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‘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
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.
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
8.30AM EARLY BIRD EXPRESS
8.30AM Early Bird Express: Faster early-morning water taxi-only service to Mou Waho Island. No commentary, shorter boat ride, same time on the island.
Duration: 3 hours: 2.5 to 3 hour (shorter than our usual tour).
Reviews
189 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Extraordinary
marieodilem301,
Oct 30, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great trick. Crossing the lake allows to see the mountains around and hiking on the island is superb with this lake on this island, itself in a lake
Unmissable Wanaka experience
mav335,
Oct 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful trip. Everybody at Wanaka water taxi was so helpful. The weather forecast for the day we had booked was very poor so we were contacted by Wanaka water taxi to rearrange to take the trip a day earlier. James on the boat was so caring and informative. Mou Waho island is just beautiful with a lovely scenic walk up to the lake and then the summit. With outstanding views of lala Wanaka and the mountains with the chance to see an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island in the ocean.
A perfect activity for a low-effort day
832vit,
Oct 17, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00James was our tour guide and skipper. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the little hike on the island very much.
Excellent Tour to Mou Hua Island
Stay07857363484,
Oct 8, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Our Ferry Captain James gave us a detailed briefing of what to expect during the Ride to the island. It made our ride less scary despite the choppy waters and we felt completely at ease. He was very informative and acted as our guide. Overall a very Good experience. Highlight of our NZ tour.
Unique place MOU Waho island
380madhus,
Oct 6, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Look out point trek and tyrwhit summit - where you will find the most unique thing in the world - an island (unnamed) in a lake ( Arethusa Pool) on a island ( Mou Waho island) in a lake on an island ( South Island NZ) in the sea. I recommend - Wanaka water taxi and skipper James for amazing trip to island 😍👍
A lake on an island, on a lake, on an island
sassyzhart,
Oct 6, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00This was a beautiful afternoon on the water. Thankful we could reorganise to suit better weather. A nice small group, easy to access the meeting point, a comfortable boat trip. A few stops along the way to visit other islands, and then arriving at our island with plenty of time to explore in our own time. The hike to the top was steep and muddy so good hiking shoes are recommended- the hiking poles we were offered also came in handy. There are plenty of stops along the way to rest if needed and take beautiful photos. The stop at the lake is a great place for a picnic and swim! The push to the summit is worth it for the views and not really much further than what has already been walked. A quicker ride on the way home.
Nice water and hiking experience in one
Irina P,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00The experience was great - in a small group, on a small boat (water taxi) and the skipper was very nice and warm, shared a lot of valuable information with us. The walk was nice but not really easy - you should go to the top, but there are a bunch of benches along the way, and the spectacular view on the top is really worth it!
Island solidarity
Amy T,
Sep 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The boat captain was very friendly and informative. They were great about communicating the plan ahead of time. I was the only one signed up to go (minimum of 4 people needed), but lucked out that a family of 3 booked that morning. It was a cool experience to have the island essentially to ourselves. This is the island that has a lake on it, so they talk about "the lake on an island in a lake on an island". This is also home to a rare native bird, buff weka.
Excellent trip
Yvonne M,
Sep 19, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00James was our guide/driver. His communication throughout our experience was superb. Weather meant we had to change dates a few times. We are glad we listened to his advice as the day we went out was amazing. Water was calm, sun was shining and the place was so so quiet. The walk up was great and the view of the lakes with the mountains behind were incredible. We managed to spot wood pigeons and a weka with the help of James. Couldn’t recommend more.
Wonderful trip!
deborahD9673XA,
Jun 24, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00James was an excellent skipper! Super knowledgeable and friendly. We had a fun trip up the lake. Mou Waho was wonderful - great track up to the lake and view point, and a beautiful side trip thanks to james' insider knowledge.
Related Experiences
Operated by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer