Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Name: Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
Price: 139 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.94 (221 reviews)

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 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

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

4.94

221 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

214

Lovely hike
907nickb,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Well organised half day. Lovely location with trail easy to follow & well signposted. Hike was fun, 5km with an optional climb to a viewing area. Solitude, views and beaches too.
Magical experience in a unique place! Not to be missed. Thanks Hannah
Colette S,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Hannah, our skipper and guide, gave us background to area and in particular Mau Waho and the work DOC does. Considerate of different passengers including a young family. The island itself was magical and had a swim to in its tarn lake! An experience to remember
Great trip, stunning scenery
kathyhF6736PC,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really enjoyable trip. Stunning scenery. Both crossing the beautiful Lake Wanaka and on the island. Our wonderful guide, Hannah, was friendly, helpful and informative making both the cruise across the lake and time on the island very enjoyed. The hike to the lookout is worth it for the stunning views and the trip is well timed to allow for a relaxing hike and rest time. Would recommend if you are visiting the srea
Interesting, enjoyable, other travellers made good company. Fascinating geology, intriguing wildlife.
Sightsee02112604842,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Interesting, enjoyable, other travellers made good company. Fascinating geology, intriguing wildlife. Great guide.
Stunning views
AnneFHirst,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fun trip across a beautiful lake to an island with its own gorgeous lake . A nice walk up with glorious views all around. Great guide on the boat. A nice day out
Whilst it’s called a taxi it’s actually a great tour of the lake!
GR7340,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Friendly and knowledgable staff make the experience very good. Tour stops at two other islands where the history is explained before stopping at Mau Waho where you get two hours to explore an incredible space and swim in a lake on an island on a lake on an island! Izzy was a great guide and driver. Boat is in great condition.
Recommend, loved it!
Journey14803799876,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Loved this experience. Definitely recommend it. The guide had such a lovely way of presenting the information - she was humourous, knowledgable and created such a peaceful environment. The island is gorgeous, and I definitely recommend a swim in the lake on the island if you can!
Great adventure
carol j,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. First boat out in the morning recommended. Only thing we would’ve done differently is to use the walking sticks as we are a bit older. Awesome views!
This trip was amazing....
Mark F,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This trip was amazing. Hannah - the skipper - was very friendly and knowlegable. The island itself has breathtaking views from every angle. The track up to the lake and lookout are steep but not difficult and there are lots of places to rest. We stumbled across the tour via a Facebook ad and am very glad we did. Highly recommend!
Fab
joant302,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Loved 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 !