New Zealand · WANAKA TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 wanaka tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Join Wildwire Wanaka for a four-hour Level 2 via ferrata on a private deer farm near Twin Falls. With a guide such as Liv, Jasper, or Tanguy beside you, climb steel ladders and narrow bridges above the waterfalls, then enjoy lunch and wide mountain views.
“It was an amazing experience and we had a great time. Naomi was great and patient with everyone in our group.”
Start at 103 Ardmore Street in Wanaka, ride a bike or e-bike from Lake Hawea back toward Wanaka, and enjoy river, lake, and mountain views at your own pace. James or David provides the shuttle, safety briefing, and route advice, with time for Albert Town’s famous patisserie.
“The best way to see Wanaka, absolutely stunning, the E bikes were great so easy to ride.. The scenery along the rivers and lakes will blow your mind. Fantastic experience thanks NZ bikes”
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”
Take a three-hour water taxi trip from Wanaka Marina to Mou Waho Island. Guides such as Hannah, James, Brent, and Krystle share local stories before you explore independently. Walk to the island’s lake and Tyrwhitt Peak, watch wekas, and swim if the weather is kind.
“A nice morning on the island. Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable about the place and an experienced skipper. We had a rough start with the waves but James managed to adjust the route to give us the most comfortable ride possible. The climb up to the lake and the views of both the lake and Wanaka from the top was amazing..”
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 NZONE Skydive and Skydive Wanaka for a tandem jump above Wanaka from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet. Expect a 20-minute scenic flight, 25 to 60 seconds of freefall, and views of six lakes, the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, and the Clutha River.
“it was very fun and beautiful WE have a very great Time thanks vance and Rory for this jump😉🤘🤘🤘🤘”
Take a 15-kilometre water-taxi ride from Wānaka Marina to Mou Waho Island with live commentary from skippers such as Hannah, Brent, or Kyle. Spend 90 minutes exploring the reserve, climbing to Arethusa Pool, spotting buff weka, and enjoying views across Lake Wānaka.
“Hannah did a great job as boat skipper. Trip was informative and well organized. Nice for a few hours on the lake and to take an easy hike up on the island and the views!”
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 self-guided 30 km ride from Lake Hāwea to Wānaka, following the Hāwea and Clutha rivers on bike-only trails. James, Tristan, Melissa, or David may handle your briefing and shuttle. Expect mountain views, a stop at Pembroke Patisserie, a few narrow or hilly sections, and 2 to 2.5 hours of riding.
“Very pleasant , easy going and scenic. If anything a few more sign posts for direction would help”
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.”
Join Joe from WanaHaka Wine Tours for a three-hour visit to two Wānaka-area wineries, with wine tastings, hotel pickup, and stories about Māori culture and local history. Groups are limited to six, and the possible vineyards include Rippon, Maude, Aitken’s Folly, and Māori Point.
“A wonderful visit to a couple of stunning wineries with spectacular views with our guide, Joe, who gave us some very valuable and interesting insights into Maori culture.”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
