Discover the raw beauty of Lake Wanaka's magical Mou Waho Island by way of an informative cruise and self-guided Nature Walk.
Nicknamed the “island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea", Mou Waho Island is a protected, Department of Conservation nature reserve in Lake Wanaka only accessible by boat - an absolute must-do if you are visiting Wanaka!
Get ready to explore this magical, remote slice of paradise, starting with a an informative boat cruise on the pristine waters of Lake Wanaka, where you can relax and soak up outstanding mountain views.
After receiving helpful advice and suggestions from our expert crew, you will then be given 2 hours to explore the beautiful Mou Waho Island at your own pace. Discover steep rocky coastlines, secluded beaches, and diverse birdlife including the rare flightless Buff Weka, and the Mountain Stone Weta.
Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a natural glacial formed lake and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction! Make sure your camera is ready for spectacular views and photo opportunities around every corner.
Rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka, this experience is not to be missed!
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
Once you get to the island, try to get away from everyone else. I saw 4 weka, loads of fantails and other birds, heard tui and bellbirds among the others. The walk up is fine. I am not super fit and I did it. The views are to die for. Bit tricky to get into the lake for a swim, but I did it.
A gorgeous trip up to a lovely island. Did the 30 minute walk up to the little lake and then the bluff with amazing views.
We recently took part in the Mou Waho Island Cruise and Self-Guided Eco Walk, and while we were looking forward to the adventure, the experience was unfortunately dampened—quite literally—by poor weather. Before the trip, we contacted the operator to ask if we could reschedule, given the forecast for rain and cold conditions. Our request was dismissed, with reassurance from Tim that the weather would be suitable for the outing. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. We spent much of the trip wet, cold, and uncomfortable. While Tim did later send an email apologising for the weather, it felt like too little, too late. The island itself was shrouded in mist, and while there were moments when the birdsong added some charm, the landscape appeared scrubby and the views were largely obscured. What I had most looked forward to was heading back to the warm, welcoming Cardrona Hotel where we could thaw out. While we appreciate that weather is beyond anyone’s control, a more flexible approach—especially outside peak season—would have made a significant difference. As it was, the outing felt more like an overpriced water taxi ride than the eco-adventure we had hoped for.
A wonderful trip but we thought it would be four hours, as advised on website, not three hours. Another hour would gave been great. Not quite long enough to fully appreciate the beauty of the place. A bit rushed. Four hours would give almost three hours on the island, rather than only two hours. Half of this two hours is spent walking up and down to the lake on top of the island. Needed more time for a proper swim in the lake ! Nevertheless, a magical trip with a very friendly host driver on a modern fast boat.
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elisabeths4 from Germany wrote on 23 May 2025
Boat Trip and hike
It was a great experience. The hike was for us only 20 mins up and down. Don’t forget to bring your tongues. It would have been a nice swim up there. We forgot ours..