Menu
Eco Wanaka Adventures specialize in small group nature tours, lake cruises, nature walks, longer day-hikes, heli-hikes and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy tours in the beautiful Lake Wanaka region and Mt Aspiring National Park region. Their experienced guides will show you some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery the Southern Lakes has to offer. You will absorb their passion for the area as well as their knowledge of its history and geography, flora and fauna.
Directions will be sent at the time of booking.
CHILD POLICY Family friendly.
Rob Roy Guided Walk and the Alpine Lakes Heli Hike have a minimum age of 8 years.
Children under 3 years old are FOC on the Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk only.
Child rate available for 4-14 year olds.
CANCELLATION 24 hours 100% | cancellation due to weather or mechanical reasons, full refund
SEASON Open all year. Alpine Lakes Heli-Hike or Misty Mountains – November until April (snow conditions and weather dependent)
Eco Wanaka Adventures specialize in small group nature tours, lake cruises, nature walks, longer day-hikes, heli-hikes and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy tours in the beautiful Lake Wanaka region and Mt Aspiring National Park region. Their experienced guides will show you some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery the Southern Lakes has to offer. You will absorb their passion for the area as well as their knowledge of its history and geography, flora and fauna.
Choose from lake excursions to islands which serve as wildlife sanctuaries, alpine hikes with magnificent views of hanging glaciers and high waterfalls, or your choice of two heli hikes – one to Middle-earth following the very footsteps of “Dwarves and Bilbo” as they traversed the “Misty Mountains” as seen in The Hobbit Trilogy, or venture completely off the beaten track and visit three pristine Alpine Lakes high above the Matukituki Valley on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park.
Eco Wanaka Adventures is active in preserving the native environment and birdlife and your tours with them supports this. Their innovative tree planting project on Mou Waho Island allows you to contribute to New Zealand’s unique native environment. The Eco Lake Cruise and Walking Tour of the mystical Mou Waho Island with its lake high at the top of the Island is unique and unforgettable.
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Wanaka followed by a unique nature walk on Mou Waho Island.
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake. Accessible from Wanaka by a 35 minute boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut.
A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it – very intriguing! From the top we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. The perfect spot to stop for a tea or coffee. Total walking time 1 to 1.5 hours.
Going back down the track gives us more time to take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively bird-life, and just enjoying this unique wildlife reserve. You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Total cruise time is 1.5 hours.
You help the reforestation of Mou Waho Island by planting a native tree on this trip as part of this 4 hour eco-experience.
Departs 9am or 1:30pm | Duration 3.5 hours
Requires average health and fitness, strong treaded sports shoes or hiking boots, suitable layers of warm clothing, wind/rainproof jacket.
Infants free, child rates available.
Minimum of 2 Adults to run the tour
includes morning or afternoon tea
Family Friendly
