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Lake Wanaka Half Day Islands Tour: Mou Waho or Stevensons & Ruby

New3 hFree cancellationBy Reel South Charters
Lake Wanaka Half Day Islands Tour: Mou Waho or Stevensons & Ruby

About this activity

Small group island tour on Lake Wanaka, max 6 guests, with owner Austin as your skipper and guide.

9am: Mou Waho Island. Cruise past The Wanaka Tree, Glendhu Bay and Mou Tapu Island to Mou Waho, a DOC reserve, for about 2 hours ashore. Walk 2.6 km return (170 m climb) through native bush to Arethusa Pool, a lake on an island on a lake. Look for buff weka.

2pm: Stevensons and Ruby Islands. Round Eely Point, past the Clutha River outlet, to Stevensons Island, then Ruby Island, about an hour ashore on each. Afternoon north-westerlies can make the Mou Waho run rough, so this trip visits the sheltered islands.

Swim in Arethusa Pool or off island beaches. Tea, coffee and baked goods on the heated McLay 651 hardtop. Views to Roys Peak, Treble Cone and, from Mou Waho, Mount Aspiring National Park.

Austin is a Maritime NZ SRL skipper with 8 seasons on the lake. Adventure Mark certified. DOC concession holder. Part of every booking supports WAI Wānaka and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust.

What's included

  • ✓Snacks
  • ✓Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting and pickup

  • Please meet at the new wharf/jetty. Keep an eye out for our orange boat and Reel South Charters signage. No pickup.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Departures at 9am and 2pm, every day of the year except Christmas Day. The tour takes about 3 hours.
  • Book up to 1 hour before departure.
  • Trip length can run slightly longer or shorter depending on lake conditions and wind.
  • The 9am departure goes to Mou Waho Island. The 2pm departure goes to Stevensons Island and Ruby Island. Book the time that matches the islands you want.
  • Maximum 6 guests per departure.
  • Solo travellers are welcome to book. Trips normally need at least 2 guests to run. If your trip cannot go ahead, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
  • Meet at the new jetty at Wānaka Marina, Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305. Look for the orange boat and Reel South Charters signage. There is no hotel pickup.
  • Parking at the marina is not guaranteed. Allow time to park in town and walk.
  • From Queenstown, allow about 1 hour via the Crown Range Road, which can close in snow or ice in winter, or 1 hour 15 to 30 minutes via Cromwell.
  • The Mou Waho walk to Arethusa Pool is about 2.6 km return with a 170 m climb. The last section is short and steep, and can be slippery after rain.
  • There are no set swim stops. You are welcome to swim in Arethusa Pool or off the beaches on any of the islands.
  • Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, swimwear and a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes and a camera.
  • There is no toilet on the boat. Toilets are available at the marina and on the islands.
  • No experience or fitness is required.
  • Not wheelchair accessible, because of track conditions on the islands. Prams and strollers are allowed on board.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Life jackets are on board for everyone. Children under 12 must wear one while on the boat. Adults are not required to.
  • Child rate for ages 3 to 12. Under 3s travel free.
  • This is a scenic tour. There is no fishing, and no fishing licence is needed.
  • Drones are not permitted.
  • Dogs are not permitted.
  • Mobile coverage can be patchy at Mou Waho and Stevensons Island.
  • Want the boat to yourself? See our Private Charter listings for 3 or 6 hours and we can arrange the perfect outing for you.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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