Wanaka Water Taxi & 4x4 Explorer

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Wanaka Water Taxi & 4x4 Explorer

We take you to our favourite and remote places with amazing views like Mou Waho Island by boat. Or b Mou Waho Island Water Taxi & Explorer 4X4 Tours.

Daily departures. Mou Waho Island Water Taxi:

Come and join us on a trip to our favourite place on Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island. Where you can find an island, on a lake, on an island, on a lake, on an island on the sea! Mou Waho Island is a protected nature reserve and is home to many native New Zealand birds including the curious and flightless Weka. A short walk takes you to the top of the isla

nd where you will be exposed to breathtaking panoramic views of the Arethusa pool, Lake Wanaka and its surrounding peaks. Our water taxi leaves Wanaka Marina twice-daily travelling 15km up Lake Wanaka, passing Mou Tapu Island and the steep cliff of fisherman's cove to Mou Waho Island. Your friendly and knowledgeable skipper will inform you of the fascinating geology of the alps and the glaciers that created the lake as you travel along its sparkling waters. Stay for 1.5 hours on the island before heading back to shore, or go in the morning and spend the day as you please before catching the afternoon taxi home. Departure times: 10 am & 2 pm. Wanaka Explorer 4x4:

Wanaka Explorer 4x4 offers you the ultimate lake and mountain adventure. The dramatic glacial calved basin filled with the melt water from seasonal snows with ancient glaciers is the backdrop to your adventure with us. Boat through the calm waters of Lake Wanaka's Stevenson's arm - a constantly changing vista of steep walls and jagged peaks leads to a small beach where you will disembark to board our 4x4 vehicle. Climbing above the lake your view expands until all of Lake Wanaka lays beneath you in a stunning panorama of sparkling blue water and rows of rugged alpine peaks. Departs daily 9 am & 1 pm
Small groups

Booking required: 0800 273 687

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!!! What a great way for these guests to start the year

29/12/2024

Wānaka 4x4 Explorer, great views without the need to hike!

26/12/2024

It hardly ever rains for long, and it’s so peaceful when it clears

22/12/2024

Last-Minute Gift? We’ve Got You Covered!

Starting to panic about what to get for Christmas? Don’t worry – we’ve got the perfect last-minute gift idea! Give the gift of adventure with one of our gift vouchers. Perfect for all budgets and ideal for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Wanaka.

From just $25 for a Bike & Boat drop-off to the Outlet Camp, to a memorable Ruby Island Family Adventure, Mou Waho Island trip, or the incredible Wanaka 4x4 Explorer Tour, we have something for everyone!

To grab a voucher for the Mou Waho Island or 4x4 Explorer Tours, simply visit our website, choose your tour, and select “gift voucher” at checkout. For all other trips, or a set amount voucher just email us at [email protected] and we’ll sort it out for you in no time!

No need to stress – we’re here to help with those last-minute gift needs! Merry Christmas!

18/12/2024

🚤✨ Short on time but still want to experience the magic of Mou Waho Island? We have something NEW for you!

Our MOU WAHO ISLAND EXPRESS is perfect for those on a budget or a tight schedule! 🌄 This quick, 2.5-hour adventure includes an early 8:30 AM departure, a scenic water taxi only ride, and almost 90 minutes to explore the island before returning by 11 AM—leaving you plenty of time for your next adventure.

Get there first and enjoy stunning views, the hidden lake, and unique wildlife 🐦. It’s a no-frills, no extras but unforgettable experience!

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours
📅 Departs: 8:30 AM
Starts on the 26th of December

The Mou Waho Island Express is a shorter version of our full tour, ideal for those who need a faster trip. If you have more time to fully enjoy the island’s beauty, take a swim, or dive deeper into Wanaka’s rich history, we highly recommend our full Mou Waho Island tour. This longer experience includes a guided boat ride with scenic stops and a self-guided exploration of the island, giving you the freedom to discover its hidden gems at your own pace. 🌿✨ After all, some places are worth lingering a little longer.

17/12/2024

A project we have been a part of recently

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group has recently removed 1700 wilding pines from the 2000ha Stevenson’s Peninsula, in collaboration with Mount...

15/12/2024

So this happened on the weekend! She sad yes! Congratulations to our guests Ryan and Nicola!

12/12/2024

Always happy to help a great cause!

05/12/2024

A lake above a lake

04/12/2024

We were very honoured to host Rick and Kati for their 25th wedding anniversary on our Wānaka 4x4 Explorer Tour.

They did the Mou Waho Island Tour last year and came back to do this one on their special day!

02/12/2024

Have you been to Mou Waho Island yet?

27/11/2024

The last couple of weeks we’ve been transporting these guys who had the massive job of getting rid of the wilding pines on the Stevenson’s Peninsula. Most days they flew in and then worked their way down through the dense bush before we picked them off but sometimes we dropped them off in the morning and they had to make their way up themselves 😳 There is still work to be done, but these guys did a great job already.

24/11/2024

Guest review from Colin and Heather from Australia who did our Wanaka 4x4 Explorer Tour. They were so lovely, they even bought Hannah a book as a thank you.

"Hi Krystle
Thank you for accommodating us. It was just the most wonderful experience that we have ever taken. Really, better than Northern Italy Alps.
Hannah and Tony were just fantastic. The views from the top of the peninsula were incredible, nothing can beat it.
Tony’s knowledge and friendly manner as well as Hannah’s skills were unmatched. Her kindness and skill in towing back the broken down boat were top notch.
A six star trip.
Thank you and hope to see you next time.
Best wishes
Colin and Heather"

21/11/2024

Wanna spend your Christmas like this?

We sold out already on our Xmas day Mou Waho Island trip!

So we have added another departure, be in quick since these are the last spots!

19/11/2024

Guest review from Dirk, Jos & Berdi from the Netherlands who did our Wanaka 4x4 Explorer Tour:

"My folks and I had one of our best days in NZ on this tour. Captain Hanna took us for a lovely boat trip across the lake to Mount Burke. From there on our guide Charlie drove us up the mountain. The ride was good fun with some steep and bumpy sections, a muddy track, and sheep and little lambs all around.

The panoramic views from the mountain are hard to describe and out of this world. Pictures don't do it justice. It's like looking at a painting. It's also a very private spot. You could hear a pin drop, not a vehicle or person around in miles. Magical!

A special thank you to Charlie, a very passionate and knowledgeable guide who made us feel at ease and shared a lot of interesting and fun facts. All the best!"

18/11/2024

A lake above a lake ❤️

14/11/2024

It was so awesome to host the Amputee day out again last week!

We had a blast and were very impressed that all the amputees (except for Brent😉) making their way up to the lake on Mou Waho Island! And that while it was very wet and slippery.

Thanks for joining us again this year.

See you all again next year!

Address

Wanaka Marina Lakeside Road
Wanaka
9305

Telephone

0800273687

Website

http://wanakawatertaxi.co.nz/

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Videos

Wanaka 4×4 Explorer boat and 4WD tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land, looking over remote islands and the National Park. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. The ultimate lake and mountain experience. #wanaka4x4 #wanakaexplorer #wanakawatertaxi #wanaka #lakewanaka #nzmustdo #offthebeatenpath #offthebeatontrack #beautifulplaces #travelnz #bespokenz

How peaceful 🔊 #mouwahoisland

Mou Waho Island and its beautiful view! 🎥 @jackandorlaithdownunder

It was a bit windy at the top today…. Turned these grandparents with their grandson into little kids 😂

Summer is here! Remember to bring your togs when you come and join us! #wanakawatertaxi

Celebrate Christmas with us on Mou Waho Island! Join us on this Christmas special tour on Christmas morning at 10am. Enjoy the lake and the island and once you’ve explored the island we will sit down for a wee Christmas picnic! The best way to experience a Kiwi style Christmas and celebrate with others! Limited spaces so book now! #wanakawatertaxi #wanaka #mouwahoisland #nzchristmas #wanakachristmas #lakewanakanz #kiwichristmas

This is what a run in the Port Hills,CHCH looks like during spring. And since at Mt Burke Station they rather not have the lamb running off chasing tourists, we have to wait a little longer. But lambing season is almost over! So, start planning your Wanaka 4x4 Explorer Tour now!

Guest Diary with Rachel (6) & Max (9) from Auckland, who came with us to Mou Waho Island! The big waves and great views were a hit!

The birdsong ❤️😍 #mouwahoisland

No more wind, no more rain just very chilly in the morning! But our short Autumn stint (with fresh snow on the mountain) is gone now and it’s getting warmer again every day! Such a beautiful time to be on the lake. We aren’t done with Summer yet, she’s back!