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Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

Top rated
4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9
207 reviews
Activity provider:
Wanaka Water Taxi & 4x4 Explorer
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Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour
Top rated
4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9
207 reviews

Take a Water Taxi and explore Mou Waho Island. Discover a hidden lake which contains its own island, forming a Russian doll of islands and lakes. Meet the Weka, an adorable and curious bird that is partial to meeting humans.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Enya – Malta

It was very fun! The water taxi itself on the way to the island was very comfortable. The guide, Brent, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The time allocated on the island was just perfect; we managed to explore every path we wanted to and made it back in time for the trip back.

5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Stephen – United Kingdom

Brent our guide was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our journey up to the island learning about the lake's formation and unique wildlife. The island stop was the perfect amount of time to reach the viewpoints and enjoy the Wekas and Fantails as well as other birds in the dense vegetation.

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Enjoy a cruise on Lake Wanaka and learn about the history of the area
  • Discover the hidden lake within the island within the lake
  • Meet the curious Wekas, a rare flightless native bird which lives on the island
  • Enjoy the freedom of being able to explore the island in your own way
  • Go for a swim in the lake on the island

Full description

Hop aboard a comfortable water taxi and make your way to Mou Waho Island. Along the way, your tour guide will explain the island's unique geology and history. Of the Lake Wanaka’s 5 islands, Mou Waho is the most remote and the most beautiful. Once there, you will have 1.5 hours to yourself to enjoy this special place.

Hike 20 minutes to the island’s hidden lake. Created by glacial action thousands of years ago, this secluded lake contains an island itself. This island is known as the “island on a lake, on an island on a lake on an island in the sea.” (Close your eyes and visualize that for a moment). Walk 5 minutes from the hidden lake to reach Tyrwhitt Peak, the highest point on the island. From the top of the peak take in the luscious panorama of lakes and jagged peaks.

Witness the diverse bird life of this predator-free nature reserve. See the elegant kereru (wood Pidgeon), the adorable korimako (bellbird), the delightful Tomtit, and the Weka. Wekas are charismatic birds that disappeared from the mainland of New Zealand but were introduced to these islands as a part of a breeding program in 2002. When you spot one, stop and say hello. These birds are particularly charismatic and cheeky characters and are often attracted to human interaction.

Relax on the island’s small sheltered beach. Cool off with a swim in the waters of Lake Wanaka before taking the water taxi back to Wanaka.

Includes

  • Water Taxi to and from the Island
  • Commentary on the boat with a couple of stops
  • Walking poleS
  • Activity sheets for kids

Meeting point

Wanaka Marina, Lakeside Rd on the bigger jetty across the toilet block. The Water taxi will arrive on this jetty.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Swimwear

Know before you go

  • Please be advised, the walk up to the hidden lake and view point is steep and rocky in places but not long and there are benches along the way to rest
  • Guests who aren't up for the walk but mobile enough to get on and off the boat and the island are more than welcome to join the tour anyway to enjoy the lake and the bird life on the island

From $84 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5
4.9 out of 5 stars

based on 207 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

+29
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5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Enya – MaltaMay 21, 2025 – Verified booking
It was very fun! The water taxi itself on the way to the island was very comfortable. The guide, Brent, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The time allocated on the island was just perfect; we managed to explore every path we wanted to and made it back in time for the trip back.
5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Stephen – United KingdomMay 2, 2025 – Verified booking
Brent our guide was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our journey up to the island learning about the lake's formation and unique wildlife. The island stop was the perfect amount of time to reach the viewpoints and enjoy the Wekas and Fantails as well as other birds in the dense vegetation.
5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Chris – United StatesApril 1, 2025 – Verified booking
Hannah was an excellent guide. We enjoyed the tour and the information she provided.

Product ID: 186858

Activity provider:
Wanaka Water Taxi & 4x4 Explorer
  • New Zealand
  • South Island
  • Lake Wanaka

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