10 Walking Tours in Wanaka That You Shouldn't Miss

After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 6 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Afternoon tea & cookies, Fresh fruit, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch is not included, a stop is made at a local bakery for you to select a bread roll, wrap or salad.

Combining our spectacular backcountry 4WD safari with Eco Wanaka Adventures' Lake Cruise and Island Walk - the Wanaka Nature Encounter offers the opportunity to experience the best of Wanaka's natural beauty -all within a day. Enjoy a morning boat cruise to an island nature reserve, a private audience with rare native birds and a guided walk to view a lake on top of an island!! Enjoy an hour lunch break at one of Wanaka's many cafes (guests expense) before embarking on an exclusive 4WD adventure exploring some of New Zealand's most spectacular backcountry covering terrain most locals have never seen. Breathtaking views of the Southern Alps whilst exploring private farm roads. See Red Deer, sheep, Angus Cattle up close and grazing in their natural environment. Maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Inclusions: Morning and Afternoon tea, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Professional guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided eco walk to a natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our luxury catamaran, guests can relax in comfort and enjoy a 1 hour cruise among spectacular mountain scenery followed by a guided walk to the island summit and outstanding photo opportunities.

Inclusions: Cruise and guided Island walk, All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Department of Conservation Park fees, Local guide, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

You won’t find this once-in-a-lifetime hike on any map or tour guide. Walk the high road into our dramatic mountain range and tower over the deep blues of Lake Wanaka. Explore the spectacular scenery, succumb to the comforts of our four-wheel drive and let our expert guide pass on tips and tales of our local flora and fauna. This exclusive hike is suitable for all ages and abilities, but on these wide-open private trails the only passers-by will be of the four-legged variety.

Inclusions: Refreshments, Private access to exciting backroads of West Wanaka Station, Private transportation, Expert local guide and support vehicle, Hiking poles, Water bottle top ups (please bring your own to fill)

Exclusions:

Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk   • A “must see” in Wanaka, this cruise to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve, is predator free and home to the rare and  flightless Buff Weka, (extinct on mainland NZ) • Optional one hour return guided bush walk included, taking you up to reveal the island’s secret- a lake right on top of the island! • “High Tea” overlooking both these lakes, and the panorama of the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps spread out before us. • The option to plant a native tree on the island as part of this eco-experience is also a unique. • Morning or afternoon tea supplied. • Departs 9.00am and 1.30pm, allow 4 hours.

Inclusions: Morning tea or Afternoon tea, Professional local guide, Plant a Tree!, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Private transportation

Come deep into the Matukituki Valley on the most exciting 4-hour jet boating adventure in New Zealand, beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers and Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, stopping in deep pools to breathe in the magic of the landscape & hear stories of our land from your local guides. Deep in the mountains, off the beaten track, enjoy a 50-minute guided walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams in an area so special you won't want to leave.  For those looking for even more of an adventure then check out our new Packraft Wanaka Tripadvisor listing!!!  

Inclusions: Shuttle transfer, Life jackets, Wet weather gear, Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Rated one of the world’s best classic hikes, the Routeburn Track combines personal achievement with awe-inspiring scenery. With this half-day tour, enjoy a more relaxed pace through the forest and into a world of peace and tranquility surrounded by the sounds of rivers, waterfalls and native birds.

Inclusions: Small-group tour, afternoon departure from 1.30pm, Professional guide, Light snacks and water, Pickup from central Queenstown accommodations is included. Surround suburbs (Kelvin Heights, Frankton, Arthur's Point, Fernhill and others) by arrangement. Please contact to reconfirm pick up arrangement and time.

Exclusions: Gratuities

From Queenstown our first stop is the Bob’s Cove Nature Walk, a short distance from Queenstown with diverse native vegetation on the lakeshore zone, bustling with native bird life with the Remarkables mountain backdrop. We continue our drive on one of the most beautiful road journeys to the western end of Lake Wakatipu, where the stunning backdrop of Mt Aspiring National park surrounded by snow capped mountains lies before you to explore. Duration 7-7.5 hours, walk two trails experiencing the wonderful  diversity this region has to offer.

Inclusions: Afternoon tea / coffee, Bottled water, Fresh fruit & cookies, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch, a stop is made before departure at a local bakery for you to purchase a bread roll, wrap or salad., Food and drinks, unless specified

This epic 4WD safari and walk explores the remote landscapes of Lake Hawea's Dingleburn Station. This has to be one of the most thrilling and spectacular backroad journeys in New Zealand. Your expert guide skillfully negotiates this incredible road blasted into the shear cliff face high above Lake Hawea. Arriving at a remote bay to enjoy some refreshments, before heading off for a leisurely walk exploring this incredible seldom visited area.

Inclusions: Refreshments, Expert Local Guide, Private access to exciting backroads on Dingleburn Station, Lake Hawea, Leisurely walk (approx. 7 km) through grasslands with incredible wide open views, Water bottle top ups (please bring your own to fill), Hiking Poles

Exclusions: Lunch

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photography tour option between February & November. • You will receive approx 5 -10 complimentary professional digital photographs within the week or two after the tour. • This local business is approved by Department of Conservation (DOC) to operate in public conservation areas in the South Island. It complies with environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor. The DOC label shows visitors that the business pays fees to DOC to support conservation in New Zealand. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Inclusions: Coffee, tea & bottled water, Picnic lunch & snacks, Photographic guidance, Complimentary high resolution digital images of you during the tour, Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with WiFi on board, Flexible itinerary and starting time, Personalized tour for solo visitors or small group (2-4 people), The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved business to operate in public conservation areas

Exclusions: Personal insurance