New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN WANAKA
Every trip has one free day too few. These 11 boat tours in Wanaka justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Cruise Lake Wanaka aboard the 17-meter catamaran Dual Image. Your ticket includes one glass of local wine, beer, or a soft drink, plus cheese and crackers. Chat with crew members such as Toby, Broni, or Reon, enjoy mountain views, and buy extra drinks for NZ$7.
“Loved this afternoon cruise. The crew were so friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable.”
Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Clutha River with Pat and his crew. Expect fast runs, 360-degree spins, sharp turns, river history, camera stops, and views of glacial terraces and the Southern Alps. Pickup is available from Albert Town, with groups capped at nine.
“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”
From Wanaka, you’ll ride a jet boat up the glacier-fed Matukituki River, enjoy spins and mountain views, then take a 50-minute guided walk through beech forest to waterfalls and streams. Guides such as Ben and James add local insight. The four-hour trip suits people with moderate fitness.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
Join LakeLand Wanaka at 100 Ardmore Street for a 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wānaka and down the Clutha River. Expect speeds above 80kph, tight channels, rapids, tunnels, Hamilton Spins, and live commentary from guides such as Matt, Max, Amber, and Sarah.
“We were lucky to have a beautiful clear sunny day so the views of the mountains and lake were amazing. The Hamilton spins were fun and the tour guide was knowledgeable about the area. The”
Take a 40-minute catamaran cruise from Wanaka’s lakefront to Stevensons Island, then follow your English-speaking guide on a short, steep nature walk. Guides including Cam, Toby, Rion, Reon, and Tim share local stories before you return by boat with tea, coffee, and a biscuit.
“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.”
Join Eco Wanaka Adventures for a 3.5-hour cruise and nature walk from Wānaka Marina. Guides such as Michael and Chris share local ecology and lake stories, while you plant a native tree, look for buff weka, and walk to Mou Waho’s island lake. Tea and snacks are included.
“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”
Join Lakeland Wanaka for a one-hour jet boat ride from Ardmore Street across Lake Wanaka and into the fast-flowing Clutha River. Your English-speaking driver handles rapids, rocks, sand bars, and Hamilton Spins at speeds above 80 km/h. Guides such as Matt, Sarah, Amber, and Max also share local insights.
“Feel safe while on jet boat. Our Jet boat captain was fabulous and good control on the powerful jet boat. Me and my kids had a great time ❤️it”
Spend an hour on Lake Wanaka at 5:30 pm with a complimentary wine, beer, RTD, or soft drink, plus cheese and crackers. Cruise past Ruby Island, Stevensons Peninsula, Eeley Point, and the Lone Tree. Tim, Cam, Toby, and the rest of the crew keep things relaxed, though commentary may be limited.
“Island stop had a great view. Would have loved to hear more about the history of the island, and lake.”
Cruise from Wanaka’s lakefront to Mou Waho Island with guides such as Jamie, Toby, Tim, and Reon. Walk about 1 kilometer uphill to a lake perched above Lake Wanaka, with chances to see buff weka, mountain stone weta, native plants, and wide mountain views.
“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!”
Board near Wanaka’s Dinosaur Park for a one-hour cruise to Ruby Island. Your English-speaking local skipper, such as Chris, Dan, Tim, or Toby, guides an easy 20-minute walk through island history and plants, with lake and mountain views all around.
“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.”
Join skipper Olly for a three-hour Lake Wānaka fishing trip for two to six people. Use quality rods and downriggers to target trout and salmon while an electric motor keeps the boat quiet. Snacks, drinks, fish cleaning, and vacuum packing are included.
“Pratiquée avec mon fils de 15 ans, nous avons passé 3h sur le lac de Queenstown. le skipper a été fantastique. le bateau tres bien équipé. nous avons fait une belle pêche. et dégusté nos prises le soir même.”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
