From Wanaka: Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk

Nestled in the serene waters of Lake Wanaka, Ruby Island beckons visitors to explore its natural beauty. The 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk offers the perfect opportunity to experience this gem, with a scenic boat ride and guided walking tour that showcases the island’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Led by a knowledgeable local kiwi skipper, this activity promises an enchanting journey through picturesque settings, where guests can capture breathtaking photos and enjoy the serene surroundings. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this excursion from Wanaka is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

Key Points

• This 1-hour Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk departs from Wanaka Marina and includes a boat cruise, guided island walk, and hotel transportation.
• The easy-grade 20-minute walk on Ruby Island offers stunning photo opportunities with a friendly local kiwi skipper/guide providing historical insights.
• The activity is suitable for limited time travelers, children, and seniors, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Guests should prepare with essential items like water, snacks, camera, and proper outdoor attire, as the activity is subject to weather conditions.
• The booking process is flexible, allowing for reservation with no immediate payment and hassle-free cancellation options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk is a 1-hour activity that costs from $29.47 per person.

The tour includes a boat cruise to Ruby Island, a guided island walk, and transportation from your hotel. You’ll be accompanied by a friendly local kiwi skipper/guide who’ll share the island’s history dating back to prohibition.

The easy-grade walk takes just 20 minutes and rises 20 meters above the beach, offering great photo opportunities.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.

This experience is suitable for all travelers, including children and seniors, though it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Experience Details

On this Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk, you’ll enjoy a short cruise on Lake Wanaka, which is ideal for those with limited time.

The guided walk of Ruby Island provides opportunities to capture the island’s history and scenic beauty through your lens. As you explore, you’ll discover the island’s past, dating back to prohibition.

The easy-grade walk is suitable for children and seniors, taking you on a 20-minute journey that rises 20 meters above the beach.

With the friendly local kiwi skipper/guide leading the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about the island’s natural wonders and photograph the stunning landscapes.

Important Information

Meeting point for this experience is the Wanaka Marina, located at 100 Lakeside Rd, Wanaka, New Zealand.

This activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or unaccompanied minors. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Recommended items to bring include bottled water, snacks, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm jacket, and rugged outdoor shoes.

The cruise and photo walk on Ruby Island is subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum number requirements.

Uneven surfaces make this experience unsuitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

On public holidays, other boating traffic may prevent landing at Ruby Island; in such cases, the skipper will continue on a scenic cruise instead.

Weather and Conditions

This activity is subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum number requirements.

Uneven surfaces make it unsuitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

On public holidays, other boating traffic may prevent landing at Ruby Island; in such cases, the skipper will continue on a scenic cruise instead.

Although the walk is an easy grade, guests should still come prepared with proper outdoor attire and accessories like water, snacks, and sun protection.

Checking the forecast before the tour is recommended, as the cruise can be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Safety and comfort are top priorities, so the operator reserves the right to modify or cancel the experience if conditions aren’t suitable.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from travelers rave about the Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk, with an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 30 reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guide who brings the island’s history to life. The transportation and service also earn top marks, with 4.8/5 and 5/5 ratings respectively.

While the organization of the activity is noted as slightly less consistent, overall, customers are thrilled with the experience.

Visitors of all types – couples, friends, solo travelers, and families – express delight in the picturesque cruise, engaging guided walk, and opportunity to capture stunning photos on Ruby Island.

Getting to the Meeting Point

The Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk begins at the Wanaka Marina, conveniently located at 100 Lakeside Rd in Wanaka, New Zealand. Travelers can easily find their way to the meeting point, with ample parking available nearby. The marina’s central location makes it a breeze to access, whether you’re coming from your hotel, the town center, or another part of Wanaka.

Getting to the Meeting Point
Driving	Free parking nearby
Walking	5-10 minutes from town center
Public Transport	Limited bus service available
Taxi/Rideshare	Pickup/drop-off at marina
Carpool with other travelers	Coordinate with booking

Attendees should plan to arrive at the marina a few minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth start to the adventure.

What to Bring for the Activity

Travelers should bring a few essential items to ensure they get the most out of the Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk.

A bottled water and small snacks can help fuel the adventure, while a camera, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will allow participants to comfortably explore the island and capture its stunning scenery.

A warm jacket is also recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable on the lake.

Rugged outdoor shoes are a must, as the guided walk involves some uneven terrain.

Finally, children must be accompanied by an adult, so families should plan accordingly.

With these simple supplies, travelers can fully enjoy the beauty and history of Ruby Island.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking the Ruby Island Cruise and Photo Walk is a flexible process, as the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Alternatively, travelers can reserve their spot now and pay nothing today, allowing them to secure their place on the tour without an immediate financial commitment.

This convenient booking policy makes it easy for adventurers to plan their Wanaka excursion, as they can lock in their desired date and time without the need to pay upfront.

Whether visiting as a couple, family, or solo traveler, the hassle-free booking and cancellation options provide peace of mind when arranging this scenic cruise and photo walk on Ruby Island.

Recap

The Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk from Wanaka offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

Priced affordably at $29.47 per person, the tour includes a scenic boat cruise, a guided island walk, and convenient hotel transportation.

With stunning photo opportunities and insights into the island’s history, this activity promises an unforgettable journey through picturesque landscapes.

Whether you’re a family or a nature lover, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: