Day Tour from Queenstown to Wanaka Including Cruise to Mou Waho Island Reserve.

Step beyond the usual tourist trail and discover the wild heart of Central Otago on a full-day adventure with local guides Beth and Tom. Passionate storytellers with a deep love for the region, they bring the landscapes to life with fascinating tales of gold rush pioneers, Māori heritage, local legends, wildlife, and the characters who helped shape this remarkable corner of New Zealand.

Departing from central Queenstown at 8:00am, this small-group experience is designed for travellers who want more than just spectacular scenery.

Arriving at Lake Wanaka, you'll board a scenic cruise across the crystal-clear, glacial-fed waters to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free Department of Conservation nature reserve and one of New Zealand's most remarkable conservation success stories. Home to rare native birds, regenerating forest, and unique wildlife, Mou Waho offers an authentic glimpse into New Zealand as it once was.

Once ashore, enjoy a self-guided walk through native bush to the island's summit. Along the way, keep watch for the rare Buff Weka, extinct on mainland New Zealand for over a century, as well as native birdlife and the extraordinary Mountain Stone Wētā. The climb is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and the island's most remarkable feature – the Arethusa Pool, a natural glacial lake perched atop the island. Standing beside a lake on an island, within a lake, surrounded by the Southern Alps, is an experience found virtually nowhere else on Earth.

Returning to Wanaka around 1:00pm, the adventure continues with a visit to the famous That Wanaka Tree, one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks. After lunch, take in the spectacular views from the Wanaka Monument before beginning the journey home through the charming settlement of Bradrona and the historic Cardrona Hotel, a beautifully preserved relic of the 1860s gold rush era.

You'll return to Queenstown around 4:00pm with a deeper understanding of the region and memories that will last long after the journey ends.

Should weather conditions prevent the lake crossing, an exhilarating Clutha River jet boat experience will take its place.