The stunning lakeside town of Wanaka packs serious punch when it comes to guided experiences. The most worthwhile tours combine outdoor adventure with the region’s natural splendor. Lake Wanaka jet ski tours offer an intimate way to explore hidden coves and dramatic mountain vistas. Wine enthusiasts should head to the boutique wineries, where local vintners share their craft in laid-back tastings with mountain backdrops. The guided jet boat rides through Mount Aspiring National Park deliver both thrills and scenic rewards, while winter visitors shouldn’t miss the peaceful snowshoe excursions through pristine alpine terrain. Let’s explore the very best tours that make Wanaka special.
Good To Know
Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour offers a scenic island and bay exploration on Lake Wanaka, suitable for both novice and experienced jet skiers.
Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour combines an exhilarating jet boat ride with a guided hike through the stunning landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour provides a scenic boat ride to Mou Waho Island, where visitors can spot rare wildlife and enjoy a freedom walk or optional uphill hike.
Wine Tours in Wanaka offer small-group experiences with visits to boutique wineries, featuring award-winning wines, gourmet food pairings, and knowledgeable local guides.
Outdoor and fitness tours, such as Electric Bike Tour and Wanaka Snowshoe Tour, provide scenic and active experiences for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.
Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour – Lake Wanaka
When visiting Wanaka, one of the must-do activities is the Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour on the serene Lake Wanaka. This thrilling experience allows you to explore the lake’s scenic islands, bays, and alpine surroundings on state-of-the-art jet skis.
Led by an experienced guide, the tour caters to both novice and experienced jet skiers, with no prior experience required. Each watercraft accommodates two people, and the group size is limited to a maximum of four for personalized attention.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the lake’s unique ecosystem while enjoying the adrenaline rush of jet skiing. The tour meets safety requirements, with a minimum driver age of 18 (or 16 if accompanied by a parent/guardian) and a maximum combined weight of 230kg per jet ski.
Priced from $135.33 per person, the Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour offers a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating outdoor activity or simply want to admire Wanaka’s stunning natural beauty, this tour is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour – Lake Wanaka Review
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Wine Tour With Wine Tasting From Wanaka
What better way to learn about the flavors of Central Otago than the Wine Tour with Wine Tasting from Wanaka? This highly-rated tour takes you on an afternoon journey through some of the region’s boutique wineries.
Start at 1:00 PM and enjoy tastings at four vineyards, learning from the winemakers about their production process. The small-group setting, capped at 8 travelers, ensures a personalized experience.
Savor award-winning wines and gourmet food pairings at one of the stops. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable local guide provides live commentary, enhancing your understanding of the region’s wine culture.
Hassle-free hotel transfers and lunch (with vegetarian options) are included, making this a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Wanaka’s renowned wine scene.
With a 4.7-star rating and 93% of travelers recommending the tour, it’s clear this is an exceptional way to discover the flavors of Central Otago.
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Classic Wanaka Wine Tour
The Classic Wanaka Wine Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Central Otago’s southernmost wine region, renowned for its exceptional pinot noirs and high-altitude vineyards.
Over the course of a day, visitors will journey to up to six boutique wineries, experiencing gourmet lunches and guided wine tastings. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all transportation, ensuring a seamless experience.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small-group format provides an intimate and personalized setting, complemented by the expertise of a professional local guide. The tour has garnered an impressive 4.9 rating from 45 reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending it.
Beyond the exceptional wines, the tour also offers opportunities to explore historical sites, capturing the rich heritage of the region.
Priced from $218.26 per person, the Classic Wanaka Wine Tour provides excellent value, with flexible booking options and free cancellation available.
Read our full review: Classic Wanaka Wine Tour Review
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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour From Wanaka
Offering a thrilling combination of a jet boat ride and a guided wilderness walk, the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka showcases the stunning natural beauty of the region. Earning a Badge of Excellence and a 97% traveler recommendation rate, this half-day tour immerses participants in the picturesque landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, a filming location for the Lord of the Rings.
The tour features a jet boat ride on the Matukituki River, where guests can admire the forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams, followed by an easy-difficulty guided hike suitable for those with average fitness levels.
Accommodating small groups of up to 14 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides like Ben and James, who receive consistent praise for their expertise and engagement.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour offers shuttle transfers, life jackets, and wet weather gear to ensure a comfortable and memorable adventure.
Priced from €181.43 per person, the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting the region.
Read our full review: Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour From Wanaka Review
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Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour
While exploring the natural beauty of Wanaka, the Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to discover an island sanctuary within the pristine Lake Wanaka.
This highly-rated tour, boasting a 99% recommendation rate, takes guests on a scenic boat ride to Mou Waho Island for a 1.5-hour freedom walk.
Once on the island, travelers can spot rare wildlife, such as the Southern Alps gecko and buff weka, and learn about the nearby mountains and glaciers from the knowledgeable guides.
The highlight of the tour is the optional 20-30 minute uphill hike to the Arethusa Pool, the island’s own lake. Despite the steep terrain, many guests found the hike rewarding, praising the stunning views from the summit.
With a maximum group size of 13, the Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and uneven surfaces, but the chance to swim in the cool waters of Arethusa Pool makes this tour a truly remarkable adventure.
Read our full review: Wanaka: Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour Review
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Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka
Combining the rich wine culture of Wanaka with the captivating Māori heritage, this half-day tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s renowned vineyards and traditional practices.
The tour includes visits to local wineries, where guests can indulge in tastings of popular pinot noir and other acclaimed wines. Alongside the wine experience, the tour also provides a chance to engage with the Māori community and witness a live haka performance, offering a deeper understanding of the indigenous culture.
Convenience is a key feature, with transportation provided and no need for a designated driver. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the inclusions, such as bottled water, beverages, cheese platters, and snacks, add to the overall experience.
With a high recommendation rate and positive reviews highlighting the informative tastings, beautiful wineries, and excellent guide, this tour is an ideal way to discover Wanaka’s blend of wine and Māori heritage.
Read our full review: Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka Review
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Wanaka Small Group Guided 2.5hour Scenic Bike Tour
Immersing visitors in Wanaka’s breathtaking natural landscapes, the 2.5-hour Wanaka Small Group Guided Scenic Bike Tour offers an effortless way to explore the region’s picturesque trails and riverbanks.
With an easy grading, the tour caters to families and those seeking gentle exercise, providing the perfect opportunity to soak in stunning mountain vistas.
The tour includes the use of ebikes and helmets, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience. Guests can look forward to snacks, lunch, beverages, and afternoon tea, all provided by the professional guide leading the group.
The tour accommodates a minimum of two and a maximum of ten participants, with child rates available when sharing with two paying adults.
Suitable for most travelers, the tour isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions, back problems, or pregnant women.
Operated in all weather conditions, the Wanaka Small Group Guided Scenic Bike Tour is a 5-star rated activity that showcases the region’s natural beauty at an affordable price of $184.28 per person.
Read our full review: Wanaka Small Group Guided 2.5hour Scenic Bike Tour Review
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Riverside Biking Tour
Why not embark on an exhilarating Riverside Biking Tour in Wanaka? This 5-star rated electric bike tour takes you through the stunning Wanaka countryside, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Priced from $184.28 per person, the tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and requires a minimum group size of 2. Included in the tour are snacks, lunch, and the services of a professional guide. You’ll also have access to air-conditioned transportation, bicycles, and helmets.
The meeting point is at 103 Ardmore Street in Wanaka, with confirmation provided within 48 hours of booking.
While the tour is suitable for most, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions. Moderate physical fitness is required, and previous experience on gravel and narrow trails is recommended.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the tour, with a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option available.
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Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka
For visitors with limited time in Wanaka, the Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture offers a compact yet enriching experience. This small-group tour takes you to two local wineries where you’ll sample a variety of wines and learn about the region’s viticulture.
Along the way, you’ll also learn about Māori culture, gaining insights into the history and traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people.
The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. With a maximum group size of six, you’ll enjoy an intimate, personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.
Positive traveler reviews highlight the informative and friendly guides, as well as the opportunity to learn about both wine and Māori culture.
Priced from $85.81 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
And with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper cultural understanding, this express tour is an ideal way to make the most of your time in Wanaka.
Read our full review: Express Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka Review
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Wanaka Snowshoe Tour
Although the Wanaka region offers a diverse array of activities, the Wanaka Snowshoe Tour stands out as a unique and captivating experience. This five-star rated tour, priced from $391.02 per person, takes participants on an immersive journey through the stunning winter landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island.
The tour includes technical equipment like snowshoes and walking poles, as well as the guidance of an experienced local. Guests are picked up from their Wanaka accommodations and transported to the starting point at the Basecamp Wanaka Climbing Centre.
From there, the group embarks on a scenic tour, exploring the region’s serene, snow-covered trails. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, though it may not be accessible for those with walking disabilities due to the uneven terrain.
Participants should also be aware that the tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, with cancellations and refunds or rescheduling offered in the event of poor weather.
Read our full review: Wanaka Snowshoe Tour Review
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Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka
The Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka provides an exhilarating and picturesque way to explore the region’s renowned wineries. This 5-star rated tour offers guests the opportunity to cycle between vineyards, enjoying wine tastings along the way.
The tour includes the use of electric bicycles, as well as alcoholic beverages and bottled water.
Pickup and drop-off are conveniently located at the Wanaka i-Site, with the tour covering approximately 4-6 kilometers. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, though those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions should exercise caution.
The tour lasts around 3-4 hours, providing ample time to savor the local wines and scenery. With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this tour offers a flexible and enjoyable way to discover Wanaka’s vibrant wine culture.
Priced at $172.19 per person, the Private E-Bike Wine Tour is an excellent option for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in this stunning New Zealand destination.
Read our full review: Private E-Bike Wine Tour in Wanaka Review
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The Sum Up
Wanaka offers a diverse range of tours that cater to various interests. From thrilling jet ski adventures and serene wine tastings to guided bike rides and snowshoeing, there’s something for all. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience or a more relaxed exploration, Wanaka’s tours provide a memorable way to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.