Top Wanaka Half-day Tours

A lot of the South Island’s natural hideaways are tough to get to, and that’s definitely the case with Mou Waho Island. This half-day cruise makes it easy; sail from Wanaka Marina to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wanaka. Walk to the island’s very own lake, the Arethusa Pool, and take panoramic photos of the lake and the nearby Southern Alps, or take a dip at the beach near the island’s only jetty.

Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.

Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

On this half day tour, experience two unique sides of the Wanaka area: the wine made from grapes grown in the whenua (land), and the culture of the tangata whenua themselves – the indigenous Māori who live on the land. Visit a range of local wineries, sampling the region’s popular pinot noir wines alongside many others. Receive the manaaki (hospitality) of the local Māori community and experience a stirring live haka.

Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mount Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views. 

The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of the Mount Aspiring National Park lie along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This action-packed tour lets you explore the park by plane, boat, and on foot. Soar overhead on a scenic flight, hike along the banks of the Siberia River, then hop aboard for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Wilkin River.

Wanaka is surrounded by rolling alpine farmland, but most of it is privately owned and inaccessible. This half-day tour opens the gate to one of those farms, the massive West Wanaka Station. Explore the Otago back-country in a private four wheel drive vehicle, stopping for astonishing photo opportunities against the backdrop of Lake Wanaka, the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Take a cruise across Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve and make a memorable, eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a 1-hour-return guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret - another lake, nestled atop the island with panoramic views of Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy “high tea” surrounded by this spectacular alpine scenery.

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for those who appreciate exercise and scenery.  Participants need to be able to ride a bike on loose sand and gravel, and up and down (moderate) hills. A medium level of fitness is required. The length of the ride is 12kms.

During you flight you will have 360 degree view of the whole area. The township of Wanaka is surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps and by Mt. Aspiring National Park. You will be stunned by the beauty of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, New Zealand's ninth largest lake. The unspoiled natural beauty of the Wanaka region is an unforgettable experience.

Here's your chance to experience one of New Zealand's most spectacular and exclusive views.  A pre-dawn heliflight lifts you high into the mountains landing on  Roy's Peak, actually it's Coromandel Peak a lower ridge on Roy's Peak overlooking Lake Wanaka for sunrise- no hiking required.  Enjoy up to an hour capturing the stunning morning light before your helicopter flight to your awaiting 4WD. Continue your morning on the private back roads of West Wanaka Station to stunning landscapes of mountains, Lake Wanaka and valleys.