Unforgettable Mou Waho Island: Wanaka's Exclusive Water Taxi Tour
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Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breathtaking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks. Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters. Trip includes a 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island. Note: Christmas Day Mou Waho Island Tour includes a Xmas picnic and will run a bit longer so we can all celebrate together.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
mav335, 10/22/2025 5:27:36 AM
What a wonderful trip. Everybody at Wanaka water taxi was so helpful. The weather forecast for the day we had booked was very poor so we were contacted by Wanaka water taxi to rearrange to take the trip a day earlier. James on the boat was so caring and informative. Mou Waho island is just beautiful with a lovely scenic walk up to the lake and then the summit. With outstanding views of lala Wanaka and the mountains with the chance to see an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island in the ocean.
832vit, 10/17/2025 3:25:02 PM
James was our tour guide and skipper. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the little hike on the island very much.
Stay07857363484, 10/8/2025 5:10:43 AM
Our Ferry Captain James gave us a detailed briefing of what to expect during the Ride to the island. It made our ride less scary despite the choppy waters and we felt completely at ease. He was very informative and acted as our guide. Overall a very Good experience. Highlight of our NZ tour.
380madhus, 10/6/2025 3:46:57 AM
Look out point trek and tyrwhit summit - where you will find the most unique thing in the world - an island (unnamed) in a lake ( Arethusa Pool) on a island ( Mou Waho island) in a lake on an island ( South Island NZ) in the sea. I recommend - Wanaka water taxi and skipper James for amazing trip to island 😍👍
sassyzhart, 10/6/2025 2:04:51 AM
This was a beautiful afternoon on the water. Thankful we could reorganise to suit better weather. A nice small group, easy to access the meeting point, a comfortable boat trip. A few stops along the way to visit other islands, and then arriving at our island with plenty of time to explore in our own time. The hike to the top was steep and muddy so good hiking shoes are recommended- the hiking poles we were offered also came in handy. There are plenty of stops along the way to rest if needed and take beautiful photos. The stop at the lake is a great place for a picnic and swim! The push to the summit is worth it for the views and not really much further than what has already been walked. A quicker ride on the way home.
Irina_P, 10/5/2025 4:34:47 PM
The experience was great - in a small group, on a small boat (water taxi) and the skipper was very nice and warm, shared a lot of valuable information with us. The walk was nice but not really easy - you should go to the top, but there are a bunch of benches along the way, and the spectacular view on the top is really worth it!
Amy T, 9/26/2025 11:40:14 PM
The boat captain was very friendly and informative. They were great about communicating the plan ahead of time. I was the only one signed up to go (minimum of 4 people needed), but lucked out that a family of 3 booked that morning. It was a cool experience to have the island essentially to ourselves. This is the island that has a lake on it, so they talk about "the lake on an island in a lake on an island". This is also home to a rare native bird, buff weka.
Yvonne M, 9/19/2025 12:24:43 AM
James was our guide/driver. His communication throughout our experience was superb. Weather meant we had to change dates a few times. We are glad we listened to his advice as the day we went out was amazing. Water was calm, sun was shining and the place was so so quiet. The walk up was great and the view of the lakes with the mountains behind were incredible. We managed to spot wood pigeons and a weka with the help of James. Couldn’t recommend more.
deborahD9673XA, 6/24/2025 1:42:32 AM
James was an excellent skipper! Super knowledgeable and friendly. We had a fun trip up the lake. Mou Waho was wonderful - great track up to the lake and view point, and a beautiful side trip thanks to james' insider knowledge.
vnythwgvrp, 6/23/2025 8:12:07 AM
This was awesome! I went with my partner and friends and we couldn’t believe out of all the recommendations from people to do in the South Island, this wasn’t on anyone’s list. Make it on your list. The tour guide was friendly, kind and informative. Such beautiful scenery and a gorgeous mini hike on the island. 10/10 would recommend!
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum numbers apply
- A 20/30 minute walk up hill is involved. (Optional)
- Due to uneven surfaces and the steepness in places, the walk is not recommended for those with walking disabilities but they are more than welcome to join us on the boat trip and skip the walk and stay at the bottom of the island.
Departure point
We depart from the newer jetty with the silver bridge in the Wanaka Marina. Parking in the marina is on the sealed area only. If this is full, you can drive 200m past the marina to where the road splits and you can park on the left side of both roads right after the split.Return details
Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island.Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short walk takes you to the top of the island where you will be exposed to breathtaking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks. Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters. Trip includes a 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island. Note: Christmas Day Mou Waho Island Tour includes a Xmas picnic and will run a bit longer so we can all celebrate together.Redemption
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • There is a toilet on the island but nothing else. It can be very hot during the summer, bring sunscreen and some water. • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. This also applies when the trip has to be cancelled due to bad weather.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund