat trip and island visit.
lorrainefW6534OL,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved it - a really unique experience. The low numbers on the boat and visiting Mou waho Island made it really feel intimate and the island itself was beautiful and a real surprise. I’d thoroughly recommend it.
Awesome guided tour of...
Richard G,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome guided tour of the lake. Guide was super knowledgeable. Island hike beautiful and well worth our.
Idyllic water cruise to a magic island
steveaU1658YH,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the water taxi trip out to Mou Waho Island, a Department of Conservation introduced-predator-free wildlife and native plant sanctuary. It was an amazing trip. We were blessed by the weather with zero wind - the lake was smooth as glass, with stunning reflections of the mountains around us. Our skipper was a young woman who was so friendly and fun, while remaining very professional. I learned a lot about this area, which I didn't know, even though I have been to Wanaka many times. The landscape views were spectacular, especially from the island, which has its own little lake near its summit, which was worth the visit all on its own. Highly recommended, will want to do this trip again.
Half Day Tour
GeneralShamu,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was absolutely worth it. Our guide/skipper, Hannah, was great as well. The boat has no toilets but there are toilets located at the pier and also on the island (two drop toilets). The island itself has a stunning beauty to it and the walk up to the two viewing points is an absolute must. Note that to get off the pier onto the island there is currently a loose wooden plank that you must walk across. We were not expecting this and, while manageable, something that needs to be addressed. We did it with a toddler strapped to us in a carrier while the other carried a backpack with all the supplies (heavy).
From NZ$139.00
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Operated by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer