Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
5
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
By Wanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 13 per group
Duration: 3h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Extensive live commentary onboard
- 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island
- Landing and facility fees
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Wānaka Marina, Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandWe depart from the jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66546P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum numbers apply
- A 20/30 minute walk up hill is involved. (Optional)
- Due to uneven surfaces and the steepness in places, the walk is not recommended for those with walking disabilities but they are more than welcome to join us on the boat trip and skip the walk and stay at the bottom of the island.
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66546P1
From
$139.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandWe depart from the jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina
- Pass byWanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
- 1Our 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, steep walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breath taking 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. Stay for 1.5 hours on the island to explore at your own pace.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- cheekyscot0 contributionsSomething different - a unique way to see beautiful scenery.Our experience was wonderful. There were four of us on our trip so it was a very personalised experience. Hannah our boat driver was friendly and welcoming and skilfully took us up and down the Lake. Tony our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and skilful at 4x4 wheel driving! The views were incredible, Mt Burke being the perfect vantage point to see both up and down Lake Wanaka with (better views than having walked 5hrs + up Roy’s Peak); the surrounding mountains, as well as a view of Mou Waho Island. The small but tasty picnic was an opportunity to relax, soak up the surroundings while chatting to Tony and the other two people on the trip. It’s was a wonderful way to spend the morning and we didn’t want to leave.Written 3 December 2024
- 857dirkv0 contributionsHighlight from our NZ tripMy folks and I had one of our best days in NZ on this tour. Captain Hanna took us for a lovely boat trip across the lake to Mount Burke. From there on our guide Charlie drove us up the mountain. The ride was good fun with some steep and bumpy sections, a muddy track, and sheep and little lambs all around. The panoramic views from the mountain are hard to describe and out of this world. Pictures don't do it justice. It's like looking at a painting. It's also a very private spot. You could hear a pin drop, not a vehicle or person around in miles. Magical! A special thank you to Charlie, a very passionate and knowledgeable guide who made us feel at ease and shared a lot of interesting and fun facts. All the best!Written 16 November 2024
- Curious243997498560 contributionsAn unique experienceAn unique experience. With the most beautiful sights and great guidance along the way. A once in a lifetime trip to the top with a great viewWritten 13 November 2024
- DiW4800 contributionsAmazing views and a great day outFabulous day out with Wanaka WaterTaxi's- Tony was a great guide, lots of information and easy to talk to. The views from the tour are amazing, lots of photo opportunities (and he was very patient and happy to stop on request). Warming soup for a picnic lunch on a cold day.Written 26 April 2024
- brentt9810 contributionsUnbelievable ViewsThe views just kept getting better and better. A very beautiful, relaxing ride. We were met at Wānaka and took a water taxi to where we met the Land Rover to view some of the once in a lifetime views.Written 4 April 2024
- Blackorchid_v0 contributions100% WORTH ITThe perfect short-trip sight-seeing tour with Wanaka Water Taxi was 100% worth it! WIth a short trip across the lake and then a fun, bouncy ride up the side of a hill to overlook the magnificent Lake Wanaka (which is so vast!), this unusual sightseeing tour was fun, exciting and not too intense. We had a lovely tea and some light snacks overlooking the water, too. I'd recommend this fantastic tour to anyone!Written 26 March 2024
- yvettecruz20240 contributionsAmazing!Such an amazing experience! Loved every minute of it. Great commentary and such a hidden beauty of Wānaka.Written 19 March 2024
- nancysmart0 contributionsGreat trip!We loved this trip. Great info and a lovely place to stop on the island. Woukd definitely recommend.Written 14 March 2024
- Inspire062995318570 contributionsDouble fun with Wanaka Water TaxiWe only had 2 nights in Wanaka but were able to book the mountain and island combo over 2 days. Amazing trip - small group adventure with friendly knowledgeable guides. Quality picnic and opportunity to swim in Mou Waho’s lake. - idyllic!!! Highly recommendWritten 14 March 2024
- 755jackie0 contributionsWanaka by water and 4x 4Fantastic trip on Wanaka lake by water taxi then 4x 4 drive to the mountain top spectacular views. Tony our host was very informative.Written 12 March 2024
- reluctant_hermit0 contributionsFantastic experience!Me my wife and my 6 year old had the best time! The water taxi, the off road drive and the picnic are absolutely worth it! This was an amazing trip and i highly recommend this if anyone has a few hours to spare!Written 10 March 2024
- Andrea R0 contributionsWonderful afternoon in Mohu islandWe had an afternoon excursion with Water taxi to Mohu island. A lots of information was shared about the birth of Wanaka lake and the surrounding area. Mohu island is beautiful. We saw many birds and native plants. The view from the top is amazing. The suprise is the small lake near to the top, which is very nice as well. It was a perfect service from the Water taxi.Written 8 March 2024
- caveycavey0 contributionsGreat trip!We loved this trip. Beautiful scenery, good info from the captain and lovely island. Woukd definitely recommend. 😍Written 7 March 2024
- shF8326TA0 contributionsMou Waho island tripA great morning out. Lots of information from our guide on the trip out and about the island. Spectacular views from lookout on island. Pack swimming gear for swim in the lake on the island, in a lake! A very unrushed relaxed trip, thanks Brent.Written 25 February 2024
- ponnip0 contributionsNot to be missed3 of us went on this trip. We received personalised attention and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The scenery was stunning and the picnic was sumptuous. The trip included a dip in the lake. We would highly recommend this experience.Written 24 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
120 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
HTTE
Stockton Heath, UK385 contributions
We had a small misunderstanding before the trip, as the girl in the information place on Wanaka high street, were we bought the tickets had pointed to the lake and said we had to be at the jetty 10 mins before our trip, not mentioning that it was from the marina which is to the right of the lake! Luckily we were early and got there in time.
Jason our skipper and guide was great and very informative. We enjoyed his quiz about the lake and his passion about Wanaka and surrounding area.
It took approx 45mins to get to the island, the scenery breathtaking and approx 1&1/2 hours to explore the island. It’s a steep path to the top viewing point but so worth it! Amazing views ! There is also a small lake that you could swim in, but we didn’t.
Definitely recommend.
Jason our skipper and guide was great and very informative. We enjoyed his quiz about the lake and his passion about Wanaka and surrounding area.
It took approx 45mins to get to the island, the scenery breathtaking and approx 1&1/2 hours to explore the island. It’s a steep path to the top viewing point but so worth it! Amazing views ! There is also a small lake that you could swim in, but we didn’t.
Definitely recommend.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am happy to hear that you found the right place after all! We made the girls at the information place aware of that. You can see the marina from their office but when they point at it, it looks like they are pointing at the other jetty.
Did your team win the quiz?!
Thank you for joining us! And for the 5 star review, we really appreciate it!
Written 2 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Solo Family Travels
Melbourne, Australia25 contributions
We had a great trip to Mau Wahu - our skipper was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot about the history and natural features of Lake Wanaka. On the island we enjoyed the walk to the lake and lookout, and met plenty of endangered weka birds.
If the weather is warm a swim in the lake would be very fun!
If the weather is warm a swim in the lake would be very fun!
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review, we really appreciate it! And it is always great to hear that you had a great time and that you learnt a lot! We hope to see you again one day.
Written 2 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jaimee M
Wanaka, New Zealand34 contributions
Did this trip on my birthday with 3 generations of my family... all had a ball! Good bit of commentary on the way to beautiful Mou Waho Island and then left to our own devices on the island. With small kids & grandparents this was great, didn’t feel time pressure for the walk to the not so secret lake at the top of the island as their timing was well done. Certainly would recommend to any group/individual/traveller or local. A great value half day out for any age. Will be back!
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Jaimee! It's always great to see 3 generations enjoying the trip!
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzs
2 contributions
Dec 2020
It was a hot day in Wanaka, what better place to be than on the water? The wind came up strong making the way out to the Mou Waho choppy. Safety was never a concern. Even the choppy ride was fun. Being out on the lake added a whole new perspective to “seeing Wanaka”. The island is beautiful and the hike up to Arethusa Lake although steep is not long. 15 Degree swim (if you dare!) in the cool, clean water of this Lake in a Lake on an island. A curious Weka came to check out the apricot I brought along. A further hike up gives a view of Arethusa above the lake and one other short trail brings a 360 degree view of Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. Krystal was a lovely skipper. Chat about the lake was minimal today as the focus was on managing the wind. Will look forward to going out to Mou Waho again on a future trip.
Written 16 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review Suz & Bill! It was great to have you aboard and I am sure our paths will cross again, either in Christchurch or on the lake again!
Written 17 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
highker
New Zealand12 contributions
A brilliantly sunny warm day for a trip with Brent our skipper and Krystle our hostess. Krystle passed on to us her great knowledge of Lake Wanaka and its islands as we travelled out into the lake. First stop Ruby Island where it’s history was explained by Brent. An interesting dialogue. On to MoU Waho Island where we disembarked and prepared for our walk to the top. This is not for the feint hearted and one of our party was only able to get half way. Those passengers who did the whole climb were amazed with its beauty. Thank you Brent and Krystle for a great half day out. If you are in Wanaka this trip is highly recommended.
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for joining us! It was lovely to meet you. And luckily the views from half way are very nice to and she got welcomed by the cheeky Wekas at the bottom of the hill.
Written 18 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AKLSandH
16 contributions
Feb 2022
Thank you Krystle for taking us out to Mou Waho Island. Your commentary was informative and your instructions for the track were straightforward. We had enough time to do the walk then relax and enjoy a swim in the lake.
The lake water temperature was cool but not cold and was a unique experience swimming in a beautiful natural envronment.
We recommend going the extra few minutes to the summit for the best view.
Krystle is a great ambassador for the company and Wanaka tourism and we will definitely tell others about this trip.
The lake water temperature was cool but not cold and was a unique experience swimming in a beautiful natural envronment.
We recommend going the extra few minutes to the summit for the best view.
Krystle is a great ambassador for the company and Wanaka tourism and we will definitely tell others about this trip.
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear! Thank you so much for joining us and now being ambassadors as well! ;-) We really appreciate it. It's just such a magical place.
Kind regards
Krystle
Written 16 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jiwan
14 contributions
What a great day I had. Beautiful day, beautiful island and great walk. Good view from the top of the island. The best and surprising part was hidden lake Arethusa pool which looks so beautiful and eye catching. Got a chance to encounter with Weka bird. I highly recommend.
Thanks to the operator
Thanks to the operator
Written 24 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking the time to give us such a nice review. Great to hear you loved the island as much as we do.
Written 27 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy D
Invercargill, New Zealand17 contributions
Spent an enjoyable afternoon travelling to Mou Wahou Island via Motapu Island (history stop only). Basically a shuttle service but provided an informative commentary along the way. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. MoU Wahou itself is an attractive location on the lake, with a short steep trail to the top of the island. The views are commanding and there was time to swim in Arethusa’s pool on the island or in Lake Wanaka itself, before the return journey
Written 26 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for joining us Wendy! We will have to come to Te Anau for a swim with you soon!
Written 18 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mrswinendine
Mooloolaba, Australia419 contributions
Fabulous day out to Mou Waho Island with Wanaka Water Taxi.
We started with a trip out to the island in a comfortable water taxi; Brent (skipper) spoke about the local area and history of the glaciers on the way as well as pointing out local islands.
On arriving we headed straight to the lookout which is along a narrow path. It took me about 30 minutes with stops and was well worth it. Lovely views up and around the lake and there was a lot of bird life including cheeky Wekas who eyed my bag’s looking for treasure.
We had a swim at the elevated lake and cooled down before walking back to the shore. All up we took about 90 minutes for the return walk with a swim thrown in.
We wore sturdy shoes although I did see people managing the walk in sandal’s. I appreciated the use of a walking pole from Brent, particularly useful for the downhill track. Do take water.
Krystle was the skipper for the return trip and it was a great journey.
I recommend this activity highly, very good value and lots of time to explore.
Thanks to Brent and Krystle.
We started with a trip out to the island in a comfortable water taxi; Brent (skipper) spoke about the local area and history of the glaciers on the way as well as pointing out local islands.
On arriving we headed straight to the lookout which is along a narrow path. It took me about 30 minutes with stops and was well worth it. Lovely views up and around the lake and there was a lot of bird life including cheeky Wekas who eyed my bag’s looking for treasure.
We had a swim at the elevated lake and cooled down before walking back to the shore. All up we took about 90 minutes for the return walk with a swim thrown in.
We wore sturdy shoes although I did see people managing the walk in sandal’s. I appreciated the use of a walking pole from Brent, particularly useful for the downhill track. Do take water.
Krystle was the skipper for the return trip and it was a great journey.
I recommend this activity highly, very good value and lots of time to explore.
Thanks to Brent and Krystle.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much to take the time to write such a detailed review! That will be very useful for other guests.
It was great to have you aboard and we love hearing that you had such a good time.
Cheers
Brent & Krystle
Written 28 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HaggisMaidens
Maidens11 contributions
Struck it lucky with a beautiful day for our trip to Mou Waho. (Planning and good forecast) We wanted to see the Island in the Lake on an Island in Lake Wanaka and it didn’t disappoint. Got to love Wanaka. Even had a weka posing for the perfect picture.
Written 2 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Some great planning Neville & Cindy! What a stunning day it was. Indeed it's the light winds or anything with a Southerly in it that is great for on the lake.
Thank you for joining us and the review!
Written 6 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
With the 2pm tour, does the tour always finish at 5pm or a bit later? I'm planning to fly out on the same day so just want to double check if we'd have enough time. Thanks
Written 8 January 2020
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