Waho Island

Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breathtaking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks. Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters. Trip includes a 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island. Note: Christmas Day Mou Waho Island Tour includes a Xmas picnic and will run a bit longer so we can all celebrate together.  

Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our fast lake cruiser, guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a 30 minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery with commentary on local history, geology and culture. On the island you will have 2 hours ashore for a guided walk. Learn about the island and its unique bird-life from our knowledgeable guides as you hike to the summit enjoying outstanding photo opportunities. Mou Waho Island is a predator-free Department of Conservation nature reserve with a natural glacial formed lake at its summit. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. Please note that the walk goes up 150 m vertically over 1 km.

Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk   • A “must see” in Wanaka, this cruise to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, is predator free and home to the rare and  flightless Buff Weka, (extinct on mainland NZ) • Optional one hour return guided bush walk included, taking you up to reveal the island’s secret- a lake right on top of the island! • “High Tea” overlooking both these lakes, and the panorama of the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps spread out before us. • The option to plant a native tree on the island as part of this eco-experience is also a unique. • Morning or afternoon tea supplied. • Departs 9.00am and 1.30pm, allow 4 hours.