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Water & beach · Wanaka

Top 10 water & beach things to do in Wanaka

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Wanaka you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka, Wanaka1

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

    5.0· 326 reviews· 1.3 hours

    Lets us take you on amazing Jet boat ride down the Mighty Clutha river. Amazing world renowned scenery , snow capped mountains and the famous Historic Red Bridge". The Clutha river is the second longest river in New Zealand. The river flows swiftly through the Upper Clutha Valley between ancient glacial terraces. We will take you through the long section called the "Snake" before reaching a rare switchback feature called the 'Devils Nook". Before heading back upstream to take in the magnificent views of the mountains.

  2. ebike tour lake Hawea river track to Wanaka, Wanaka2

    2. ebike tour lake Hawea river track to Wanaka

    5.0· 66 reviews

    Ride on possibly the best 1-day bike ride in New Zealand with our exclusive Hawea River Track adventure. We've crafted a unique experience by combining three different tracks, inventing a great ride that others now emulate. This leisurely exploration of Wanaka's scenic wonders offers stunning views along the gentle riverside track, showcasing the Upper Clutha's natural beauty. Join us for a pickup at 9 am, 11 am, or 2 pm from your accommodation. A 15-minute drive takes you to the wild and beautiful Lake Hawea, where you'll cruise along the Hawea River Track on an easy 30 km ride back to Wanaka town. A year-round delight, this classic Wanaka ride includes a strategic stop at Wanaka's best bakery for coffee and pastries. Once back in Wanaka town, just let us know, and we'll ensure you get a safe ride home. Experience the pinnacle of New Zealand's biking adventures, combining innovation and breathtaking landscapes for a day to remember

  3. Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure, Wanaka3

    3. 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.

  1. Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk, Wanaka4

    4. 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.

  2. Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River, Wanaka5

    5. Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

    4.9· 228 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars, through rapids and around rocks at speeds in excess of 80 kph, now picture doing this down New Zealand’s swiftest river with no seat belt and no brakes; that’s one way to get your adrenaline levels through the roof. Our trip makes the best of blood pumping adrenaline along with some of the world’s best scenery in the background.

  3. Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka, Wanaka6

    6. 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.

  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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