New Zealand · WANAKA TOURS

The 15 Best Wanaka Tours & Activities

35 tours  ·  from $29

Wanaka is the quieter side of the same mountains, an hour over the Crown Range from Queenstown. These 15 cover the lake cruises, the via ferrata, the trail rides and the jet boats, with prices and how hard each one is.

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours) - What the Level 2 route feels like
Rock Climbing, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

1.Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $232Our pick

Climb Twin Falls near Wānaka on Wildwire’s four-hour Level 2 via ferrata. Your guide provides training, safety gear, lunch, and steady support as you tackle steel ladders, narrow bridges, and steeper sections above the falls. No climbing background is needed, but you need moderate fitness, sure footing, and a calm head for heights.

“Liv was an amazing guide and this was such a wonderful experience! Adrenaline was going but felt very safe the whole time!”

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Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails - Lake Hawea opens the ride with wide mountain views
Bike Tours in Wanaka, Cycling Tours, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

2.Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 346 reviews · from $80

Start in Wānaka, ride a shuttle to Lake Hawea, then cycle back through river valleys, lake country, Albert Town, and the Clutha River. Choose a regular bike or e-bike. David or James gives you a route briefing, helmet, trunk bag, lock, pump, and repair kit before you set off.

“Fantastic views and great bikes. Really good instruction on the route and back up from James. If you’re not used to cycling far then opt for an e-bike. Great trails, a bit challenging in places.”

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Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise - Finding Dual Image at Wanaka’s old jetty
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

3.Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 313 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Best value

Board the 17-meter catamaran Dual Image beside Wanaka’s old jetty for a relaxed one-hour cruise. Your $38 ticket includes a glass of local wine, beer, or soft drink, plus cheese and crackers. Chat with the English-speaking crew, including skippers such as Toby or Reon, and enjoy extra drinks for $7.

“Loved this afternoon cruise. The crew were so friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable.”

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Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka - Starting in Albert Town, just outside Wanaka
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

4.Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · from $98

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Clutha River. With space for no more than nine people, Pat and the crew combine fast turns, 360-degree spins, photo stops, and stories about local gold-mining history. Meet in Albert Town, or ask about pickup from Wanaka accommodation.

“Amazing Ride! We enjoyed the Jet boat ride with Pat, he is so knowledgeable and he absoblutely loves nature! Explaning to us about the Clutha river, activities around the river, history and so much more! And not forgetting the twists and turns Read more”

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Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour - Mou Waho Island and the walk to Arethusa Pool
Tour Reviews, Tours, Transfers and Shuttles, Wanaka Tours

Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

5.Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 299 reviews · 3 hours · from $83

Take a small water taxi from Wanaka Marina to remote Mou Waho Island with an English-speaking skipper such as Hannah, James, Brent, or Krystle. After a scenic lake cruise and local commentary, you explore independently, hiking to the island’s hidden lake and Tyrwhitt Peak. Bring swimwear, water, and snacks.

“A nice morning on the island. Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable about the place and an experienced skipper. We had a rough start with the waves but James managed to adjust the route to give us the most comfortable ride possible. The climb up to the lake and the views of both the lake and Wanaka from the top was amazing..”

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Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+) - Why your riding ability matters here
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Wanaka, Horse Trekking, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+)

6.Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 261 reviews · from $365

Ride 3.5 hours through Cardrona’s high country, across a working cattle farm and the Cardrona River, with chances to trot and canter. Your guide matches you with a suitable horse, shares gold-rush history, and leads you to the Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink. This is not a walking-only ride.

“We had a great day riding in the Cardrona Valley. Great staff, and beautiful horses. We are beginner riders and the staff was really helpful in picking out the right horses for us.”

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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - What the jet-boat ride is really like
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

7.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

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

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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Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown - Cardrona Hotel and the famous bra fence
Tour Reviews, Tours, Wanaka Tours

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

8.Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 252 reviews · from $129

Travel from central Queenstown through the Crown Range to Wanaka and Arrowtown in a small group of up to 15. Expect scenic photo stops, a drink at the Cardrona Hotel, guided commentary, one hour in Wanaka, and one hour in Arrowtown. Guides such as Murray, Chris, Brian, and Serena are known for clear local stories and careful driving.

“This day trip was fantastic. Scenery beautiful. Our guide was excellent and full of stories about the history especially about Arrowtown. We enjoyed the whole day. Highly recommended this trip to everyone.”

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Wanaka: Tandem Skydive Experience - Choosing between 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 feet
Skydiving, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Wanaka: Tandem Skydive Experience

9.Tandem Skydive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 252 reviews · 3 hours · from $214

Jump over Wanaka with an experienced tandem master, choosing 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet. Your 20-minute flight may reveal Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, six lakes, and the Clutha River before 25 to 60 seconds of freefall. Chris, Ben, Jamie, Rory, Lucas, and other instructors are praised for calm, friendly guidance. Photos and video cost extra.

“it was very fun and beautiful WE have a very great Time thanks vance and Rory for this jump😉🤘🤘🤘🤘”

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Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka - Arriving at the Cardrona meeting point
Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

10.Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · from $222

Ride a 450cc quad through Cardrona Valley with a local guide and up to eight other people. You’ll follow dirt tracks between Mount Cardrona and the Pisa Range, see old gold-mining sites, and learn the controls during a full safety briefing. Guides such as Phoebe, Summer, Kelly, and Hannah have helped first-time riders feel at ease.

“Absolutely spectacular track! Super kind guide! We were out right at ease and it was our first time driving ATVs All in all a wonderful and thrilling experience we would definitely recommend doing!”

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Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour - Mou Waho Island and the walk to Arethusa Pool
Tour Reviews, Tours, Transfers and Shuttles, Wanaka Tours

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

11.Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 217 reviews · from $86

Cruise 15 km from Wānaka Marina to Mou Waho Island with a skipper such as Hannah, Brent, Kyle, or James. Hear local geology and island stories, then spend about 90 minutes walking to Arethusa Pool and the lookout. The climb is optional, steep, and uneven, while the boat ride is suitable for a relaxed half-day outing.

“Hannah did a great job as boat skipper. Trip was informative and well organized. Nice for a few hours on the lake and to take an easy hike up on the island and the views!”

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Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River - The guides add more than driving skill
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Jet Boat Tours in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

12.Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $83

You’ll leave Lakeland Wanaka on Ardmore Street for a 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wānaka and down the Clutha River. Expect speeds above 80kph, shallow channels, rapids, tree-lined turns, tunnels, and Hamilton Spins. Guides such as Matt, Max, Amber, and Sarah combine driving skill with local stories about the river and its ecosystems.

“Exciting spins,engaging storytelling by friendly Max and breathtaking scenery.Perfect family adventure.”

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Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike - Lake Hāwea begins with the best views
Bike Tours in Wanaka, Cycling Tours, E-Bike Tours in Wanaka, E-Bikes, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike

13.Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $80

Take a shuttle from Wānaka to Lake Hāwea, then ride yourself back along the Hāwea and Clutha rivers. The 30km trail takes about 2 to 2.5 hours of riding, plus photo and café stops. James, Tristan, David, or another nzbiketrails host explains the route, fits your bike, and offers support if needed. E-bikes are strongly recommended.

“Very pleasant , easy going and scenic. If anything a few more sign posts for direction would help”

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Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk - Finding Dual Image at the Wanaka waterfront
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

14.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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Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular! - The first ride: simple instruction for beginners
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Wanaka, Horse Trekking, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

15.Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $309

Ride from Cardrona through farms, streams, mountain lanes, and old gold-rush country on a two-hour guided trek. You’ll meet the horses, learn basic steering and stopping, and ride at a pace suited to your ability. Guides such as Phoebe and Val add local stories, horse tales, and photo stops. No riding experience is required.

“I don’t really write reviews but I’m making an exception for The Cardrona team as they were exceptional! The scenery was epic, and Phoebe kept us entertained with all funny anecdotes of the horse drama and the history of Cardrona. AngRead more”

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New in Wanaka Tours

★ 4.6Ruby Island 1-Hour Cruise and Photo WalkFrom $2943 reviews
★ 4.9Private Day Trip to Wanaka, Arrowtown & More11 reviews
★ 4.9Lake Wānaka: 3 hour Fishing Adventure by BoatFrom $2277 reviews
★ 4.8Mount Aspiring Full-Day Canyoning AdventureFrom $29814 reviews
★ 5.0Cardrona First Timer Ski or SnowboardFrom $1604 reviews
★ 5.0ebike tour lake Hawea river track to Wanaka4 reviews
★ 4.9Cardrona Valley: Mountain Quad Bike ExperienceFrom $17830 reviews
★ 4.5Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from WanakaFrom $18467 reviews
★ 5.0Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:WanakaFrom $35326 reviews
★ 5.0ebike tour lake Hawea river track to WanakaFrom $13363 reviews
★ 5.0Wanaka Easy Ebike TourFrom $1987 reviews
★ 4.9Mou Waho Island: 3-Hour Cruise and Guided Nature WalkFrom $10166 reviews
★ 5.0Cardrona Valley: Horse Trekking ExperienceFrom $29812 reviews
★ 4.9Wānaka: Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails on Bike or eBikeFrom $8642 reviews

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