Eco Adventures Wanaka - Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

210 minutes

Eco Adventures Wanaka - Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

Overview

Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Wānaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A place where nature thrives and native birdsong fills the air. Step ashore on this predator-free island and join your knowledgeable local guide on a one-hour return bush walk through regenerative native forest. Mou Waho is also home to the rare Buff Weka, extinct on mainland New Zealand since 1920.

At the summit, discover Mou Waho’s secret, Arethusa Pool, the “lake on an island, in a lake, on an island.” Enjoy morning or afternoon tea surrounded by panoramic views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, a truly unforgettable alpine setting. Before departing, you’ll plant your own native tree, leaving a lasting, eco-friendly contribution to this special reserve!

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About

About The Host

Eco Adventures Wānaka is about connection - connecting people to nature that we are all part of, to the stories that shape us, and to each other. Eco Adventures Wānaka offers immersive small-group tours that connect you to the region’s alpine peaks, native forests, glacial valleys, and pristine lakes through genuine local insight and care for the environment. From guided hikes to glacier walks, scenic lake cruises, and unique eco-experiences, each journey is crafted to showcase the area’s natural wonder while treading lightly on the land. With a focus on conservation, storytelling, and personal attention, Eco Adventures Wānaka invites you to explore at a slower pace, hearing the birds, breathing the mountain air, and discovering the stories that shape this extraordinary corner of Aotearoa.

Location

Things to keep in mind

Each experience on TrvlAtlas is hosted by one of our trusted local operators. Because every operator’s conditions differ slightly, this tour follows the cancellation policy set by Eco Adventures Wanaka.

Eco Adventures Wanaka – Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 48 hours or more before departure receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
No-shows or late arrivals are charged in full.
• If the operator cancels due to weather, safety or operational reasons, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.

To request a change or cancellation, please contact TrvlAtlas Support at support@trvlatlas.com, however please note any amendments to the booking made less than 48 hours prior will not be accepted. 

By booking, you agree to both TrvlAtlas’ platform terms and the operator’s safety & risk disclaimer as outlined in the Special Terms & Conditions tab on the tour page and in your booking confirmation email.

This experience is listed on TrvlAtlas, a curated travel platform that connects travellers with trusted local operators. TrvlAtlas acts as the booking agent for this experience, while the operator delivers the tour and manages its own safety, cancellation, and participation terms.

This experience is operated by Eco Adventures Wanaka, a licensed and safety-accredited provider. Please review the key participation and safety requirements before booking:

The health and safety of our guests, staff, and community is our highest priority. Our tours operate in natural and sometimes remote environments, where certain risks are inherent and cannot be entirely eliminated.

Purpose

This statement is intended to provide clear and comprehensive risk disclosure information for booking agents, and individual participants. It outlines the potential hazards associated with our experiences, our control strategies, and the responsibilities of all parties involved. This document is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains accurate and reflective of our practices.

Our Responsibilities

Eco Adventures Wanaka complies with all relevant New Zealand legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Maritime Transport Act, and applicable safety regulations. We:

  • Take all reasonable steps to identify, assess and control hazards.
  • Employ trained, qualified and competent staff.
  • Operate vessels in accordance with approved Maritime New Zealand Transport Operator Plans (MTOP).
  • Maintain emergency response protocols and provide thorough safety briefings before departure.
  • Continuously review and improve our systems in response to incidents or near-misses.

Potential Risks & Mitigation Strategies

Slips, Trips & Falls

Wet decks, uneven ground, steps or rocky trails

Good housekeeping, guest reminders, signage, footwear guidance

Operating Near Water

Risk of falling into water or drowning

Lifejackets provided, trained staff, safety briefings, area supervision

Sudden Vessel Movement

Rough waters, vessel manoeuvring, moving parts

MTOP compliance, restricted access to moving parts, safe seating

Weather or Natural Hazards

Wind, rain, lightning, earthquakes, waves

Daily monitoring, cancellations in unsafe conditions, emergency protocols

Vehicles

Rough roads, exit and entry of vehicle

P endorsement, drill training, seat belt communication

Medical Events

Accidents, allergic reactions, pre-existing conditions

First aid kits onboard, some staff trained in first aid, AEDs location aware

Accessibility Limitations

Uneven terrain, stairs, narrow passageways

Guests are advised to contact us prior to booking to discuss mobility needs &weather

Emergency Situations

Earthquake, fire, tsunami, flood

Evacuation plans, staff training, emergency call procedures, skipper-led drills

Participant Responsibility:

All participants are expected to follow crew instructions at all times. It is your responsibility to inform us of any medical conditions or concerns prior to departure. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn when instructed as well as seat belts in vehicles. You have reviewed the fitness requirements of the trip and are medically fit to participate.

By joining our tour, you confirm that you understand the nature of these risks and accept personal responsibility for your safety.

I understand that failure to follow guide instructions or unsafe behaviour may result in my removal from the activity, without refund.

If you have any questions or would like more information about safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

FAQ