Leave the crowds behind and discover a side of Lake Wānaka that few ever get to see.
Step aboard your Wanaka Water Taxi for a scenic 20-minute cruise across the lake’s clear blue waters to the hidden trailhead at Stevensons Arm — a place accessible only by boat and not open to the public.
WANAKA BOAT TRIP & HIKE
Your experience begins with a scenic 20-minute boat ride across Lake Wānaka to the remote shores of Stevenson’s Arm — a privately accessed area not open to the public, making this walk wonderfully secluded and quiet.
From the shoreline, enjoy a gentle lakeside walk along the glacier-carved edge of the Arm, following an easy farm track beneath the slopes of Mount Burke. You’ll then venture off the farm track onto a narrow bush path, winding through sun-dappled mānuka.
The track leads to two scenic lookouts with sweeping alpine views across Lake Wānaka, from Mount Alta and the Buchanan Range to Mou Waho Island floating in the deep blue below.
From here, the path descends to a secluded bay at the head of the Arm, where you can rest tired legs, enjoy a snack, dip your toes (or dive right in), and soak up the peace of this truly off-the-beaten-track corner of Wānaka — before your return boat ride back across the lake.
For more than 170 years, shepherds have led flocks down the slopes of Mount Burke Station, following the rhythms of the seasons and the land.
This self-guided adventure with Wanaka Water Taxi lets you walk in their footsteps — tracing historic trails through a spectacular high-country landscape that remains untouched by roads and crowds. Move at your own pace, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the freedom of exploring this secluded corner of Lake Wānaka on your own terms.
Guided tours are also available on request, offering the option to join a knowledgeable local who can share stories and insights that bring the landscape to life.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic 20-minute Wanaka Water Taxi cruise across Lake Wānaka each way.
- Private access to Mt Burke Station’s remote peninsula — only reachable by boat and not open to the public.
- Approx. 4 km gently undulating lakeside trail with an up hill lookout walk at the end. The top lookout being optional.
- Breathtaking alpine, lake, and island views
Time to relax, picnic and swim at a secluded bay - 3.5 hour experience, self-guided, guided on request
Tour Information
SUMMER: Tours depart twice daily at 9.30 am and 1pm.
Other times are available for group bookings and when it’s busy.
LOW SEASON: Tours depart once a day at 10am
DURATION: 3.5 hours
Other times are available for group bookings and when it’s busy.
Prices
Adults – $99
Child (5-15yrs) – $49
Infant (under 5yrs) – Free
SPECIAL! KIDS GO FREE!*
*1 child per adult. Choose the 1 adult and 1 child option when booking online.
PLUS! NEW LAUNCH SPECIAL!
Only $59 pp. on selected departures.
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