Lake Wanaka Cruises

Discover the outstanding natural landscapes and the fascinating natural history of Lake Wanaka New Zealand with Lake Wanaka Cruises, aboard the 55 foot luxury catamaran Dual Image. As one of the most highly rated activities on Lake Wanaka, a cruise will immerse you in scenery only experienced from the water.

For those with something different in mind from the regular cruises, Dual Image is available for private charter outside of the regular cruise times. Whatever your passion, Lake Wanaka Cruises offers a scenic cruising experience that will stay with you forever.

Rated as one of the top things to do on Lake Wanaka, cruises start from $49.

Lake Wanaka Cruises Activity Options

Mou Wahu Island Cruise & Scenic Walk (3.5 hours)

Enjoy a luxury cruise on the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. This famous island is home of the lake on an island in a lake.

Mou Waho is a predator free Department of Conservation reserve. This means it is home to many native birds not seen on mainland NZ. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the wood pigeon and the native falcon.

A one hour guided bush walk is included which takes you up to a lake right on top of the island from which you can enjoy magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and not to be missed.

On returning to the luxury 55 foot catamaran, you can enjoy morning tea aboard as the guides share some of the fascinating history of this entrancing island.

Stevensons Island Cruise & Nature Walk (2 hours)

This cruise one of the best ways to experience the scenery of Lake Wanaka and frequently rates in the top 10 things to do in Wanaka!

Take a leisurely 40 minute cruise out to Stevensons Peninsula and then into Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Rolling green pastures precede Mount Gold (1304 m) and Mount Burke (1417 m) which rise majestically into the Eastern skyline. Relax in comfort as you cruise up the arm to Stevensons Island where Dual Image will make a beach landing. Your guide will take you ashore via a front loading ramp for a short hike to the summit of the Island and some excellent photo opportunities.

As a Department of Conservation refuge, the 65 Ha island is home to many species of birds that are hard to see elsewhere in NZ. For instance, you may encounter Native Wood Pigeon, South Island Tomtit, Brown Creepers, Grey Warblers and Rifleman.

The island is also an inspiration for photographers. Shaped by eons of winds that funnel down the arm, rock and twisted trunks meld into a patina of nature’s finest backdrops. Your experience is complete with another 40 minute scenic cruise back to the Wanaka waterfront.

Ruby Island Cruise (1.5 hours)

Leaving from the Wanaka lakefront, take a gentle cruise out to Ruby Island. Dual Image will pull into a secluded beach and put guests ashore via her hydraulic bow ramp. Your walk around the island is self-guided and suitable for all ages. Discover the intriguing history dating back to the days of prohibition along with some great photo opportunities.

Often called the jewel of Wanaka, Ruby is small but very photogenic. The eclectic mix of exotic and native plants adds a foreground to the colours of the lake and the mountains behind.

Other Information on Lake Wanaka Cruises

• Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time
• Suitable for all ages
• Minimum 2 adults per trip
• Departure times:
  • Mou Wahu Island cruise: 9.00 am daily
  • Ruby Island Cruise: 11.00 am & 1.00 pm daily
  • Stevensons Island Cruise: 3.00 pm daily

What to bring:

• Suitable walking shoes/boots
• Warm layer
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Camera

Location

Departs from Wanaka lakefront

Book Lake Wanaka Cruises

You can book Wanaka activities separately or as part of one of our New Zealand holiday packages. We bundle activities, accommodation, and transportation together for convenient, affordable New Zealand holidays.

Popular holiday packages with a stay in Wanaka include:

• 7 Day South Island Explorer Holiday Package
• 10 Day Loop the South Island Holiday Package
• 10 Day Deep South Holiday Package
• 14 Day New Zealand Family Package

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to plan your stay in Wanaka.