New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN WANAKA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 boat tours in Wanaka worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Sip New Zealand wine on a one-hour Lake Wanaka catamaran cruise with mountain views, cheese, friendly crew, and easy lakeside access.
“The views were beautiful and it was lovely to enjoy a nice glass of wine and some cheese and crackers on this pleasant cruise of Lake Wanaka”
Ride the Clutha River from Wanaka on a small-group jet boat with 360 spins, mountain views, gold-mining stories, and photo stops.
“Patrick and his crew were very experienced and made us feel comfortable and safe, while having fun. The boat was clean and well-maintained. Patrick was knowledgeable about the area and shared lots of good information. The scenery Read more”
Ride the Matukituki River by jet boat, then walk to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams in Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
Wanaka's Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure races across Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River with spins, rapids, mountain views, and live commentary.
“This was a great excursion - definitely worth the $. We were fearful of the threatening weather - but they were flexible and provided the option to just cruise the river and we avoided the pounding waves on the Lake. Our guide was incrediblRead more”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Stevensons Island for mountain views, a guided uphill walk, hot drinks, and excellent photo stops for $50.
“A nice relaxing cruise with a lovely bush walk once we got to Stevensons Island. After returning to the boat there was a warm cuppa with biscuits.”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to predator-free Mou Waho, plant a native tree, spot buff weka, and walk to a lake above the lake.
“The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boRead more”
Ride from Lake Wanaka onto the fast Clutha River for spins, rapids, mountain views, and a safe, lively one-hour jet boat trip.
“The guide was brilliant. So informative & made sure we were all having a great time, even though the weather was miserable!! Highly recommend!”
Review of Wanaka’s one-hour wine and cheese cruise, with Southern Alps views, sunset timing, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.
“This experience was good. I felt safe on the boat, not too crowded and the whole trip was worth the money.”
Fly from Wanaka over glaciers and alpine lakes, cruise Milford Sound, then return by a different scenic route in four hours.
“This was an absolutely wonderful trip in a small group setting flying up the valleys between the mountains - you felt as though you could reach out and touch them. The pilot was really friendly and knowledgeable, but don’t try and pronounce some of the names of places..”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk, rare buff weka sightings, mountain views, and a lake above the lake.
“The guides were lovely and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. The lake and the island in the lake were beautiful! We saw two of the endangered Buff Weka's while there!”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to predator-free Mou Waho Island for rare birds, a guided hike, and the remarkable lake-on-an-island viewpoint.
“Very nice half day trip. Some boating mixed with a small hike and nature tour. Ion (sp) was a local for sure who appreciates his surroundings every day.”
Fly from Wanaka over glaciers and the Southern Alps, cruise Milford Sound, and return via Glenorchy on this weather-dependent half-day trip.
“Exceeded expectations. Winston, (our pilot), was professional and gave great information about points of interest as we were flying. You see so much that you would otherwise miss from driving. Its a small plane so definitely more of a thrill than larger planes, but well worth the cost.”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Stevensons Island for a guided summit walk, Southern Alps views, and tea with biscuits on the return.
“Practically, just boat ride. No history while en route. Walked at the claim is just a short walk and our guide had no knowledge of the vegetation around us. He did try to explain Manuka and Kanuka trees, but did not know much, and he Read more”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island, hear its prohibition-era stories, and enjoy an easy guided walk with superb mountain and lake views.
“What a great little trip. Toby was a great commentator and full of historic events on the island. A leisurely stroll even for the elderly.”
Race through Wanaka's Matukituki Valley by jet boat, walk beneath glaciers, and see Mount Aspiring on a four-hour wilderness trip.
“Fantastique Organisation au top Guide très gentil Je recommande 👍”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
