Wanaka Water Taxi - Mou Waho Island Tours

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Mou Waho Island Tours

Mou Waho Island

Of Lake Wanaka’s 5 islands Mou Waho Island is the most remote and most beautiful. With its steep rocky coastline, small secluded beaches, diverse birdlife, and a hidden lake (Arethusa pool) which sits atop the island.

About Mou Waho Island

Mou Waho Island is a predator-free nature reserve with interesting and diverse birdlife. Kereru (Wood pigeon) Korimaka (Bell Bird), Tomtits, and Buff Weka can be seen on the island.

A large flightless bird the Buff Weka, disappeared from the mainland in the 1920s and was introduced to the islands as part of a breeding program in 2002. They are charismatic birds who are often attracted to human activity which makes an encounter with these cheeky characters a highlight for many visitors to the island.

The small sheltered beach near the jetty is a great place to relax after your hike or cool off on those hot dry Wanaka days with a swim in the bracing waters of Lake Wanaka. And of course you can swim in the lake on top of the island!

Visit Mou Waho Island with Wanaka Water Taxi

Travel in our comfortable water taxi 15km up the lake, taking in views of the Harris and Buchanan Mountains. We will take our time heading up to the island, with a few stops along the way, to tell you about the fascinating history and geology of the area.

After disembarking at the small jetty on the island you will have 1.5+ hours to yourself to enjoy this special place. A 20 to 30 minute hike up the hill brings you to the hidden lake, created by glacial action thousands of years ago when large glaciers filled the valley. A small rocky island on the lake gives us the “island on a lake, on an island on a lake on an island on the sea” confused? carry on walking for another 10 minutes to the top of the island (Tyrwhitt Peak) and everything will fall into place as the views open up to reveal both lakes and a panorama of jagged peaks.