Half Day Lake Cruise And Island Nature Walk

Información

Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, a unique glacial remnant of the last ice age. The island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake. Accessible from Wanaka by a 35 minute scenic boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. The track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top the Arethusa Pool reveals itself to us, a lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing!

Carrying on a little further we come to the very top of the island and have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys and the Arethusa Pool below. This is the perfect spot for our morning or afternoon tea and a time to relax and enjoy the panorama. After our break we go back down the track and once again take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively birdlife, a chance to see the recently introduced NZ Buff Weka, extinct on the mainland since 1920 and just enjoy this unique wildlife reserve. You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Scenic boat cruise time 1 hour approx. Actual walking time 1 hour. The trip runs subject to weather.

Meeting/ Pick up point:Hotel pick up.
Duration: 3.5hrs.
Start or opening time: 09:00/13:30.
Includes: Courtesy pick up and drop off from Wanaka accommodation, Mou Waho Island, 1 hour scenic boat cruise, flora and fauna, knowledgeable guide, morning or afternoon tea.