Queenstown · WANAKA TOURS

The 15 Best Wanaka Tours & Day Trips

83 tours  ·  from $19 a head

Wanaka is an hour over the Crown Range and runs at half the speed. These 15 take in the lake, the Matukituki valley and the cellar doors on the way, priced and timed for a day trip or a longer stay.

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours) - What Level 2 adds after the easier route
Queenstown Adventure Sports, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

1.Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $232Our pick

Review of Wildwire Wanaka Level 2, a four-hour waterfall cable climb with ladders, bridges, lunch, mountain views, and expert guides.

“The climb is amazing! Mark and the team are great too. Our guide was patient and calm, but fun at the same time. We are very grateful we were able to do this!”

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Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails - Lake Hawea: where the ride begins
Bike Tours in Wanaka, Cycling Tours, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

2.Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 346 reviews · from $80

Ride Lake Hawea, the Clutha River, and Lake Wānaka by bike or e-bike, with shuttle transport, quality gear, and scenic trail stops.

“Amazing!! Beautiful views, great bikes, best way to see the town and lakes. Guide explained path which was well marked and recommended coffee/lunch spots along the way”

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Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka - The opening run: getting a feel for the Clutha
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Dunstan Bike Trails, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour - Mou Waho Island and the Arethusa Pool Walk
Lake Wakatipu Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wanaka Tours

Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

5.Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 299 reviews · 3 hours · from $83

Cruise Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island for a hidden lake, rare wekas, mountain views, a short hike, and an unforgettable swim.

“We were blessed with glorious weather which helped showed off this stunning location. Our guide was very helpful and informative.”

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Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+) - Trotting and cantering in the high country
Drinking Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Horses, Queenstown Sightseeing Tours, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

6.Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · from $433

Ride Central Otago’s high country, cross the Cardrona River, canter through gold-rush country, and stop for a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

“What an amazing ride. Our guide Summer managed a group of 6 whose riding skills ranged from none to experienced. She did a great job of keeping us together while telling us of the history of the area. Due to our group skill (or lack thereoRead more”

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Queenstown: Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour - Cromwell and the Central Otago fruit stop
Mount Cook & Glacier Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wanaka Tours

Queenstown: Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour

7.Small Group Mt Cook Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 262 reviews · 12 hours · from $166

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook in a small Mercedes van, with scenic stops, local commentary, 3.5 hours to hike, and Hillary Centre access.

“An amazing trip! Some of the prettiest views we’ve seen in New Zealand so far! The amount of time there was perfect . Stuart was an amazing guide and made the long journey there and back so enjoyable with information and facts about each area and recommendations on where to go and walks to do there. Plus his general friendless and enthusiasm really made our trip! Would definitely recommend!”

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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - Leaving the engine behind for the forest walk
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, National Parks, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

8.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215

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”

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Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour - Mou Waho Island and the Arethusa Pool Walk
Lake Wakatipu Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wanaka Tours

Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

10.Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 217 reviews · from $86

Cruise Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island for a steep scenic walk, Arethusa Pool, native wildlife, mountain views, and expert commentary.

“Would not recommend this tour. It is operated by mostly young, inexperienced folks. They want to enjoy their time at the expense of ours. Instead of removing a kayak from the back of the boat they made us jump off the side boat up to our thighs. Ruining our hiking boots for the rest of our holiday and leaving us with wet clothing for cold hike. Selfishness and laziness! 300$ worth of hiking equipment got ruined.”

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Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River - What the driver adds to the experience
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Dunstan Bike Trails, Queenstown Jet Boat Rides, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

11.Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $83

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.”

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Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike - Starting at 103 Ardmore Street
Bike Tours in Wanaka, Cycling Tours, E-Bike Tours in Wanaka, E-Bikes, Queenstown Bike & E-Bike Tours, Tour Reviews, Wanaka Tours

Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike

12.Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $80

Ride from Lake Hāwea to Wānaka on a scenic 30km river trail with quality bikes, optional e-bike assistance, and no road traffic.

“We were so lucky with the weather. Which made the outing amazing. Our guides were really helpful and insightful. Giving us the opportunity to try the best coffee and pastries on the way. The track was well explained and did not get lost :-)”

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2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Queenstown Walking & Hiking Trails, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

13.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 160 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

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”

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Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk - The Walk to a Lake Above Lake Wanaka
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Wakatipu Cruises, Queenstown Walking & Hiking Trails, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

15.Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $176

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”

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Explore the Southern Lakes

Pick a boat, a rotor, a track or a cellar door.