Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
5
Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure
By Wanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 5 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Driver/guide
- Gourmet Picnic
- Small-group tour, max of 5 per vehicle
- Exclusive acces to Mt. Burke Station
- Return boat trip.
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Alcoholic Beverages
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Wānaka Marina, Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandWe depart from the jetty with the bridge in the Wanaka Marina.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66546P2- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers can participate
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- There are no toilets on this tour, but bushes.
- Please dress appropriately, it can be colder on the mountain so bring a jacket.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66546P2
From
AU$278.32
per adult
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Itinerary
- Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandWe depart from the jetty with the bridge in the Wanaka Marina.
- Pass byWanaka Water Taxi and Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
- 1Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land looking over remote islands and the National Park. From start to finish we are off the beaten path, no people, truly remote, truly stunning. Your trip starts by boating up Lake Wanaka towards the head of Stevenson’s arm with tremendous views of glacier carved mountains, a constantly changing vista of steep walls and alpine peaks. We cruise past Stevenson’s Island to our landing point at the foot of Mt Burke. Boarding our 4×4 Vehicle we climb above the lake, your view expands until all of Lake Wanaka lays before you in a stunning panorama of crystal clear blue water and the alpine peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Take some time to enjoy the solitude and enjoy the best view in Wanaka! Your guide will give you an insight into the history of the farm station and the geology of the Alps and some of the stories of the early settlers while you enjoy your gourmet picnic.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- R2135LXsophiep0 contributionsLake Swim on Island in Lake!This was a beautiful trip across Lake Wanaka with Krystle who gave us lots of information and entertaining stories along the way. She was very helpful and made sure we optimised our time on Mou Waho Island. The island was very lovely with lots of bellbirds singing and a friendly weka. We swam around the island in the lake on Mou Waho island in Lake Wanaka! Thank you!Written 2 December 2024
- GBS00210 contributionsA fine panorama and enjoyable boat trip without the need to slog up Roy's PeakThe agent needs to take more care and attention to detail, when describing the walk up the hillside to the lake, as it is totally unsuitable for those with inadequate footware or fitness. Of 13 on our boat, 5 were incapable of making a peck at the 'walk', so were resigned to sitting on a seat in a glade with restricted views for 2hrs. The uphill trail to my mind is reasonably strenuous and dangerous in parts if there has been some rainfall; I recommend walking poles for safety. Maybe a video in the shop showing the difficult areas of the path, rather than just extolling the virtues of the scenery, so participants know exactly what they are letting themselves in for; for instance, once we were 100m up the path, we met an aging Japanese gentleman who was late for the earlier trip rendevous, hobbling, needing assistance, and not enamoured with the situation. From our perspective, aged 70 and in good health, we enjoyed the 'hike', even if out of breath at the top, but there were 4 seats at varying places on the walk worth their weight in gold. James our boatman also did an excellent job of narrating about the area.Written 30 November 2024
- susanbK6142CW0 contributionsVisit by boat local island with breathtaking views but best on a calm dayA unique opportunity to view the landscape from the water as you boat to the island for a manageable hike to the top. Stunning views and time to sit and take it all in. Our Skipper was wonderful, drove carefully and shared local knowledge as we traveled. My one caution is that it was a very windy day and the lake was extremely rough. I have a bad back and the pounding of the boat on the waves put my back at risk. While the Skipper did comment in advance it would be a rough ride, I had no sense of just how rough it would be. Ideally they would have cautioned anyone with back issues to reconsider booking for a calmer day.Written 25 November 2024
- Explore031398592480 contributionsA lake on an Island on a lake on an island in the oceanThe trip was awesome and we had a beautiful day. Brent, our captain, did a fine job and gave us a nice history of New Zealand and the area in terms of geology, glaciers, etc. The group size was perfect and we met people from several countries which was fun. Once on the island you can explore at your own pace with little foot traffic to compete with. The views were spectacular! Would highly recommend.Written 18 November 2024
- Journey452579864350 contributionsA perfect trip with good informations and breathtaking views! Highly recommended!One of the best boat tours we enjoyed in NZ! Our driver provided us with very interesting Information, was kind and we had a good laugh. The views were amazing, a beautiful and breathtaking place! Thank you for this unforgetable experience!Written 13 November 2024
- J6296PGsophies0 contributionsBeautiful views at Mou WahoAmazing trip and breathtaking views on the island! Definitely a must do in Wanaka. Krystle was a great skipper and flexible with dates due to the weather!Written 3 November 2024
- Scenic411834030360 contributionsWonderful morning trip with free bonus.Fantastic trip. Island was beautiful and not so challenging hike to summit for great views. Weren’t expecting the history and geology info from the skipper and the free use of hiking poles and great fellow passengers were also a bonus. Oh and she ensured there wasn’t a cloud in the sky or a wave on the lake!Written 3 November 2024
- P4196ZZ_0 contributionsbeautiful and special half day tourWe took the water taxi with Krystle to Mou Maho. Krystle was very kind and knowledgeable, she joined us to part of the walking tour and was attentive and patient to the group needs. It is a beautiful half day trip to a very special placeWritten 27 October 2024
- finlayfoodle0 contributionsLovely island, pretty birds, great afternoonWe booked short notice as we found ourselves with a free afternoon. The island was very lovely, and with only seven people on it at the time, it felt quite wild and remote. Lots of nice birds and beautiful views. The skipper was a good tour guide, and very friendly. (Although I think he might have told us a made-up story about Rob Roy...)Written 19 May 2024
- Blackorchid_v0 contributions100% WORTH ITThe perfect short-trip sight-seeing tour with Wanaka Water Taxi was 100% worth it! WIth a short trip across the lake and then a fun, bouncy ride up the side of a hill to overlook the magnificent Lake Wanaka (which is so vast!), this unusual sightseeing tour was fun, exciting and not too intense. We had a lovely tea and some light snacks overlooking the water, too. I'd recommend this fantastic tour to anyone!Written 26 March 2024
- yvettecruz20240 contributionsAmazing!Such an amazing experience! Loved every minute of it. Great commentary and such a hidden beauty of Wānaka.Written 19 March 2024
- nancysmart0 contributionsGreat trip!We loved this trip. Great info and a lovely place to stop on the island. Woukd definitely recommend.Written 14 March 2024
- Inspire062995318570 contributionsDouble fun with Wanaka Water TaxiWe only had 2 nights in Wanaka but were able to book the mountain and island combo over 2 days. Amazing trip - small group adventure with friendly knowledgeable guides. Quality picnic and opportunity to swim in Mou Waho’s lake. - idyllic!!! Highly recommendWritten 14 March 2024
- Andrea R0 contributionsWonderful afternoon in Mohu islandWe had an afternoon excursion with Water taxi to Mohu island. A lots of information was shared about the birth of Wanaka lake and the surrounding area. Mohu island is beautiful. We saw many birds and native plants. The view from the top is amazing. The suprise is the small lake near to the top, which is very nice as well. It was a perfect service from the Water taxi.Written 8 March 2024
- caveycavey0 contributionsGreat trip!We loved this trip. Beautiful scenery, good info from the captain and lovely island. Woukd definitely recommend. 😍Written 7 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
59 reviews
Excellent
58
Very good
1
Average
0
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0
Terrible
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Jutta H
Germany17 contributions
Jan 2020
We did the 4x4 Explorer tour in the morning and the Mou Waho Island tour in the afternoon. Both tours were very well organized. The island tour was without guide, so I concentrate my review on the 4x4 tour. Charlie, our guide, was very informative and interested in giving us as much information as possible, sometimes being witty and funny and always willing to stop for photos and/or to take photos of his passengers. Charlie is a very careful and safe driver. He took us to most spectacular places with stunning views of the lake and the mountains and always waited patiently, until everybody was ready to go on. We could not have the picnic at the top of our trek because of heavy winds, but Charlie prepared a wonderful and very delicious picnic at the end of the tour. The white and the red whine, too were really good and so were the local cheeses. It was an amazing experience! Thank you so much, Charlie!!!
Written 12 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for joining us on both trips Jutta & Christian. We loved to have you aboard. I will pass on your kind words to Charlie, we are very lucky to have him as a guide.
Written 27 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kleinrichard
Venlo, The Netherlands114 contributions
Jan 2020
Wow, what a an afternoon! After 20 minutes by boat on Wanaka lake, which gives you beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, we set foor on land to pursue it by a 4x4 Range Rover with experienced driver. The trip up the mountainside is stunning as are the views and our knowlegdable guide Charlie explains the surrounding and answer all our questions. The "road" is sometimes steep and bumpy and we climb higher and higher. Once on top the views are fantastic, it's really quiet, and we enjoy a great lunch. Time flies and we head back down the hill and enjoy the boatride in the sun. An afternoon to cherish.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We always love it to show people this wonderful place! It was great to have you aboard!
Written 3 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diana F
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
We just experienced the most beautiful part of the world at Wanaka! Thanks to Krystal and Mike from Wanaka Water Taxi and 4x4 Explorer (and the Station owner who allowed us to 4WD up his beautiful land) to experience the lake and then 4WD up to the best views of unspoilt mountains lakes and tracks! Thank you both for an experience of a life time. The NZ Pinot Noir A.k.A at the top of our trek was delightful as was the NZ local cheeses and bloody good homemade chutney! If you ever are able to travel to this beautiful part of the world this experience is a must. Info@wanakawatertaxi.co.nz 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍✅✅ thank you 🙏
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Diane & David! It was an absolute pleasure to have you 2 aboard. Mike and I loved seeing you two so happy! What a wonderful way to spend David's birthday. You'll have to come again on your birthday Diane!
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denise P
Southampton, UK9 contributions
Feb 2023
What a fantastic experience!! We were picked up from the marina by Krystle who welcomed us cheerfully and ferried out on a 30 minute boat ride to where we were met by Rupert in a 4x4 vehicle. He drove up a very steep rugged sheep trail, he was very confident and knowledgeable, stopping several times to talk about the stunning area we were driving through, and giving us time to take photos. Made us feel very comfortable, yet it was exciting. The views were beyond stunning, photos do not do it justice.
After about 45 mins of driving ‘up’ we stopped at a flat area where a picnic of cheese, biscuits and olives with a bottle of wine were brought out. What a stunning place to have a picnic. We chatted a while, went for a wander to take further pictures.
All in all, we feel that this trip was very good value for money, great fun, great company and very informative with an obvious passion for nature and Rupert and Krystle made sure we were very well cared for.
We would definitely do this again, and would highly recommend it to anyone.
After about 45 mins of driving ‘up’ we stopped at a flat area where a picnic of cheese, biscuits and olives with a bottle of wine were brought out. What a stunning place to have a picnic. We chatted a while, went for a wander to take further pictures.
All in all, we feel that this trip was very good value for money, great fun, great company and very informative with an obvious passion for nature and Rupert and Krystle made sure we were very well cared for.
We would definitely do this again, and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your detailed review Denise!
I am sure it will help other travelers.
It's great to hear that you had such a great time.
It was great to have you both aboard.
Rupert and I both had a great time with you aboard.
Cheers
Brent & Krystle
Written 3 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wyndam S
6 contributions
We loved this adventure around Wanaka! The trip and experience exceeded expectations and our guides were the best! We took the tour on a Saturday afternoon and left the marina promptly with just our party of 4. The high-speed water taxi transfer to the sheep station was a great way to see a corner of the lake where you wouldn’t normally be able to travel without a boat. The tour up the sheep station was exhilarating as we climbed 700m in elevation over a very short distance. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the region and even though we have traveled to Wanaka several times, we still picked up a bunch of new history. After several stops along the way, we had a beautiful picnic that was considerately planned for dietary requirements (they texted the morning of the tour to confirm any food requests) and our two children. All in all, it was a very lovely experience and one that we would highly recommend for families with younger children that might not be able to easily hike into some of the higher elevation trails around Wanaka. Our photos and memories of the trip will be cherished for many years.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
And what a pleasure it was to have your family aboard. Charlie and I both really enjoyed it.
Thank you for the detailed review and we will see you again once you've moved to NZ!
Kind regards
Brent & Krystle
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary G
Paraparaumu, New Zealand150 contributions
Mar 2021
We did this amazing adventure during a three week tour of the South Island and it was certainly the highlight of our holiday, The views were amazing and it was just so peaceful. Krystal was delightful and Charlie's driving was excellent over some pretty hairy terrain and we loved his sense of humour and interesting commentary. Chatting with Charlie over wine and cheese at the top of the destination was great, and although we will probably never see him again, we felt we had made a true friend. With mobiliity being an issue for me this was handled professionally and made easy. A MUST thing to do when in Wanaka!
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was an absolute delight to have you and Peter on board Mary! Thank you so much for the excellent review. I will pass the kind words on to Charlie.
Kind regards Krystle
Written 4 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen H
Plimmerton, New Zealand16 contributions
Awesome afternoon with Charlie and Krystal. From the moment we stepped on the water taxi we were in awe of our beautiful surroundings and the local knowledge that was being shared with us. Afternoon tea perched on the hilltops morning of Mt Bruce Station is an experience we will never forget, absolutely stunning. We didn’t want to leave! Don’t leave Wanaka without going on this 4x4 adventure, you will not be disappointed 😀
Written 31 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Karen & Greg, it was great to take you up the lake and up the hill for a picnic on such a beautiful day!
Written 3 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChelT
Wellington, New Zealand53 contributions
Feb 2021
The best part of our Wanaka trip. And I highly recommend it!
The island is such a peaceful place. There were bellbirds singing as if cheering people as they walk up the hill. There are stopping areas after each steep climb with amazing views of the main lake. Towards the top, you will find the lake within the lake.
There is a curious weka that has associated humans with food. Btw the island + 4WD includes lunch.
The 4WD drive was thrilling in some places. Mike is an amazing driver. The view is just spectacular. There is no camera that can justify the beauty of the place.
The picnic is very filling (thank you Krystal!). And Mike makes a very good coffee according to my partner.
Advice : There is no parking in the Marina so it is better to walk from your accommodation. Bring your own water bottle to the island as there is no drinkable water there. It is good to bring a little snack as well. But make sure you take your rubbish with you.
In summer the water is so clear and inviting. I wished we were told to bring togs and towels, to be honest.
The island is such a peaceful place. There were bellbirds singing as if cheering people as they walk up the hill. There are stopping areas after each steep climb with amazing views of the main lake. Towards the top, you will find the lake within the lake.
There is a curious weka that has associated humans with food. Btw the island + 4WD includes lunch.
The 4WD drive was thrilling in some places. Mike is an amazing driver. The view is just spectacular. There is no camera that can justify the beauty of the place.
The picnic is very filling (thank you Krystal!). And Mike makes a very good coffee according to my partner.
Advice : There is no parking in the Marina so it is better to walk from your accommodation. Bring your own water bottle to the island as there is no drinkable water there. It is good to bring a little snack as well. But make sure you take your rubbish with you.
In summer the water is so clear and inviting. I wished we were told to bring togs and towels, to be honest.
Written 6 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your great review. I loved how you said that friends recommended our Mou Waho Island tour and you said; why not add the 4x4 tour as well! Great idea.
Most people who like swimming bring togs, but you are right, we should tell people. So I have just updated all booking confirmations. Thank you for the feedback, we really appreciate it.
Thank you so much for joining us. I will pass the kind words on to Mike as well.
Written 8 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erika H
15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
All we can say is WOW!!! This is an excellent tour to do. It is small, very personal and Crystal and Charlie are wonderful. You start the day with a water taxi to Mt Bourke station on Lake Wanaka and you then hop in the 4x4 with Charlie and start the steep ascent up to the top of Mt Bourke station, where he prepares a lovely morning tea of coffee, cakes and fruit for you, complete with folding chairs to take in the views, which are spectacular. He stops along the way and explains what you are looking at and nothing is too much trouble. Watch out and give way to the sheep crossing. You then descend back down to the waiting water tax and back to Wanaka. We also combined it with Wanaka Mou Waho in the afternoon at the suggestion of Crystal and I will leave a review of this on this site as well. It was excellent. All in all a very good day and well worth ever penny.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yay!! That is so great to hear! What an awesome review Erica & Vanessa.
We absolutely loved having the 2 of you aboard and it was great you decided to stay to do the Mou Waho Island afterwards as well.
Thank you so much for joining us and for the awesome review! We will pass it on the Charlie as well.
Kind regards
Brent & Krystle
Written 4 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul
41 contributions
We did this trip on a beautiful sunny day and were rewarded by some stunning views of lake Wānaka and the surrounding hills.
We met at the marina by Krystel and joined by another couple before getting a boat ( the Wanaka water taxi) along the lake for 30 minutes to the shoreline of the Mount Burke sheep station.
There, they have a couple of old Land Rover discoveries to take you up through the station (farm) along farm tracks up part of Mount Burke.
We stopped for a picnic with the most spectacular views and a short walk.
The drive back down was quite steep and bouncy!
Thanks to Tony who drove us up the mountain and gave us the history of the area, the station, flora and fauna and who served up a lovely picnic overlooking the lake.
Thanks to Krystel for the boat rides and picnic.
We met at the marina by Krystel and joined by another couple before getting a boat ( the Wanaka water taxi) along the lake for 30 minutes to the shoreline of the Mount Burke sheep station.
There, they have a couple of old Land Rover discoveries to take you up through the station (farm) along farm tracks up part of Mount Burke.
We stopped for a picnic with the most spectacular views and a short walk.
The drive back down was quite steep and bouncy!
Thanks to Tony who drove us up the mountain and gave us the history of the area, the station, flora and fauna and who served up a lovely picnic overlooking the lake.
Thanks to Krystel for the boat rides and picnic.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the extensive review! That sure is helpful for other travelers.
It was a pleasure to have you aboard.
Kind regards
Brent & Krystle
Written 2 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hey,
Can I book this trip for my family with a six year old ? I might need it for 19-12-2019.
Thanks,
Amit
Written 17 December 2019
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