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
227 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hike and views spectacular
Laurie C,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Steep but only 30 minute hike - make sure you go all the way to outlook because it’s great. Water cold
A must do trip!
Guide32742986750,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the shepherds lookout boat and walk tour and it was amazing. This company are the only ones with concession to do this so it makes it more special being able to enjoy the scenery and environment with just the small number of people on the boat. We have lived in Wanaka for 22 years and felt privileged to be able to enjoy an area that is simply stunning and only accessible with this company. Our skipper was informative and friendly and the trip extremely well priced. I cannot rate this trip and company highly enough. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Island in a lake in an island in a lake
David H,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brilliant day, highly recommend to anyone of moderate fitness visiting Wanaka. A beautiful ride across lake Wanaka then a 2 hour hike up through beautiful nature on Mou Waho island.
Wonderful, informative trip to see a lake within a lake.
Voyage272035,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent young guide Hannah. She handled the water taxi magnificently and stopped a number of times to tell us very interesting and sometimes amusing things about islands enroute to Mou Waho Island. Once there Hannah told us where we could walk and when she would be back to return us to Wanaka. As expected she was back on time. The route to the Lake within the lake was good with scenic views. Well worth anyone trying this trip.
The tour left exactly on...
David B,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour left exactly on time. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The boat was comfortable, and we were given adequate time to explore the island at our own leisure.
Highly recommended
Karenandmartin,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant trip out to Moa Waho. Hannah the skipper was really engaging, with lots of interesting info. The island itself is totally unspoilt, and the views from the lookout were stunning. Highly recommended
Worth the trip
yolandev489,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant morning on the island. Our skipper was knowledgeable and relaxed. I had a lovely refreshing dip in the pools after climbing to the top of the island. Definitely worth it!
Amazing Experience
DayTrip53966946542,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Beauty island and James, the skipper, was very knowledgeable. Fabulous trip and would highly recommend.
Lovely hike
907nickb,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well 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
5.00Hannah, 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
From NZ$139.00
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Operated by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer