Queenstown · BOAT TOURS IN WANAKA
The 15 best boat tours in Wanaka you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.
Sip local wine on a one-hour Lake Wanaka catamaran cruise with mountain views, cheese, friendly hosts, and excellent value.
“Fantastic idea for a nice cruise along the lake with great views and cheap drinks!”
Review the Wanaka Clutha River jet boat trip, with 360 spins, Southern Alps views, gold-mining stories, and small-group service.
“This is a definite 'go on' trip. Pat was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information. The ride was terrific with lots of spins and adrenaline.”
Ride the Matukituki River and walk through Mount Aspiring National Park on a lively, scenic four-hour tour from Wanaka.
“If you visit the South Island, this is a must do activity! The staff is amazing and our river guide was amazing. I wasn't sure how the hike to the waterfall would turn out, but it was probably one of the highlights of the trip. You could tell how much Read more”
Race from Lake Wānaka into the Clutha River on a small-group jet boat ride with mountain views, rapids, tunnels, spins, and local commentary.
“We did this boat trip today & because the lake was rough we drove with the boat 1ins up the road to get onto the river. Matt was brilliant, he drove the boat very competently and shared his local knowledge at relevant points along the trip. We rode close to the trees and did several Hamilton turns as well as riding fast over rapids and along the river. There were only 4 of us on the trip but we were made to feel very safe and welcome. I would highly recommend this boat trip to anyone staying in Wanaka.”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Stevensons Island for mountain views, a guided summit walk, local stories, and tea with a biscuit for $50.
“the boat trip was good & scenery beautiful. think your guide could do with some lessons.... strode off up bthe hill 5 metres ahead of everyone, never looked back to check people were ok very casual in his chat at the top & finally he needs to use deodorant”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided walk, rare buff weka, native tree planting, tea, and alpine views.
“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”
Ride Wanaka’s Clutha River by jet boat, with high-speed spins, rapids, mountain views, and an expert English-speaking guide.
“Excellent experience, I wouldn’t say an adrenaline rush but it was incredible never the less”
Review of Wanaka’s one-hour wine and cheese cruise, with Southern Alps views, sunset sailing, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.
“Great relaxing trip with excellent views, the wine and cheese was top notch and there was plenty to go around. The amount of people on the trip is just right so that you can meet others while also having enough space to explore the boat, soak in the views and enjoy your drinks and cheese.”
Fly from Wanaka over glaciers and the Southern Alps, cruise Milford Sound, and return by a different route in four scenic hours.
“Incredible experience. Not cheap, but the unparalleled views and time saved getting to Milford Sound were well worth the cost. Hamish was our pilot and he was a quite skilled.”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk, rare buff weka sightings, an alpine lake, and sweeping mountain views.
“Thank you Tim for the knowledgeable, insightful and awesome Mou Waho experience you provided us. We learned a lot about this unique and magnificent island with rich history and marvelous nature richness. We enjoyed the cruise on Lake Wanaka with astonishing views and breathtaking natural colors. We will certainly book a cruise+nature walk with you again when we shall return to NZ South Island and Wanaka. Alexandros+Artemis+Maria Elena”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island for rare birds, a guided hike, and the remarkable Arethusa Pool, with morning tea and park fees included.
“A lovely excursion. A lovely boat ride up the lake and then a walk up to the top of the island. It foes get zteep at the top but we enjoyed it.”
Cruise Lake Wānaka to Stevensons Island for a guided summit walk, Southern Alps views, afternoon tea, and an easy two-hour outing.
“Very relaxing cruise and easy walk at the Island. But perhaps a bit more snacks can be offered for afternoon tea besides just few pieces of cookies and tea. :)”
Cruise Lake Wanaka to Ruby Island for a guided 20-minute walk, striking mountain views, local history, and easy photo stops for $29.
“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.”
Ride the Matukituki River by jet boat, walk beneath glaciers, and explore Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka.
“Fantastique Organisation au top Guide très gentil Je recommande 👍”
Take a 4x4 ride up Mount Burke, cross Lake Wanaka by water taxi, and enjoy a gourmet picnic with big alpine views.
“Amazing! From the boat ride, 4x4, history lesson, views, picnic (I could go on and on) everything was perfect. Book this activity, you absolutely will not regret it.”
Pick a boat, a rotor, a track or a cellar door.
