5 Walking Tours in Wanaka, Weighed Against Each Other

1.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215Our pick

Travel from Wanaka into Mount Aspiring National Park by jet boat, racing over shallow river braids and spinning through deep pools before a 50-minute guided walk to forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. Local guides such as Ben and James share stories about the mountains and film locations. The four-hour trip suits people with moderate fitness.

“Ben is a very knowledgable and gifted skipper. You are in for a real treat on this trip!!!! We had a blast with beautiful scenery, great jet boat ride and walk in a serene beech forest. Would definitely do this again when in Wanaka!”

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2.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 160 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Spend two hours cruising Lake Wanaka aboard the white catamaran Dual Image, then follow a guide such as Cam on a short, 50-meter climb to Stevensons Island’s summit. Expect mountain views, local stories, photo stops, and tea, coffee, and a biscuit on the return trip. The walk is optional.

“A nice relaxing cruise with a lovely bush walk once we got to Stevensons Island. After returning to the boat there was a warm cuppa with biscuits.”

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3.Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $176

Cruise 30 minutes across Lake Wanaka with a local captain, then join a guided one-hour return walk on Mou Waho Island. Look for reintroduced buff weka, plant a native tree, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea beside the island’s remarkable lake-on-an-island view. Guides including Michael and Chris bring strong local and eco knowledge.

“We had the best time seeing Wanaka from the lake and doing a perfect length hike to the top of the island. We learned so much about the plants and animals in the area too! Boat ride might be a little chilly/splashy in the winter :)”

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4.Mou Waho Island: 3-Hour Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 66 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Take a fast boat from Wanaka’s lakefront to predator-free Mou Waho Island. Guide Jamie, Toby, Tim, or Reon may lead your two-hour walk through native bush to a lake above the lake, then a higher lookout. Bring sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, and a warm layer.

“The guides were lovely and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The lake and the island in the lake were beautiful! We saw two of the endangered Buff Weka's while there!”

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5.Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 43 reviews · 1 hour · from $29Best value

Take a one-hour Lake Wanaka cruise to photogenic Ruby Island, then follow a local skipper-guide on a gentle 20-minute walk. Hear about the island’s prohibition-era past, spot its mix of native and exotic plants, and frame the lake and mountains from shore. Guides may include Tim, Toby, Chris, or Dan.

“Very good but there could have been more time on the water. Our guide was very informative.”

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