Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

Wanaka’s stunning natural beauty beckons travelers to discover its hidden gems. The Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour offers a captivating 3-hour adventure that immerses visitors in the tranquil waters of Lake Wanaka and the untamed wilderness of Mou Waho Island. From cruising across the serene lake to hiking up Tyrwhitt Peak for panoramic vistas, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what lies beyond the island’s lush forests and breathtaking lookouts? Uncover the rich history and diverse wildlife that make this destination a true gem of New Zealand’s South Island.

Key Points

• Mou Waho Island tour by water taxi from Wanaka, lasting 3 hours with prices starting at $83.59 per person.
• Highlights include cruising on Lake Wanaka, exploring the island, encountering native birds, and optional swimming.
• The tour offers a mix of guided activities and free exploration time for an immersive experience.
• Key features include a 20-minute hike to a hidden lake and a 5-minute walk to Tyrwhitt Peak for panoramic views.
• Recommended items include swimwear, snacks, hiking poles, and sun protection, as there is no shelter from rain or cold.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Mou Waho Island tour by water taxi offers a 3-hour excursion from Wanaka, with prices starting at $83.59 per person.

The tour is conducted in English and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment, allowing for flexible planning.

The tour highlights include cruising on Lake Wanaka, exploring the remote and beautiful Mou Waho Island, and discovering the hidden lake within the island.

Travelers will have the chance to encounter native birds and optionally swim in the lake.

With a mix of guided activities and free exploration time, this tour provides an immersive experience in the stunning natural environment of Lake Wanaka.

Experience Highlights

Guests can look forward to cruising on Lake Wanaka, learning about the area’s history, as they make their way to the remote and beautiful Mou Waho Island. Upon arrival, they’ll explore the island and discover a hidden lake, known as the ‘island on a lake, on an island on a lake, on an island in the sea.’

Visitors can expect to encounter:

• Native birds, including the Weka, kereru, korimako, and Tomtit

• An optional swim in the island’s lake

• A 20-minute hike to the hidden lake, with benches for resting

• A 5-minute walk to Tyrwhitt Peak for panoramic views

• Time to relax on the island’s beach before returning.

Itinerary Details

The water taxi whisks guests to Mou Waho Island, where they enjoy 1.5 hours of free exploration. During this time, visitors can embark on a 20-minute hike to a hidden lake, known as "an island on a lake, on an island on a lake, on an island in the sea." At the top, they’ll find benches for taking a rest and admiring the panoramic views. Afterward, guests can spend time relaxing on the island’s beach before returning.

Activity	Duration
Water taxi ride	–
Free exploration on Mou Waho Island	1.5 hours
Hike to hidden lake	20 minutes
Walk to Tyrwhitt Peak	5 minutes
Relax on beach	–

Important Information

Visitors meet at the larger jetty at Wanaka Marina, located on Lakeside Road. This tour is suitable for those who can get on and off the boat, though the hike to the hidden lake on Mou Waho Island is steep and rocky.

To make the most of the experience, visitors should bring:

• Swimwear
• Snacks
• Hiking poles (recommended)
• Layers for changing weather
• Sun protection

While the tour lacks shelter from rain or cold weather, the stunning views and diverse birdlife make it a must-do activity in Wanaka.

Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights throughout the water taxi ride and island exploration, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

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Customer Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Wanaka Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating across 108 reviews.

Highlights from customers include the knowledgeable and friendly guides, the stunning panoramic views from Tyrwhitt Peak, and the opportunity to see a diverse array of native birdlife like the Weka, kereru, korimako, and Tomtit.

Many recommend visiting on a nice day, as the lack of shelter could be a downside in inclement weather.

The tour provides a unique and memorable experience exploring the remote and beautiful Mou Waho Island, with its hidden lake nestled within.

Reviewers emphasize that this is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Wanaka region.

Cruise on Lake Wanaka

A serene cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Wanaka kickstarts this unforgettable tour, allowing visitors to soak in the area’s captivating history and natural splendor.

As the water taxi glides across the mirror-like surface, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, glimpses of local wildlife, including waterfowl and wading birds, insights into the lake’s geological origins and Maori heritage, and an up-close look at the crystal-clear waters and their diverse ecosystems.

On top of that, the cruise offers a sense of peaceful solitude, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.

This serene cruise sets the stage for the exploration of Mou Waho Island, the true highlight of the tour.

Explore Mou Waho Island

Upon disembarking the water taxi, travelers step onto the pristine shores of Mou Waho Island, the most remote and stunningly beautiful of Lake Wanaka’s five islands. This natural oasis is home to a hidden lake, known as the "island on a lake, on an island on a lake, on an island in the sea." Visitors can embark on a 20-minute hike to this remarkable sight, where they’ll find benches to rest and take in the panoramic views. The island also provides opportunities to spot native birds such as the Weka, Kereru, Korimako, and Tomtit. After exploring, travelers can relax on the island’s beach before returning to the mainland.

Native Birds	Habitats
Weka	Grasslands, shrublands
Kereru	Forests
Korimako	Forests, shrublands
Tomtit	Forests, shrublands

Panoramic Views From Tyrwhitt Peak

After the 20-minute hike, travelers reach the summit of Tyrwhitt Peak, where they’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges. From this elevated vantage point, visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery, with the serene waters of the lake stretching out before them and the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps rising in the distance.

The views from Tyrwhitt Peak include:

• The shimmering waters of Lake Wanaka, dotted with small islands

• The rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the horizon

• Lush, green hillsides and valleys stretching out in all directions

• Winding hiking trails and the tiny specks of other visitors far below

• A sense of peace and tranquility, far removed from the busy world

Recap

The Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour offers a captivating way to experience the natural beauty of Wanaka.

Visitors can cruise across Lake Wanaka, explore the tranquil Mou Waho Island, and enjoy panoramic views from Tyrwhitt Peak.

This 3-hour adventure provides an opportunity to take in the local history and diverse native wildlife, making it a must-do activity for those visiting the Wanaka region.

You can check if your dates are available here: