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Nature & wildlife · Wanaka

Top 10 nature & wildlife things to do in Wanaka

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Wanaka that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Aspiring Snow Special with Glacier Snow Landing, Wanaka1

    1. Aspiring Snow Special with Glacier Snow Landing

    5.0· 1 reviews· 1 hours

    Embark on the Aspiring Snow Special, a one-hour helicopter adventure into New Zealand’s most remote and spectacular alpine landscapes. This unforgettable experience features a stunning glacier or snow landing in the heart of the Southern Alps, followed by a scenic local landing near the shores of Lake Wānaka. Soar above rugged mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls, sheer rock faces, and pristine alpine terrain, with lush native forests providing a striking contrast to the dramatic high-country scenery. Touch down on an alpine glacier or snowfield and step into a world of untouched wilderness before concluding your journey with a breathtaking second landing overlooking Lake Wānaka. Available year-round, the Aspiring Snow Special is a truly memorable experience and a standout highlight of any Wānaka holiday - offering remarkable views, rare access to remote landscapes, and moments you’ll never forget.

  2. Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure, Wanaka2

    2. Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

    5.0· 103 reviews· 4 hours

    The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land looking over remote islands and National Parks. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. The best place to enjoy the views and your gourmet picnic!  The 4 hour tour departs from the Wanaka Marina and includes a 20 minutes boat ride to and from the base of Mt. Burke where you and your guide board our 4x4.

  3. Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk, Wanaka3

    3. Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

    5.0· 183 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk • A “must see” in Wanaka, take a 30 minute cruise to the remote, predator free Mou Waho Island, home to the rare and flightless Buff Weka (extinct on mainland NZ). • Optional one hour return guided bush walk, taking you up to reveal the island’s secret- a lake on top of the island! • Morning (or afternoon) tea supplied, overlooking both lakes. • Plant a native tree on the island as part of this unique eco-experience! • Departures 9.00am and 1.30pm, allow 4 hours.

  1. Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails, Wanaka4

    4. Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

    4.9· 384 reviews· 4 hours

    A brilliant way to explore the area and see the beauty all around. You will ride across plateaus, surrounded by mountains on relatively easy grade 1-2 family friendly trails. The recommended route follows trails all the way from Hawea, alongside the Hawea river, through Albert Town and then follows the Clutha river to Wanaka. On your way there are lots of interesting places to visit including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree and the Edgewater Hotel garden bar.

  2. Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka, Wanaka5

    5. Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka

    4.9· 27 reviews

    The original since 1975 and still the best! Four hours of unique New Zealand wilderness adventure in the vast Mount Aspiring National Park. Experience a true New Zealand wilderness adventure. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat through New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine environment on an adventure like no other.

  3. Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour, Wanaka6

    6. Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

    4.9· 267 reviews· 3.3 hours

    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 island 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. Trip includes a 1.5+ hour freedom walk on the island. This part of the tour is non guided so that you can explore the island at your own pace.

  4. Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk, Wanaka7

    7. Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

    4.9· 77 reviews· 3 hours

    Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our fast lake cruiser, guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a 30 minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery with commentary on local history, geology and culture. On the island you will have 2 hours ashore for a guided walk. Learn about the island and its unique bird-life from our knowledgeable guides as you hike to the summit enjoying outstanding photo opportunities. Mou Waho Island is a predator-free Department of Conservation nature reserve with a natural glacial formed lake at its summit. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. Please note that the walk goes up 150 m vertically over 1 km.

  5. Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk, Wanaka8

    8. Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

    4.9· 7 reviews· 3 hours

    Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through outstanding mountain scenery to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. We are contracted to the Department of Conservation and every guest contributes to funding the conservation work on Mou Waho Island ensuring that it is a predator-free conservation area for our unique native birds and other fauna. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. A two hour self-guided nature walk is included and this will take you up to the natural glacial lake right on top of the island and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and rated among the best Wanaka walks and hikes.

  6. Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka, Wanaka9

    9. Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka

    4.8· 88 reviews· 4 hours

    Fly further and see more when you fly with us from Wanaka. Fly to Milford Sound through two of New Zealand’s most picturesque national parks. View alpine lakes nestled amongst snowcapped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers, with vast rain forest and cascading waterfalls visible from every seat! Locally owned with an excellent safety record. Mount Cook + Fox Franz & Tasman Glaciers and Mount Aspiring & Glaciers are other options available, giving you the opportunity to view huge, untouched vistas of land.

  7. Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk, Wanaka10

    10. Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk

    4.6· 65 reviews· 2 hours

    Enjoy a 2 hour small group cruise and nature walk to Stevensons island. Once aboard the luxury catamaran, guests will relax in comfort and enjoy a 45 minute cruise among spectacular mountain scenery followed by a guided tour to the island summit with outstanding photo opportunities. Once back to your vessel enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits while you cruise back to Wanaka. Licensed bar with happy hour prices available as well.

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