15 Tours in Wanaka to Build a Day Around

1.Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

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

You’ll climb a private deer farm’s waterfalls near Wānaka using steel ladders, narrow bridges, and a secured via ferrata system. Level 2 is moderately challenging, with steeper sections than Level 1. Guides such as Liv, Jasper, Tanguy, and Naomi provide calm support, while lunch and safety gear are included.

“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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2.Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

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

Start in Wanaka, ride by shuttle to Lake Hawea, then cycle back through river trails, Albert Town, and Lake Wanaka. Choose a regular bike or e-bike. James, David, or another nzbiketrails team member gives you a route briefing, safety advice, and a test ride before you set off. Return bikes by 4pm.

“Good experience and a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Wanaka. I must say we got turned around more than once despite the map and instructions, which was a bit stressful.”

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3.Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 313 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Best value

Cruise Lake Wanaka aboard the 17-metre catamaran Dual Image. You get one local wine, beer, or soft drink, plus cheese and crackers, while the crew shares local insight. Guides including Toby, Broni, Reon, and Adrian have hosted recent trips, though crew varies. It is family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and easy to fit into an evening.

“Fantastic cruise with lovely hosting and commentary. Thank you!”

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4.Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · from $98

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Upper Clutha River. Pat and the crew mix fast turns and 360-degree spins with stories about gold mining, local nature, and the Southern Alps. Groups are limited to nine, with pickup from Albert Town and possible Wanaka accommodation transfer.

“Thoroughly enjoyed our Jetboat experience , lots of 360s and cruising around on the river along with commentary from Pat. Much longer than other tours offer and is nice being in a small group also. Highly recommend!”

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5.Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

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

Take a comfortable water taxi from Wanaka Marina to Mou Waho Island with guides such as Hannah, James, Brent, and Krystle. Hear stories about Lake Wanaka, then explore independently, walking to a hidden lake, Tyrwhitt Peak, and a sheltered beach. Bring swimwear, water, and snacks.

“Hana is an excellent guide. She did a great job getting us to and from the island. very knowledgeable and helpful.”

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

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

Ride into the Cardrona mountains with a small group of up to seven, crossing rivers and passing cattle, deer, sheep, and gold-rush sites. The pace includes walking, trotting, and cantering, so you need solid riding skills. Guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley match horses to ability. Your reward is a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

“I was surprised that we were going to ride in the drizzle and was a little nervous but Emily was great. She offered me some waterproof clothes, helmet and off we went. She was a great equestrian and excellent communicator. Took a real interest in us and I was very grateful because I hadn't been on a horse in years!”

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7.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

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

Travel from Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley by shuttle and jet boat, with spins, mountain views, and stops in deep pools. A 50-minute guided walk leads through beech forest to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. Guides such as Ben and James share local knowledge. The easy-to-moderate outing lasts about four hours.

“We have had a number of excellent, exciting experiences on this trip to NZ... but far and away, this was the best so far. Fun, beautiful, fabulous boat driver, knowledgeable and concerned with everyone's comfort and safety. If you do only one excursion ... make it this one.”

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8.Tandem Skydive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 252 reviews · 3 hours · from $214

Take a tandem skydive above Wanaka from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet, with views of six lakes, the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, and the Clutha River. Expect a 20-minute scenic flight, 25 to 60 seconds of freefall, and about five minutes under canopy. Guides include Chris, Ben, Jamie, Rory, and Lucas.

“Absolutely incredible experience - without a doubt the craziest and most amazing thing I’ve ever done! I was beyond excited to go skydiving, but also pretty nervous. My instructor, Chris, was absolutely fantastic and made the whole experience even better than I could have imagined. His energy was contagious, and he hyped me up from start to finish! Huge thanks to Chris for a memory of a lifetime - and for showing me the most unbelievable office in the world! See you again someday! / Hanna”

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9.Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

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

Ride 15km from Wānaka Marina to Mou Waho Island with live commentary from a skipper such as Hannah, Brent, Kyle, or James. You get about 90 minutes ashore to walk uphill to Arethusa Pool and the lookout, spot buff weka, and enjoy wide lake and mountain views. The small boat carries no more than 13 people.

“The tour guide was friendly and super knowledgeable. He described the geology and history of the area, and was easy to talk to. The ride to the island was easy and really scenic, despite the weather (it was really windy and rainy in patches). The walk uphill on Mou Waho as at least 30 to 40 minutes and is a solid uphill climb, and you get to listen to beautiful birdsong the whole way. The scenery at top is incredible. If the weather is windy, dress warmly! And dress and layers because you will get warm, climbing uphill.”

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10.Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

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

Meet LakeLand Wanaka at 100 Ardmore Street for a 60-minute jet boat ride across Lake Wānaka and along the Clutha River. Expect speeds above 80kph, shallow channels, rapids, tight turns, tunnels, and Hamilton spins. Guides such as Matt, Max, Amber, and Sarah combine boat skills with stories about local history and water ecosystems.

“Well organised and convenient meeting point right on Lake Wanaka. Great driver , very informative , spectacular scenery”

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

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

Take a shuttle from Wānaka to Lake Hāwea, then ride a self-guided 30 km trail beside the Hāwea and Clutha rivers. James, Tristan, David, or another nzbiketrails host explains the route, adjusts your bike, and helps if needed. Expect 2 to 2.5 hours of riding, hills, narrow sections, mountain views, and a useful stop at Pembroke Patisserie.

“Having booked regular mountain bikes as that is what we were used to occasionally we wished we had booked an e bike as at times the terrain was fairly steep. Albert town was a great half way stop with a patisserie offering tasty pies and cakes. The views along the way were stunning with mountain backdrop over crystal clear blue lakes. We did get lost along the way, a bit more signage would have been helpful but all in all a fabulous day out”

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12.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

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

Spend two hours crossing Lake Wanaka aboard the white catamaran Dual Image, with a short guided walk on Stevensons Island. Guides such as Cam, Toby, Tim, and Rion share local stories about the lake, plants, and high-country farms. The island walk climbs 50 meters on a good track, but you can stay at the beach or on the boat.

“Enjoyed our outing even though the weather was terrible. Staff were very obliging.”

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13.Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

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

Cruise 30 minutes across Lake Wanaka with a local captain, then join a guided walk on Mou Waho Island. Look for reintroduced buff weka, plant a native tree, and reach the island’s remarkable lake-on-an-island viewpoint. Guides such as Michael and Chris add local nature knowledge. Tea and snacks are included.

“We had the best time seeing Wanaka from the lake and doing a perfect length hike to the top of the island. We learned so much about the plants and animals in the area too! Boat ride might be a little chilly/splashy in the winter :)”

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14.Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 95 reviews · from $42

Spend an hour cruising Lake Wanaka from the waterfront with one complimentary wine, beer, RTD, or soft drink, plus communal cheese and crackers. You pass Ruby Island, Stevensons Peninsula, Eeley Point, and the Lone Tree. Crew members such as Tim, Cam, and Toby are friendly, though commentary can be limited. Bring a warm layer.

“Lovely cruise on the Lake. First drink is free and then you pay $7 for each one after that. Great cheese board. Left right on time and took an hour. Captain was great”

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15.‘Express’ Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews

Join Joe of WanaHaka Wine Tours for a three-hour Wānaka outing that pairs tastings at two local wineries with stories of Māori culture and regional history. Pickup is offered, the group is limited to six, and you return to the meeting point. Ask about your preferred wineries when booking.

“Great day out exploring local wineries. Our guide, Joe was very informative about the Māori culture, which was educational and interesting to learn. The wineries were also informative.”

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