Eco Wanaka - Lake Cruise & Island Walk

This Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk half day tour begins with a scenic 20 minute boat cruise to Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, a well-kept secret in the heart of Lake Wanaka.  The island is home to rare buff weka, which survive on the island due to its protected status.

The boat cruise takes visitors past some of Wanaka's magnificent scenery including the snow topped Southern Alps and several of the area's famous bays.  Your experienced guide will share stories of the region as you cruise along.

Once the cruise reaches the island, visitors are taken on a one hour return guided walk to the top of the Mou Waho.  You will discover the island's secret 'Lake on an island, on a lake, on an island!'.  The summit offers incredible 360 degree views of the mountains and surrounding Lake Wanaka.

Refreshments (morning or afternoon tea), are provided for you to enjoy against this stunning backdrop before the tour continues back down to the lakeshore.  During the walk, be sure to look out for some of the native birds including the Buff Weka, which has been extinct on the mainland since 1920, and our guides will be sure to check in on our 'motel guests' the mountain stone weta.

Before leaving the island, guests can plant a native tree, giving back to the island, helping Mou Waho flourish and feed the protected species.