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Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

Offered by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer

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$139.00 per person

4.9 (254 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

3 hours 15 minutes (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Water taxi from Wanaka Marina to Mou Waho Island with 1.5 hours ashore, passing Mou Tapu and Fisherman’s Cove on Lake Wanaka.

Tour Overview

Departing from Wanaka Marina, this water taxi trip travels 15km up Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island, a protected nature reserve. Along the way, you pass Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliffs of Fisherman’s Cove while your skipper shares the history of the lake, along with the geology of the alps and the glaciers that formed it.

Mou Waho Island is known for its unusual setting, an island on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island in the sea. Once ashore, you have 1.5 hours to explore at your own pace. The island is home to native New Zealand birdlife, including the flightless weka, which is often a highlight for visitors.

A short but steep walk leads to the island’s high point, where wide views open out over Arethusa Pool, Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. This is a self-guided freedom walk, giving you time to move at your own pace and spend your visit where it interests you most.

The tour runs twice daily from Wanaka Marina. On Christmas Day, the Mou Waho Island Tour includes a Christmas picnic and runs a little longer.

What's Included

  • Landing and facility fees
  • 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island
  • Extensive live commentary onboard

Not Included:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

  1. 1

    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

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    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

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Wānaka Marina

Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

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We depart from the newer jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina. Parking in the marina is on the sealed area only. If this is full, you can drive 200m past the marina to where the road splits and you can park on the left side of both roads right after the split.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • There is a toilet on the island but nothing else. It can be very hot during the summer, bring sunscreen and some water.  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. This also applies when the trip has to be cancelled due to bad weather.

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.