Top Wanaka Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.

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.

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

Discover the idyllic landscapes of the Mount Aspiring National Park, where filming for the Lord of the Rings took place, on this action-packed half-day tour from Wanaka. Zip along the Matukituki River on a jet boat, admire spectacular views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring, then hike past forests and waterfalls to see the Avalanche Glacier.

Wanaka is surrounded by rolling alpine farmland, but most of it is privately owned and inaccessible. This half-day tour opens the gate to one of those farms, the massive West Wanaka Station. Explore the Otago back-country in a private four wheel drive vehicle, stopping for astonishing photo opportunities against the backdrop of Lake Wanaka, the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park.

The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of the Mount Aspiring National Park lie along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This action-packed tour lets you explore the park by plane, boat, and on foot. Soar overhead on a scenic flight, hike along the banks of the Siberia River, then hop aboard for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Wilkin River.

See four wineries on this fantastic wine tour. Great for small groups of family and friends who want an exclusive experience. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with leather seats, generous legroom, extra headroom, sunroof and USB power. On board there is a free wi fi hotspot, coolbox for your snacks and beverages, wine carrier for purchases and umbrellas. Complimentary bottled water and crackers are also provided. You will discover an amazing range of award winning wines including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. You will journey through three distinct winemaking sub regions and visit boutique wineries off the beaten track on this great value wine tasting experience. I am also a photographer and will take pictures of your memorable day trip free of charge and send them to you via download link after the tour.

Central Otago is the world’s southernmost wine-making region, known for its pinot noirs and stunning high-altitude wineries. On this day long tour around this distinctive wine region, taste a wide range of wines – including pinot noirs and chardonnays – at up to six of the region’s boutique vineyards.

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.

A lovely, easy grade guided bike ride following another one of Wanaka’s beautiful rivers. Crystal blue water, endless mountain vistas and easy pedalling, make this a great trip for people wanting some gentle exercise. A great trip for the whole family. We'll provide all the necessary equipment, transport, and friendly, qualified, local guide.

See some of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine scenery and learn the ropes of mountaineering on this overnight climbing excursion from Wanaka to Aoraki/Mount Cook. All transport, equipment, accommodation, and guidance is provided, ensuring a stress-free and safe adventure for beginners and experienced climbers alike. With astounding views and heady heights, experience some of New Zealand’s finest alpine terrain.

Wanaka is a popular base from which to experience some of New Zealand’s most thrilling outdoor adventure, but the more extreme activities require pretty specific technical equipment. On this tour, climb, hike, jump, rappel, and swing through the spectacular Matukituki Valley—with all safety equipment included. Explore rugged terrain along the Niger Stream, and enjoy panoramic views over the frozen summit of Mt. Avalanche.

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.

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.

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. 

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for those who appreciate exercise and scenery.  Participants need to be able to ride a bike on loose sand and gravel, and up and down (moderate) hills. A medium level of fitness is required. The length of the ride is 10kms.

Surrounded by lakes, mountains, national parks and rolling highlands, the Wanaka landscape is stunning and extremely photogenic. On this half-day tour, get to locations that most visitors to the region can only dream of accessing – private beaches and summits with panoramic views of the area. With assistance from your guide, take unique snapshots of West Otago to show your friends back home.

A full day of adventure and adrenaline, join in New Zealand’s only combined jet boat, wilderness walk, and pack-raft experience. Set on the mighty Matukituki River, just a short drive from Wanaka, you’ll jet up-river, enjoy a beachside lunch at the base of a glacier, and learn the basics of paddling before putting your new skills to use on your own lightweight, stable, two-person raft.

This is a relaxing wine tour for small groups of family and friends who want an exclusive experience. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with leather seats, generous legroom, extra headroom, sunroof and USB power. On board there is a free wi fi hotspot, coolbox for food and beverages, wine carrier for purchases and umbrellas. Complimentary bottled water and crackers are also provided. You will discover an amazing range of award winning wines including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. You will journey through four distinct winemaking sub regions and visit boutique wineries off the beaten track on this great value wine tasting experience. A platter lunch can be booked in advance on your behalf with expenses payable by you directly to the cellar door. I am a photographer and will take pictures of your memorable day free of charge a send them to you via download link.

Wanaka is surrounded by lakes, rivers and creeks that are known for their clear waters and trout and salmon fishing. On this day-long trip, drive out to one of the region’s many renowned fly fishing spots. If you’re new to fly fishing, your guide will show you the ropes; more experienced fly fishers can take advantage of your guide’s local knowledge to improve your chances of catching a big one.

On this half day tour, experience two unique sides of the Wanaka area: the wine made from grapes grown in the whenua (land), and the culture of the tangata whenua themselves – the indigenous Māori who live on the land. Visit a range of local wineries, sampling the region’s popular pinot noir wines alongside many others. Receive the manaaki (hospitality) of the local Māori community and experience a stirring live haka.