Half-day Tours
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travellers
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from
$265
per adult
Eco Wanaka Adventures
Eco Wanaka Adventures
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Eco Wanaka Lake, Island and Mountain Adventures offers - Lake Cruise & island Walk - Rare flightless birds, a magical lake on top of an island and a unique opportunity to plant a native tree as part of this eco-experience. Rob Roy Glacier Guided Trek - The World Heritage area's Jewel, Rob Roy has it all! Swingbridge, Rainforest, waterfalls, icefalls, and comical Keas all in one day! Walk in "THE HOBBIT's" footsteps - The Misty Mountains Heli Hike starts at 2100m, on the very set that was used in all 3 trilogies - With 3 "Lord of the Rings" film sites also seen from this paramount site. Magical panoramas can be seen from this commanding site from the movie featured, glacier cloaked Mt Aspiring at 3033m to the Laketown of Wanaka far below! 1400m above worry level- The Alpine Lakes Heli Hike is a pure wilderness experience- 3 pristine emerald clear lakes with a commanding view of the Matukituki Valley - As easy or as challenging as you like, this incredible World Heritage area is part of the glaciated Mt Aspiring National Park. Just stunning photographic views!
Wanaka, New Zealand
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5.0
377 reviews
Excellent
357
Very good
17
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Gangus karn
Hobart, Australia38 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
My wife and I rocked up, with an open mind on a freezing Sunday morning, Craig our captain/tour pilot had a small heater going in the boat to rewarm our already frozen bodies as we climbed aboard, we then embarked on our “let’s say private tour” to an absolutely spectacular morning on lake Wanaka, Craig took the time to explain in detail about the area and how the lake was formed.
Then guided us on a simply remarkable tour of mouwaho island, with the promise of catching a glimpse of the endangered “Chook” known to the locals as the Buff Weka, which we subsequently found and admired on the trip (we got within a meter!)
Well worth the time and money this one, and probably a must do if your passing through Wanaka, you even get to plant a native tree on the island to help restore this true natural wonder of New Zealand.
5 stars guys, Thankyou for making our day!
Then guided us on a simply remarkable tour of mouwaho island, with the promise of catching a glimpse of the endangered “Chook” known to the locals as the Buff Weka, which we subsequently found and admired on the trip (we got within a meter!)
Well worth the time and money this one, and probably a must do if your passing through Wanaka, you even get to plant a native tree on the island to help restore this true natural wonder of New Zealand.
5 stars guys, Thankyou for making our day!
Written 22 May 2021
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.
buckeyetravel
Ohio315 contributions
Nov 2019
We did the mountain Heli-Hike with Eco Wanaka Adventures. This was such a fun trip and one of our favorite while in NZ. They picked up by van at our hotel and our party of three plus two guides (one was in training) went to the helicopter provider and boarded the chopper. We took off towards the mountains above Wanaka and were dropped by an Alpine Lake on the side of the mountain. We were supposed to do the Lord of the Rings Heli-Hike but a late snow prevented us from doing this one and we landed just across the range from the LOTR landing site so we could still see where they filmed. After leaving the helicopter we hiked along the side of the mountain (there are not trails as you just make your own as you go). The views were fantastic and it was very peaceful and beautiful. You will need hiking boots as the terrain is uneven and when we were there some snow was still hanging around. While we were there a juvenile Kea came to check us out. It was very cool as he just walked right up to us and was curious about all of our gear and would get just a few feet from us. Two more Kea then flew to us as well so it was great experience. We then hiked the side of the mountain more to get other views and had a short snack break. After than the helicopter picked us up and took us to a scenic overlook above Wanaka with more great views. We boarded again for our trip back to the helicopter base. This was a great trip and while there is no guarantee you will see Kea it would be worth the trip even without the bird sighting. The guides were both excellent and informative telling us about the area and NZ while we hiked. This is not an easy hike so you do need to be in decent shape and be ok with uneven footing so keep this in mind. Highly recommend one of the Heli-Hike trips with EWA.
Written 11 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.
Allyson K
11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
WOW What a day full of breathtaking scenery and educational and captivating commentary from a seasoned local who was our guide for the day. Chris took us on the Lake tour and eco adventure on the island of Mou Woha. Magnificent pristine and prehistoric environment. Chris was very caring and looked after us as though we were royalty. I did not think I had the capacity to climb to the lake at the top of the Island, but with Chris' continued checking in, encouragement, and education on the best use of trekking poles (which he supplied) I was able to get to the lake and down again safely. A celebratory cup of tea and bikkies by the lake. Truly outstanding conservation commentary each step of the way. Chris...you are a legend!
We highly recommend Eco Wanaka Adventures Lake and Island experience for your time in Wanaka. Totally impressed. Thankyou for being the highlight of our trip. Allyson and Gail.
We highly recommend Eco Wanaka Adventures Lake and Island experience for your time in Wanaka. Totally impressed. Thankyou for being the highlight of our trip. Allyson and Gail.
Written 1 November 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.
Lauren H
London, UK253 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
So glad we booked this trip. It was a privilege to spend time with Chris (he knows so much!) at this beautiful place. The views from the top of the island are fantastic. The trip felt a little expensive on booking but we didn’t regret it at all once we’d had the pleasure. Great to plant a tree as well. Thanks Eco Wanaka Adventures!
Written 23 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.
Regomatic
Orlando, FL276 contributions
Mar 2023
This hike was a little longer with a bit more elevation than we were expecting, but it was still a great day. Our guide, Lynn, probably could have scampered up and back in 4 hours withe her full backpack, but we needed to pace ourselves a little slower, so she gave us plenty of time. At the top of the track we enjoyed some stunning views of the glacier and the waterfalls coming off it while having a nice lunch that we carried up accompanied by hot tea and coffee that Lynn prepared for us there.
Written 14 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.
andyww2018
Savelletri, Italy525 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This is a stunning hike up the valley to the underside of Rob Roy Glacier . It’s moderate on a prepared track ( with a few steep steps ) steadily uphill mostly through lovely forest with views of the crashing river down below and mountains on the valley sides . A swing bridge takes you off the initial valley floor onto the forest path
Our guide Thierry was a nice guy , interesting , helpful and paced our walk with the terrain and distance in mind . We stopped at the head of. The track under the glacier watching waterfalls whilst he made us tea to go with a tasty packed lunch . Backpack and poles provided
Our guide Thierry was a nice guy , interesting , helpful and paced our walk with the terrain and distance in mind . We stopped at the head of. The track under the glacier watching waterfalls whilst he made us tea to go with a tasty packed lunch . Backpack and poles provided
Written 16 January 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.
AussiesQld
Qld40 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We recently did a guided walk with Al from Eco Wanaka to Rob Roy Glacier. Had a wonderful day, it was the highlight of our trip. he is very knowledgable on all things nature, geology, etc etc. with a great sense of humour and he made it fun too. We got a lot more out of this day than we would have done doing it ourselves. Al's enthusiasm for all things in nature was infectious and the day was richer experience with him guiding us. It shines through that Al loves the outdoors and nature's wonders. Thank you Al you are an asset to Eco Wanaka Adventures.
Written 19 June 2015
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.
Al certainly is an asset to Eco Wanaka!
We are so lucky to have the best outdoor guides in the country, local and working in the elements that they love- people, and nature!
These to go together with the magical story of NZ's unique natural heritage.
So thank you for your glowing post, we really appreciate your feedback, getting you "personal with Nature"!
Written 12 August 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bagpakka
Wanaka, New Zealand8 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
A fantastic day on the lake with Chris to the island Mou Waho. A short hike up the island to another lake with superb mirror reflections - lots of stories, history of the area, explanations of the flora and fauna and of course entertainment by the rare buff weka. A cuppa at the top of the island while taking in a 360 degree view without any visible signs of human inhabitation - where did the worries of the world go!! Highly recommended as a unique Wanaka experience.
Written 31 May 2014
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.
200m above worry level, the panoramas and reflections on this island rivals any view in NZ for
Eye Candy!
Thanks for reinforcing this fact!
Written 10 March 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosemary S
Alveston, UK183 contributions
Feb 2020
Great guide - small group. You could go at your own pace. We walked up to the top of the island and saw the lake in the top of the island. The guide was very informative. Drinks and snacks were provided at a half way point with a view. We planted a tree. After the decent we hopped on the boat for the ride back to Wanaka town.
Written 9 March 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.
Sarah T
Melbourne, Australia55 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A very easy and fantastic service. We had the pleasure of having Craig as our guide, he provided a great deal of information on the flora and fauna of the area. He answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable. The island and view was amazing. We planted a tree and had a great 'high tea'.
Written 19 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.
Hi Sarah, Many thanks for the review, we greatly appreciate the feedback.I will pass your comments onto Craig, he will be delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip, Kind reagards, Lee, Eco Wanaka Adventures
Written 20 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi. Wondering if you thought the hike was strenuous for a couple of couch potatoes in their early 60s? I've booked it but figured we should know what we're in for! Thanks.
Written 16 January 2017
Hi Suzanne, As you are doing the Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk in April this year you will be fine. This is a half day tour.
This walk is only approx 1 hour return walking and we walk at a pace to suit our clients with stops along the way. We have afternoon tea at the top of the island so you have an opportunity to rest before the walk down again. We can provide walking poles which can assist you quite a lot as well. kind regards, PS: if any of you have any pre-existing health issues our Guide should be made aware of or special dietary needs please email us directly our email address is on our website, Lee, Eco Wanaka Adventures
Written 16 January 2017
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