Top Wanaka Nature and Wildlife Tours

Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wanaka. On this half-day trip, catch a luxury ferry from Wanaka and sail out to the island past local mountains and lush countryside. Upon disembarking, hike to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake and the Southern Alps

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Enjoy high-octane thrills in the New Zealand wilderness on this 2-hour Cardrona Valley quad bike experience from Wanaka. Following a comprehensive safety briefing, pull on your helmet and hop onto your 350cc quad bike. Master the controls in safety, then spin off into the mountains of the mighty Cardrona Valley with your guide. Navigate winding dirt tracks through rolling alpine farmland where Merino sheep and cattle graze. Bounce and roll over the rugged terrain, and enjoy panoramic views over the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island.

Saddle up and explore New Zealand’s rugged wilderness on this 3.5-hour Cardrona High Country pub trail horse-riding trek. Head on horseback into the New Zealand countryside with your guide. Discover points of historical interest along the winding mountain trails, and gain insight into the 19th-century gold rush that brought wealth to the area. Pass through a working cattle farm, traverse choppy rivers and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged scenery. Stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink, then return to base along the mighty Cardrona River.

Sail around the serene Lake Wanaka on this late-afternoon ‘happy hour’ cruise. With a complimentary beer or wine in hand, cruise around the southern end of Lake Wanaka, the majestic Southern Alps in the distance. Sail around Waterfall Creek, Ruby Island and Stevensons Peninsula, and even see the famous ‘Lone Tree’ – a famous willow growing out of the lake.

See four wineries on this fantastic wine tour.Great for small groups of family and friends who want an exclusive experience. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned SUV with leather seats, generous legroom, extra headroom, sunroof and USB power. On board there is a free wi fi hotspot, coolbox for your snacks and beverages, wine carrier for purchases and umbrellas. Complimentary bottled water and snacks are also provided. You will discover an amazing range of award winning wines including Pinot Noir, Rosé, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. You will journey through three distinct winemaking sub regions and visit boutique wineries off the beaten track on this great value wine tasting experience. I am also a photographer and will take pictures of your memorable day trip free of charge and send them to you via download link after the tour.

Saddle up for a horseback ride through the wild landscapes of the Cardrona Valley. Trace the path of the 19th-century gold rush, climb the mountains for a thrilling view over Wanaka Lake, and trot or gallop through the valley plains. Rides can be tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s most popular wine regions, producing well-respected reds and whites in alpine vineyards. On this afternoon tour, visit four of boutique wineries in the region and taste some of their award-winning offerings. Learn the secrets behind these wines from the winemakers themselves, and stop at one winery for a gourmet food and wine matching – tasting dishes of local produce matched with wines from the vineyard.

Inject some thrills into your standard sightseeing adventure and whip through the Southland forests at high speed on this thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding Clutha River, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans. Travel the river at rocketing speeds of around 50mph and enjoy remarkable stunts like the 180-degree Hamilton Spin!

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.

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  Coromandel Peak (Mt Roy) 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.