1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk From Wanaka

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the picturistic town of Wanaka offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Ruby Island via a leisurely 1-hour cruise and self-guided walk. Departing from the Wanaka Marina, this tour transports guests aboard a luxurious catamaran, providing breathtaking vistas of the serene Lake Wanaka and its surrounding natural wonders. Once on the island, visitors can embark on a relaxed exploration, taking in the island’s lookout points and serene landscapes. Though a seemingly simple excursion, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression, inviting travelers to further uncover the hidden gems that make Wanaka a truly captivating destination.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Wanaka.

Key Points

• The 1-hour Ruby Island Cruise departs from Wanaka Marina aboard a luxury catamaran, offering scenic views of Lake Wanaka.
• The self-guided walk on Ruby Island includes lookout points, making it suitable for families, seniors, and varying mobility levels.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, guides, fees, and taxes, ensuring a comprehensive experience without additional costs.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, and service animals are permitted.
• Cancellations are possible due to weather conditions, with alternative dates or full refunds offered to guests.

Activity Overview

This 1-hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk activity offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Lake Wanaka and its picturesque island destination.

Departing from the Wanaka Marina, guests will embark on a luxury catamaran cruise across the lake to reach Ruby Island.

Once there, they can enjoy a self-guided walk to various lookout points, taking in the stunning natural surroundings.

Suitable for families, seniors, and those with varying mobility levels, this experience is an ideal way to take in the beauty of the region.

With informative guides, included fees and taxes, and the flexibility of hotel pickup and drop-off, the Ruby Island Cruise and Walk provides excellent value for money.

Cruise Details

The Ruby Island Cruise departs from the Wanaka Marina, located at 100 Lakeside Rd, and lasts for 1 hour. Visitors will board a luxury catamaran that can accommodate up to 26 travelers, with the cruise starting at 1:00 PM.

The cruise offers an opportunity to take in the stunning scenery of Lake Wanaka as you make your way to Ruby Island.

Some key details about the cruise include:

• Luxury catamaran transportation
• 1-hour duration
• Departure point at Wanaka Marina
• Cruise start time at 1:00 PM
• Maximum capacity of 26 travelers

The cruise is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Wanaka and explore Ruby Island.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Ruby Island Cruise and Walk includes a guided island walk, as well as all fees and taxes.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, though food and drinks aren’t specified as being included. This makes the experience convenient for travelers, as they don’t have to worry about transportation or additional costs.

However, guests will need to bring their own refreshments for the cruise and walk.

The inclusions cover the core components of the tour, ensuring that visitors can fully enjoy the scenic journey across Lake Wanaka and the self-guided exploration of Ruby Island without any added expenses.

Accessibility and Conditions

According to the information provided, the Ruby Island Cruise and Walk caters to a range of mobility levels, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Strollers are permitted, and service animals are allowed to join the tour.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for families.

However, the activity remains subject to favorable weather conditions, with potential cancellations due to poor weather, in which case guests may be offered alternative dates or full refunds.

The key accessibility and conditions for the Ruby Island Cruise and Walk include:

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Stroller accessible

• Service animals allowed

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

• Subject to favorable weather conditions with cancellation options

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Guests have provided largely positive feedback on the Ruby Island Cruise and Walk, with common praise for the informative guides, ideal duration for children, and overall value for money.

However, some have expressed concerns regarding last-minute cancellations due to low guest numbers, suggesting a need for earlier notifications to better accommodate travelers.

Notable comments include one reviewer’s description of the experience as a ‘must-do in Wanaka,’ while another parent praised it as ‘perfect for the kids!‘

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Offering flexible booking options, travelers can reserve their spot on the Ruby Island Cruise and Walk experience now and pay later. Plus, the activity provider allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the start time, providing guests with ample opportunity to adjust their plans as needed.

The booking and cancellation policy for this tour includes:

• Reserve now and pay later option available

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before experience

• Early arrival recommended due to limited parking availability at the marina

• Backup dates or full refunds provided in case of tour cancellations due to poor weather

• Guests can easily manage their booking and payment through the provider’s platform

Parking and Transportation

The Ruby Island Cruise departs from the Wanaka Marina, located at 100 Lakeside Road. Parking availability at the marina may vary, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.

The cruise takes guests aboard a luxury catamaran for the 1-hour journey across Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island. Travelers don’t need to worry about transportation, as the experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Once on the island, guests can enjoy a self-guided walk to the lookout points. The cruise is suitable for all levels of mobility, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Strollers and service animals are allowed, making it an ideal activity for families with young children.

Additional Information

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior, the Ruby Island Cruise provides booking flexibility for travelers. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it convenient to plan their Wanaka adventure.

Though parking at the marina may vary, early arrival is recommended to secure a space before the 1:00 PM departure time.

The cruise offers the following additional details:

• Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller-friendly

• Service animals allowed

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

• Subject to favorable weather conditions, with options for alternative dates or full refunds

• Cruise includes all taxes and fees, with food and drinks not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruise Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The activity is suitable for those with limited mobility, as it’s noted to be stroller accessible and service animals are allowed. However, the activity is not wheelchair accessible, so individuals with mobility challenges should check the details before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

The cruise allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks. However, the inclusion of food and drinks is not specified in the cruise details, so additional fees may apply if provided on board.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise and Walk?

The activity is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There are no specific age restrictions, allowing families with children of all ages to participate in the cruise and walk.

What Happens if the Cruise Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the cruise is canceled due to weather, the activity provider offers options for alternative dates or full refunds. They notify guests of any cancellations, allowing them to reschedule or receive a refund as per the stated cancellation policy.

Are There Any Sustainable or Eco-Friendly Practices During the Cruise?

The cruise operator promotes sustainable tourism by using fuel-efficient catamarans and encouraging eco-friendly practices on the island. They aim to minimize environmental impact while providing an immersive nature experience for guests.

Recap

The Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka offers a stunning 1-hour adventure showcasing the natural beauty of Lake Wanaka.

Guests can enjoy a scenic catamaran cruise and a self-guided walk on the island, with breathtaking views throughout.

This hassle-free tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an ideal choice for families and visitors of varying mobility levels.

Participants should remember to bring their own food and drinks to make the most of this enchanting experience.