Stevensons Island Cruise and Nature Walk: Lake Wanaka Tour

The island's summit sits a short walk from the shore, with views across the lake and mountains in every direction.

A 2-hour small group cruise and guided nature walk on Lake Wanaka, departing from Wanaka and traveling by luxury catamaran to Stevensons Island. The tour includes a 45-minute cruise across the lake, a guided walk to the island summit, complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits on the return journey, and Department of Conservation Park fees. A live English-speaking guide leads the walk. The tour runs with a minimum of four guests and is subject to favorable weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and nature walk at Stevensons Island

• Board luxury catamaran
• Cruise 45 minutes on Lake Wanaka
• Guided nature walk to island summit
• Enjoy photo opportunities
• Return to vessel
• Have tea, coffee, and biscuits
• Cruise back to Wanaka

The experience

You board a luxury catamaran in Wanaka and spend 45 minutes cruising Lake Wanaka among mountain scenery before reaching Stevensons Island. Once ashore, a guide leads you on a nature walk to the island summit, where the photo opportunities are the main draw: the vantage point frames the lake and surrounding peaks. The walk itself is short enough that families with children and people of all fitness levels can manage it.

After descending, you return to the catamaran for the cruise back to Wanaka. The vessel has a licensed bar with happy hour pricing if you want a drink, and complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are served while you're underway. The whole experience runs 2 hours from start to finish, making it a natural fit for a free afternoon or a morning slot before other plans in the region.

What’s included

• Cruise on Lake Wanaka aboard a luxury catamaran.
• guided nature walk to Stevensons Island summit.
• Department of Conservation Park fees.
• complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits on the return.
• live English-speaking guide.
• licensed bar with happy hour pricing available for drinks you purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to1h before

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

GroupUp to 20

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cruise Lake Wanaka Ltd

Is this one for you?The walk to the island summit is short and the pace is leisurely, so families with children and people of any fitness level can join. The whole outing fits into a 2-hour window, which works well if you have a free afternoon in Wanaka or want to combine it with other activities in the region.

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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 Stevensons Island and why is the summit worth the walk?

Stevensons Island sits in Lake Wanaka and the summit walk offers outstanding photo opportunities of the lake and mountain scenery. The guide leads you to the vantage point and points out what you're seeing.

How much time do I spend actually walking on the island?

The guided nature walk to the island summit and back is part of the 2-hour total, with the 45-minute cruise each way built into that timeframe. The walk itself is short and suitable for all fitness levels.

What's included in the price and what costs extra?

The cruise, guided island walk, Department of Conservation Park fees, tea, coffee and biscuits are all included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase at the bar.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is pickup included?

You make your own way to the departure point in Wanaka. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

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