Ruby Island Cruise and Walk: Lake Wanaka in 1 Hour

Ruby Island's exotic plants frame the lake and mountains in a single morning slot

A 1-hour guided cruise and island walk on Lake Wanaka that departs from Wanaka and lands on Ruby Island, known for its mix of native and exotic plants set against the lake and mountain backdrop. The walk is easy, suitable for children and seniors, and the island visit is optional. You can stay aboard if you prefer. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour, and all fees and taxes are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ruby Island cruise and guided walk

• Board the Ruby Island cruise
• Enjoy scenic lake views
• Take guided island walk
• Photograph exotic and native plants
• Return from the island

The experience

Ruby Island sits small but densely photogenic in Lake Wanaka, and the cruise gets you there in minutes from town. The boat carries a small group, so you're not crammed in with dozens of others. Once ashore, a guide walks you through the island's eclectic mix of exotic and native plants, which frame the lake and the mountains beyond. The kind of foreground that makes the scenery work in photographs and in memory alike. The walk itself is graded easy, which means children and seniors move through it without strain.

The whole thing runs just over an hour, start to finish, so it slots into a morning or an afternoon without eating your day. The island walk is not compulsory. If you'd rather stay on the boat and watch the shoreline pass, that's your call. All fees, taxes and the guided commentary are built into the price, and a live guide in English narrates as you go.

What’s included

• Guided island walk.
• all fees and taxes.
• live English-speaking guide commentary throughout the cruise and walk.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 26

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cruise Lake Wanaka Ltd

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and narrates live, so anyone comfortable following spoken commentary will track the tour without effort. If you need a written translation or a guide in another language, this is not the right departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Ruby Island actually like when you get there?

Ruby Island is small and densely planted with both exotic and native species that create a natural foreground to the lake and the mountains beyond it. The mix of plants and the photogenic setting are what make it the jewel of Wanaka, and the guided walk takes you through the island to see them up close.

Can I skip the island walk if I'd rather stay on the boat?

Yes, the island walk is not compulsory. You can remain aboard the cruise if you prefer to take in the scenery from the water.

How long does the whole tour take?

The cruise and walk run just over 1 hour from start to finish, making it easy to fit into a morning or afternoon without a large time commitment.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it's canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.