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
254 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A day to remember.
Cruiser57497247632,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience. Excellent service & fantastic staff. Our family had a wonderful day. Highly recommend this company for an outing value for money.
Had excellent weather...
Siddharth S,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had excellent weather conditiy, the view and the wildlife on the island makes it worth it. You may get to see wekas!
Great Tour Operator
mzheutlin,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wanaka Water Taxi is an outstanding operator. In the past ten years I’ve gone on many of their trips and they are always great..on time ,professional and informative
The island in a lake on top of an island in a huge lake
lyndsaysusananng,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have done this trip before and it is still a magical experience. The boat was comfortable, Hannah the delightful skipper was proficient and along the way gave interesting descriptions of the history and nature of the area. The walk to the lake on the top of the island is a gentle climb through native bush with the buff weka in full view. I highly recommend this trip
Yahoo for Mou Waho!!
markbC8232AJ,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the trip! We fortunately had a great weather day. We also, due to our error, missed out boat departure time but the Water Taxi crew were super supportive in rescheduling us (at no charge!) for the next boat - thanks!!! Hannah was a great 'Skipper' and guide on the way to and from Mou Waho. Our time hiking the island was great - views, birds, beauty, etc. Highly recommend the trip and Wanada Water Taxi!
Beautiful day on the lake
Pamela L,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful day on the lake. The hike up to the alpine lake provides spectacular views and the upper lake is refreshing.
A wonderful and unique experience
JanandAlanKerr,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this trip. James was a lovely guide with lots of useful information about the island and in general. This island is so unique with the small lake on top of the big lake. I wished I’d taken my swimmers. We saw a weka which was exciting!
Excellent trip.
PhilBattrick,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Skipper/guide Hannah was excellent and the island is beautiful. It helped that the weather was fantastic.
Amazing views for a great price
sylkew700,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked directly via their website for some $$ off. And let me just say, money well spent. It was a lovely boat ride with interesting information about the islands. The top of Mou Waho Island has a great view and I recommend also taking the small side path once you're on your way up to the lookout point, to look around the lake from a different perspective There's enough time to do the hike up, have lunch, take a dip and enjoy the incredible views
More than a "water taxi" ride thanks to Austin
DVR 10,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing morning with our guide, Austin, whose amazing personal knowledge and love of the island takes this above and beyond the description as a "water taxi" tour. He provided tons of interesting info on our way out to the island as well as the return. Also, more than enough time on the island for hiking, which we really enjoyed.
From NZ$139.00
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Operated by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer