WĀNAKA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Island within an island: Cruise to Mou Waho’s secret lake on Lake Wānaka
A 3.5–4 hour small-group lake cruise and guided nature walk from Wanaka Marina to Mou Waho Island, offering alpine panoramas, wildlife encounters and the chance to swim in Arethusa Lake.
Island within an island: Cruise to Mou Waho’s secret lake on Lake Wānaka.
Set against the sharp ridgelines of the Southern Alps, this half-day outing sails from Wanaka across glacial-blue water to Mou Waho Island, where a short bush walk reveals an astonishing alpine tarn — Arethusa Lake — and rare native wildlife. The experience pairs a scenic cruise with a guided nature walk that emphasizes conservation, including the opportunity to plant a native tree on the island.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Panoramic lake and alpine vistas
A thirty-minute cruise delivers broad views of Lake Wānaka and surrounding alpine peaks; once on Mou Waho you gain unobstructed panoramas from the island's ridgelines above the water.
Rare native birds and active conservation
Guides introduce visitors to the island's ecological recovery and its wildlife — including rare native birds such as the Buff Weka — and invite guests to contribute directly by planting a native tree on this predator‑free reserve.
Boat cruise, bush walk and a lake on an island
The outing combines a scenic boat transfer with a 1‑hour return bush walk to Arethusa Lake — literally a lake on top of an island — plus afternoon tea and a return cruise, all packed into a 3.5–4 hour schedule.
What the day feels like
What the half‑day feels like
The rhythm is simple and deliberate: board at the Wanaka marina, glide across open water for about thirty minutes, then hike an easy but occasionally steep uphill track through bird-filled bush to reach the island's summit and Arethusa Lake. Guides narrate the ecology en route; after exploring the tarn, planting a sapling and enjoying afternoon tea, you return to the boat for the cruise back.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 3.5–4 hour outing with about 1.5 hours of total walking time; arrive at the marina 10 minutes before your booked departure.
Carry a drink bottle, sunscreen and a hat; bring comfortable footwear suitable for an uphill bush track and a healthy dose of enthusiasm.
Meet at Wanaka Marina, Lakeside Road — the first jetty on the left with the Eco Wanaka sign — and allow time for boarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing runs approximately 3.5 to 4 hours in total.
Where do we meet and when should I arrive?
Meet at Wanaka Marina, Lakeside Road — the first jetty on the left with the Eco Wanaka sign — and arrive 10 minutes before your booked departure time.
How strenuous is the walk?
The Mou Waho track is an easy uphill walk with a few steeper sections that can be slippy when wet; poles can be provided on request and you should inform the operator of any mobility issues.
What should I bring?
Bring a drink bottle, sunscreen and a hat, plus suitable footwear for bush walking.
Will I see native wildlife?
Yes — guides point out native birds and the island is notable for species such as the rare Buff Weka as part of its conservation success.
Is there an opportunity to swim?
There is a chance to swim in Arethusa Lake on top of Mou Waho Island during the visit.