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Lake Wanaka
430 Reviews
The town of Wanaka is a lakeside escape that drifts by under the radar—nowhere as busy as neighboring Queenstown, but arguably even more scenic. Rung by the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park, Wanaka also cradles Lake Wanaka inside of its river valley, where boating, kayaking, and standup paddling are popular summer activities. Imagine casually paddling a kayak beneath the Southern Alps, or parasailing in a canopy of silence while gazing toward hanging glaciers.
Of all the adventures you’ll find on Lake Wanaka, perhaps the quirkiest is a half-day tour to explore Mou Wahou Island. This offshore bird sanctuary is not only known for its wealth and diversity of bird life, but also the fact that it’s small lake, known as Arethusa Pool, is a lake on an island in a lake on an island that’s surrounded by the Pacific. Activities and offshore islands aside, Lake Wanaka is also popular for just swimming, since the shallow areas at the shore of the lake can reach as high as 65°F on the warmest days of summer.
Wanaka
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Half-Day Kayak Tour on Lake Wanaka
Kayaking on serene Lake Wanaka, with its clear waters and beautiful coastline, is a great introduction to kayaking. Beginners and those with more experience will enjoy a calm half-day tour approximately 5.5 miles (9 kms) around the lake. Take in the views while experiencing the unspoiled nature that New Zealand is famous more, but without breaking too much of a sweat.
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From
US$135.24
From
US$135.24
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
See the top sights of the spectacular South Island on a 5-day guided coach tour, round-trip from Christchurch. Stop at Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain; enjoy free time to explore the adventure capital of Queenstown; take a boat cruise on Milford Sound, surrounded by steep rock walls; view Fox and Franz Josef glaciers; and travel by rail through the Southern Alps aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Express. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and four nights’ accommodation in Queenstown and Franz Josef.
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From
US$1,413.57
From
US$1,413.57
Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mount Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views.
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From
US$192.66
From
US$192.66
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board
Sail around the serene Lake Wanaka on this late-afternoon ‘happy hour’ cruise. With a complimentary beer or wine in hand, cruise around the southern end of Lake Wanaka, the majestic Southern Alps in the distance. Sail around Waterfall Creek, Ruby Island and Stevensons Peninsula, and even see the famous ‘Lone Tree’ – a famous willow growing out of the lake.
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From
US$44.58
From
US$44.58
3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch
See the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this 3-day semi-independent tour, round-trip from Christchurch. Traveling by coach and train, you’ll stop in UNESCO-listed Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and Queenstown, travel up the west coast to Franz Josef Glacier, and visit the Gold Rush town of Greymouth, then board the homeward-bound TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps and past the Canterbury Plains. Listen to informative onboard commentary and enjoy two nights’ accommodation as you explore the sights independently.
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From
US$1,080.41
From
US$1,080.41
Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka
Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wanaka. On this half-day trip, catch a luxury ferry from Wanaka and sail out to the island past local mountains and lush countryside. Upon disembarking, hike to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake and the Southern Alps
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From
US$59.69
From
US$59.69
4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch
View Franz Josef Glacier and experience a Milford Sound cruise on this 4-day semi-independent tour of New Zealand's South Island. You’ll travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via the Canterbury Plains, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo, then motor up the west coast to Greymouth before riding the TranzAlpine train on the return to Christchurch. Listen to narration on board as the driver highlights this scenic region from picturesque mountain peaks to deep fiords. Overnight accommodation and round-trip hotel transport are included.
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From
US$1,371.14
From
US$1,371.14
7-Day South Island Coastal Splendor Tour from Christchurch
Experience the coastal splendor of New Zealand’s South Island on this 7-day tour by coach and Taieri Gorge Railway from Christchurch. Hear live onboard commentary as you travel through the Canterbury Plains to the historic city of Dunedin, then head to Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier via the rugged west coast before returning to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine. Your itinerary includes six nights’ accommodation, a Milford Sound cruise and a guided sightseeing tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula with admission to the royal albatross colony.
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From
US$1,748.30
From
US$1,748.30
Mou Waho Island Cruise and Nature Walk from Wanaka
After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.
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From
US$180.57
Price varies by group size
From
US$180.57
Price varies by group size
1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka
For travelers short on time in Wanaka, this one-hour cruise and walk to Ruby Island is an ideal way to experience the lake and mountains. Glide across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island in comfort on a luxury catamaran. There, enjoy an easy walk to lookout points that are great places to take pictures from. Families and senior travelers will enjoy this tour, as it’s suitable for all levels of mobility.
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From
US$37.02
From
US$37.02
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
A lot of the South Island’s natural hideaways are tough to get to, and that’s definitely the case with Mou Waho Island. This half-day cruise makes it easy; sail from Wanaka Marina to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Walk to the island’s very own lake, the Arethusa Pool, and take panoramic photos of the lake and the nearby Southern Alps, or take a dip at the beach near the island’s only jetty.
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From
US$94.44
From
US$94.44
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Māori Whakatau Welcome
The pōwhiri, or welcome, is an important ritual in New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori culture, inviting visitors as they arrive on their whenua (land). Experience a full pōwhiri, including the wero (challenge) and mihi whakatau (welcome speech), first-hand with this unique cultural experience. Connect with local Māori traditions in a way that you simply can’t through guidebooks and museums; learn more about the local iwi (tribe) and their responsibilities as kaitiaki, or custodians of the land.
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From
US$26.45
From
US$26.45
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk- meet the boat 10 minutes prior to Departure
Take a cruise across Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve and make a memorable, eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a 1-hour-return guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret - another lake, nestled atop the island with panoramic views of Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy “high tea” surrounded by this spectacular alpine scenery.
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From
US$187.84
From
US$187.84
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown
If you are thinking of taking a holiday through Mackenzie part of New Zealand please get in touch and let us help you see it in comfort and at your speed . You name it and we will try our best to make it happen .I look forward to seeing you on the road .
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From
US$591.52
US$37.08 savings
From
US$591.52
US$37.08 savings
Night Sky Astrophotography Experience in Wanaka
Over 80% of the world’s population live under light polluted skies which means that the infinite beauty and majesty of the night sky is hidden from them. In Central Otago we are fortunate to enjoy many long evenings under clear skies with minimal light pollution, creating rare opportunities to take images of the solar system and wider cosmos. This fun tour is for people of all skill levels who’d like to discover more about dark sky photography. Depending on the season, time and conditions there will be a variety of objects to shoot; the moon, planets, stars, clusters, galaxies and satellites. There are meteor showers often and on rare occasions the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) will flash in green and purple hues across the sky. All of these phenomena can be photographed using the stunning Wanaka scenery as context and backdrop. On this tour you can acquire some astrophotography experience and skills even if you don’t have the right camera equipment as all of this is supplied.
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From
US$47.88
From
US$47.88
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
3 day Private Wanaka and Otago Photography Tour
It’s well known that the small alpine village of Wanaka is handily placed to some of the most stunning photographic opportunities in New Zealand. This 3-day bespoke tour based here is designed to pack in as much Central Otago photography from dawn to dusk in this landscape with a top local photographer. With 4WD vehicles we will have access to many places in Central Otago that are off the beaten track and get a chance to photograph iconic Central Otago landscapes.
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From
US$2,871.01
per group
From
US$2,871.01
per group
Wedding Māori Welcome
If you are looking to include New Zealand Maori culture and a Welcome to Wanaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Powhiri welcome is a unique and special memory to include in your wedding day.
Because it is personalised we can discuss what best suits your needs, from experience it is ideally suited prior to the Bride, Groom and Wedding party entering the reception, or at a gathering with all guests and family prior to the wedding day itself. The Bridge and Groom get a bone carving and the guests and wedding party get an experience they will remember in your wedding forever.
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From
US$188.89
per group
From
US$188.89
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Bike Hawea to Wanaka
The best value of any bike trip in Wanaka, this is our most popular ride! We shuttle you from downtown Wanaka to the neighbouring lakeside town of Hawea where you make your way back to Wanaka in your own time. You'll see Lake Hawea, Hawea River, Clutha River and Lake Wanaka. There a number of eateries along the way as well as famous sights, such as #thatwanakatree!
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From
US$62.61
From
US$62.61
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Kayak Rental Adventure - The Mission
You’ll get lots of good advice from the folks at Paddle Wanaka. We’ll help you plan your route based on the weather and your experience level. Plus we’ll provide transport to your starting location, so you only need to paddle one way!
Meander along the coastline, power down the lake, explore the local islands, jump off the jetties or picnic in style. How you take on this Mission is up to you.
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From
US$62.61
From
US$62.61
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
West Wanaka Station Walk
You won’t find this once-in-a-lifetime hike on any map or tour guide. Walk the high road into our dramatic mountain range and tower over the deep blues of Lake Wanaka. Explore the spectacular scenery, succumb to the comforts of our four-wheel drive and let our expert guide pass on tips and tales of our local flora and fauna. This exclusive hike is suitable for all ages and abilities, but on these wide-open private trails the only passers-by will be of the four-legged variety.
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From
US$146.59
From
US$146.59
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
South Island Road Trip Delights: Custom Multi Day 14D : 13N
The linking of special short road trips allows you to relax and take in more of the uniqueness of New Zealand. Having existing planned routes by a born local who understands that having custom options that can be tweaked to suit rather than a set plan creates a more flexible holiday.
The hot spots of New Zealand can then be interspersed with out of the way places that you may never have heard of or knew existed. New Zealand is a place of wonder and every hour the scenery changes to something more spectacular. Queenstown is a great stopping spot with so much to do and flying home is easy.
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From
US$3,679.51
From
US$3,679.51
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
FAQ’s
Should I book Lake Wanaka tickets in advance?
We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Lake Wanaka can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 21 Lake Wanaka tickets and tours on Viator.
How much does it cost to visit Lake Wanaka 2021?
Currently, an entrance ticket to Lake Wanaka costs USD 26.45. Guided Lake Wanaka tours start around USD 26.45 per person. See all 21 Lake Wanaka tickets and tours on Viator.
What's the best way to experience Lake Wanaka?
The best ways to experience Lake Wanaka are:
- Half-Day Kayak Tour on Lake Wanaka
- 5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
- Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
- Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board
Things to do near Wanaka
- Things to do in South Island
- Things to do in Queenstown
- Things to do in Christchurch
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- Things to do in Blenheim
- Things to do in Picton
- Things to do in Wellington
- Things to do in Tongariro National Park
- Things to do in Hastings
- Things to do in Taupo
- Things to do in Rotorua
- Things to do in Tauranga
- Things to do in Auckland
- Things to do in North Island
- Things to do in Tasmania