Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
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 5 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Driver/guide
- Gourmet Picnic
- Small-group tour, max of 5 per vehicle
- Exclusive acces to Mt. Burke Station
- Return boat trip.
- Morning Tours include Morning Tea: Coffee & Tea with treats and a selection of fruit.
- Afternoon Tour includes Afternoon Tea: Cheese and crackers, etc. with a local wine, or non alcoholic drink.
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Wanaka Marina, Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandWe depart from the newer jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina. Parking is not available for that length of time in the Wanaka Marina. But you can drive 200m past the marina, to where the road splits. You can park on the left hand side of both roads right after the split.
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: 66546P2- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers can participate
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- There are no toilets on this tour, but bushes.
- Please dress appropriately, it can be colder on the mountain so bring a jacket.
- 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 5 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: 66546P2
From
$299.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandWe depart from the newer jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina. Parking is not available for that length of time in the Wanaka Marina. But you can drive 200m past the marina, to where the road splits. You can park on the left hand side of both roads right after the split.
- Pass byWanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
- 1Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land looking over remote islands and the National Park. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. Your trip starts by boating up Lake Wanaka towards the head of Stevenson’s arm with tremendous views of glacier carved mountains, a constantly changing vista of steep walls and alpine peaks. We cruise past Stevenson’s Island to our landing point at the foot of Mt Burke. Boarding our 4×4 Vehicle we climb above the lake, your view expands until all of Lake Wanaka lays before you in a stunning panorama of crystal clear blue water and the alpine peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Take some time to enjoy the solitude and enjoy the best view in Wanaka! Your guide will give you an insight into the history of the farm station and the geology of the Alps and some of the stories of the early settlers while you enjoy your gourmet picnic.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- andrewcB6346FV0 contributionsA trip not to missFabulous boat ride to the island. Then a stiff climb to theArethusa pool at the top. Superb views from the summit. Informative and friendly skipper.Written 12 February 2025
- Roving136952595720 contributionsGreat experience with the skipperThe skipper Brit (not 100% sure I got his name right) was a great tour guide. He stopped a couple of times on the way to Mou Wahu island and talked about the glaciers, local birds, the depth of the lake, and other things to make the trip more engaging. Also there are trekking poles available on the boat, which is a life saver for me to get to the top of the Mou Wahu island trail. Thanks Brit. Sorry if I get your name totally wrong.Written 10 February 2025
- jo88000 contributionsReally loved this trip!Great trip from start to finish. The commentary on the boat ride out was really interesting and a beautiful way to experience Wanaka. Brent had great knowledge and a fun way of sharing it. We got 2 hours at Mou Waho to explore, swim and relax. The scenery was stunning and even though it was a busy summer day, you could still enjoy moments alone. The track is well maintained and while uphill, there are benches along the way if you want to take a little break to enjoy the view. Perfect trip to get out on the lake, enjoy a bit of nature and, at 3 hrs, you still have time for other activities in Wanaka.Written 9 February 2025
- Chuck N0 contributionsWonderful lake tour and hikeWonderful 3 hour tour of Lake Wanaka along with a decent hike to gorgeous views on Mou Waho island. Those who are interested may consider bringing a bathing suit and towel for a swim in the island’s beautiful lakeWritten 5 February 2025
- bobgN5056GD0 contributionsNice morning out on lake WanakaNice boat ride with very knowledgeable captain Hike up mountain was doable for both senior and a 6 year old. Swimming in lake on island in lake was refreshing. Thanks for great tripWritten 31 January 2025
- F1773LVpaulac0 contributionsWater taxi to Moa IslandOur 10am tour was cancelled due to weather but they were great at keeping in touch and rescheduling to 1200. Our skipper, Hannah, was lovely - handled some choppy water really well and gave us a bit of interesting info about the lake and area. The boat is a little tired ...needs some maintenance to spruce it up - paint peeling, seat covers torn, window covers seemed to be worse for wear and not closing properly but did the job of getting us to the island and back - though the price is a little steep when you compare to other offerings in terms of quality of the boat.Written 29 January 2025
- Nikkotoo0 contributionsMou Waho 👍Very pleasant trip on lake Wanaka with informative skipper on the way out. The walk on Mou Waho was enjoyable and the views from the lookout beautiful. A swim in the lake too.Written 25 January 2025
- Paul R0 contributionsA great trip with a great captainBrent our captain was excellent, he knew everything about the area and the island we went to. He gave us so much information and answered all of the questions that were asked. A great 4 hours.Written 22 January 2025
- andreabK9908FG0 contributionsA magical secret lakeIncredible views from a unique and stunning location. 30min walk to the top of the island where there was the most beautiful lake . A quick swim refreshed us before the walk back. A trip not to be missed.Written 20 January 2025
- Venture146950367370 contributionsPleasant journeyThe journey was pleasant and interesting with a friendly and professional guide. I appreciated the 1 adult, free child pricing system also. Thank you.Written 19 January 2025
- lindel19740 contributionsBeautiful Lake Wanaka and You Waho IslandFantastic way to see Lake Wanaka and You Waho Island! Brent was a fantastic host/skipper with lots of local knowledge and interesting facts on the way. Self guided walk to the top of the island to see the tarn with it's own island was lovely, with plenty of time for photos and to soak in the gorgeous views. Great day out, thouroughly recommend!Written 13 January 2025
- 938gerardk0 contributionsExcellent boat excursion.Lovely boat excursion on Lake Wanaka. Great way to see everything looking back to land from the water. I highly recommend.Written 3 January 2025
- SHELLYJ0 contributionsWater taxi trip to Mou Waho islandWe had a really lovely half day out to Mou Waho Island on the water taxi. Krystal, our guide, was very informative and fun and gave us lots of interesting information about the islands we passed on the way, and about the island we were visiting. We were dropped off and left to explore for 2 hours, during which we climbed to the lake at the top, where some brave folk went swimming! We were treated to a visit by the rare Buff Weka birds, who only exist on this island, and a couple of others, after their near extinction in the early 1900’s. They were very friendly and inquisitive and really made our trip! As an unfit, older person, I have to say that the walk up to the lake was a little challenging and uneven but not too taxing. We took a picnic and drinks with us, which we ate on the beach. There was also a small picnic area and a couple of basic toilets on the island. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day.Written 3 January 2025
- Akshat11790 contributionsFantastic tourWe did the Mou Waho island tour in Christmas Day with Krystle who is the owner operator. It was a wonderful tour conducted really well in a small group. Krystle explained the history of the islands including Mou Waho and the conservation efforts underway to restore native trees. The tour was conducted in a very relaxed atmosphere. Krystle allowed us almost 2 hours to explore the beautiful island which has some of the most stunning views. The Arethusa pool on the top of the island is absolutely magical. This is a must do tour if you are in Wanaka and Wanaka water taxi is a great company to do it with.Written 1 January 2025
- Wilson F0 contributionsLovely day activity in Wanaka.Great communication. Just a lovely boat ride and I really enjoyable way to spend the afternoon in Wanaka and feel like you’ve got a good bit of exercise as well. Be sure to bring your togs to swim in the lake . Felt very safe on the boat and got some really interesting information as well .Written 1 January 2025
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
67 reviews
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66
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Wyndam S
6 contributions
We loved this adventure around Wanaka! The trip and experience exceeded expectations and our guides were the best! We took the tour on a Saturday afternoon and left the marina promptly with just our party of 4. The high-speed water taxi transfer to the sheep station was a great way to see a corner of the lake where you wouldn’t normally be able to travel without a boat. The tour up the sheep station was exhilarating as we climbed 700m in elevation over a very short distance. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the region and even though we have traveled to Wanaka several times, we still picked up a bunch of new history. After several stops along the way, we had a beautiful picnic that was considerately planned for dietary requirements (they texted the morning of the tour to confirm any food requests) and our two children. All in all, it was a very lovely experience and one that we would highly recommend for families with younger children that might not be able to easily hike into some of the higher elevation trails around Wanaka. Our photos and memories of the trip will be cherished for many years.
Written 4 March 2023
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.
And what a pleasure it was to have your family aboard. Charlie and I both really enjoyed it.
Thank you for the detailed review and we will see you again once you've moved to NZ!
Kind regards
Brent & Krystle
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denise P
Southampton, UK9 contributions
Feb 2023
What a fantastic experience!! We were picked up from the marina by Krystle who welcomed us cheerfully and ferried out on a 30 minute boat ride to where we were met by Rupert in a 4x4 vehicle. He drove up a very steep rugged sheep trail, he was very confident and knowledgeable, stopping several times to talk about the stunning area we were driving through, and giving us time to take photos. Made us feel very comfortable, yet it was exciting. The views were beyond stunning, photos do not do it justice.
After about 45 mins of driving ‘up’ we stopped at a flat area where a picnic of cheese, biscuits and olives with a bottle of wine were brought out. What a stunning place to have a picnic. We chatted a while, went for a wander to take further pictures.
All in all, we feel that this trip was very good value for money, great fun, great company and very informative with an obvious passion for nature and Rupert and Krystle made sure we were very well cared for.
We would definitely do this again, and would highly recommend it to anyone.
After about 45 mins of driving ‘up’ we stopped at a flat area where a picnic of cheese, biscuits and olives with a bottle of wine were brought out. What a stunning place to have a picnic. We chatted a while, went for a wander to take further pictures.
All in all, we feel that this trip was very good value for money, great fun, great company and very informative with an obvious passion for nature and Rupert and Krystle made sure we were very well cared for.
We would definitely do this again, and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Written 14 February 2023
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 detailed review Denise!
I am sure it will help other travelers.
It's great to hear that you had such a great time.
It was great to have you both aboard.
Rupert and I both had a great time with you aboard.
Cheers
Brent & Krystle
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rocio S
Boston, MA8 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We had an amazing time on the Lake Wanaka boat and 4x4 tour! David, our guide, was fantastic from start to finish. He had a great attitude, shared interesting details about the area’s history, geology, and the early settlers, and truly made the experience special.
The boat ride offered breathtaking views of glacier-carved mountains and remote islands, and the transition to the 4x4 vehicle was seamless. As we climbed above the lake, the panoramic views of Lake Wanaka were absolutely stunning—unlike anything we’ve ever seen!
The picnic spot was perfect, peaceful, and offered a chance to soak in the beauty and serenity of the area. David’s knowledge and enthusiasm added so much value to the trip. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience in Wanaka, this is it.
The boat ride offered breathtaking views of glacier-carved mountains and remote islands, and the transition to the 4x4 vehicle was seamless. As we climbed above the lake, the panoramic views of Lake Wanaka were absolutely stunning—unlike anything we’ve ever seen!
The picnic spot was perfect, peaceful, and offered a chance to soak in the beauty and serenity of the area. David’s knowledge and enthusiasm added so much value to the trip. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience in Wanaka, this is it.
Written 3 January 2025
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.
This review could go straight into a brochure! Thank you so much for the great review! We will pass it on to David as well.
It was a pleasure to have you aboard.
Cheers
Brent & Krystle
Written 26 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul
41 contributions
We did this trip on a beautiful sunny day and were rewarded by some stunning views of lake Wānaka and the surrounding hills.
We met at the marina by Krystel and joined by another couple before getting a boat ( the Wanaka water taxi) along the lake for 30 minutes to the shoreline of the Mount Burke sheep station.
There, they have a couple of old Land Rover discoveries to take you up through the station (farm) along farm tracks up part of Mount Burke.
We stopped for a picnic with the most spectacular views and a short walk.
The drive back down was quite steep and bouncy!
Thanks to Tony who drove us up the mountain and gave us the history of the area, the station, flora and fauna and who served up a lovely picnic overlooking the lake.
Thanks to Krystel for the boat rides and picnic.
We met at the marina by Krystel and joined by another couple before getting a boat ( the Wanaka water taxi) along the lake for 30 minutes to the shoreline of the Mount Burke sheep station.
There, they have a couple of old Land Rover discoveries to take you up through the station (farm) along farm tracks up part of Mount Burke.
We stopped for a picnic with the most spectacular views and a short walk.
The drive back down was quite steep and bouncy!
Thanks to Tony who drove us up the mountain and gave us the history of the area, the station, flora and fauna and who served up a lovely picnic overlooking the lake.
Thanks to Krystel for the boat rides and picnic.
Written 22 February 2024
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 the extensive review! That sure is helpful for other travelers.
It was a pleasure to have you aboard.
Kind regards
Brent & Krystle
Written 2 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John C
Skellingthorpe, UK2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
This tour was fantastic, offering exceptional views of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding landscape. Our driver, Tim, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience feel truly personalized, which we really appreciated. We had a wonderful time as a family on a beautiful, warm day eating cake,fruit and drinking coffee —it couldn't have been better.
Written 28 December 2024
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.
That is so great to hear!! We love having families aboard since you are then the only ones on the hill!
We will pass your review on to Tony ;-) as well.
Cheers
Brent & Krystle
Written 26 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynne C
Reigate, UK37 contributions
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.
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
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.
Henry
Berlin, Germany11 contributions
In beautiful weather we went by boat across the lake and then by Land Rover up the mountain, from where we had a wonderful view of Wanaka Lake. Our guide told us a lot about the area, the nature and the history of New Zealand. We can only recommend this tour. The little picnic and the wine were also great.

Written 25 February 2024
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.
Vielen dank Ulrich!
Gruesse
Brent & Krystle
Written 2 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trail27903272911
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We did this as well as the Mou Waho tour. Both were excellent with informative guides. The driver, Tony, on the 4x4 was very good and we felt very safe in his hands on the amazing drive up the mountain. The views were spectacular and it was amazing to be there with only one other couple and share the majesty of the environment. The cheee platter picnic was excellent as was the wine. The tour was well organised by Krystle who also drove the boat.
Written 3 February 2024
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.
And the grapes of your Pinot Noir even picked by myself (Krystle). We definitely have some excellent wine in this area, and the Pinot Noir we serve comes from my friends vineyard.
We love it when guests join us the whole day! It is so nice to show you are favourite places on Lake Wanaka.
Thank you so much!
Cheers
Brent & Krystle
Written 13 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erika H
15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
All we can say is WOW!!! This is an excellent tour to do. It is small, very personal and Crystal and Charlie are wonderful. You start the day with a water taxi to Mt Bourke station on Lake Wanaka and you then hop in the 4x4 with Charlie and start the steep ascent up to the top of Mt Bourke station, where he prepares a lovely morning tea of coffee, cakes and fruit for you, complete with folding chairs to take in the views, which are spectacular. He stops along the way and explains what you are looking at and nothing is too much trouble. Watch out and give way to the sheep crossing. You then descend back down to the waiting water tax and back to Wanaka. We also combined it with Wanaka Mou Waho in the afternoon at the suggestion of Crystal and I will leave a review of this on this site as well. It was excellent. All in all a very good day and well worth ever penny.
Written 2 April 2023
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.
Yay!! That is so great to hear! What an awesome review Erica & Vanessa.
We absolutely loved having the 2 of you aboard and it was great you decided to stay to do the Mou Waho Island afterwards as well.
Thank you so much for joining us and for the awesome review! We will pass it on the Charlie as well.
Kind regards
Brent & Krystle
Written 4 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dirk v
Eindhoven, The Netherlands6 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
My 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!
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 17 November 2024
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.
Dank Dirk!!
Zo fijn om te horen dat jullie het zo naar jullie zin hebben gehad!
Heel erg bedankt voor de 5 sterren!
Groeten
Brent & Krystle
Written 26 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hey,
Can I book this trip for my family with a six year old ? I might need it for 19-12-2019.
Thanks,
Amit
Written 17 December 2019
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