Wanaka 4x4 and boat tour: Lake and mountain views with picnic
Boat across the lake, then climb above it to see the whole panorama at once
A four-hour boat and 4x4 tour from Wanaka Marina combines lake and mountain views in one trip, with a gourmet picnic at Mt. Burke Station. The tour departs from the jetty at Lakeside Road, includes a 20-minute boat ride to the base of Mt. Burke, then a 4x4 climb above the lake with a live English-speaking guide. Small groups of up to five travel together, and morning or afternoon tea is included depending on your departure time.
Step-by-step itinerary
Lake and mountain 4x4 adventure
- Meet at Wanaka Marina jetty
- Boat ride on Lake Wanaka
- Land at foot of Mt Burke
- Board 4x4 vehicle
- Drive above the lake for views
- Enjoy gourmet picnic and scenery
What’s included
- Small-group tour with a maximum of five travelers per vehicle.
- live English-speaking guide.
- 20-minute boat ride to Mt. Burke and return.
- 4x4 vehicle transport up the mountain.
- gourmet picnic at Mt. Burke Station.
- morning tea with coffee, tea, treats and fruit (morning departures) or afternoon tea with cheese, crackers and local wine or non-alcoholic drink (afternoon departures).
Times
- Every day 09:30 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Aqua Adventures Wanaka LTD trading as Wanaka Water taxi Wanaka 4x4 Explorer
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts at the Wanaka Marina jetty on Lakeside Road, where you board a boat heading up Lake Wanaka toward Stevenson's Arm. The boat ride lasts 20 minutes each way and passes Stevenson's Island on the approach to Mt. Burke. From the water you see glacier-carved mountains and steep alpine walls that frame the lake, and the boat brings you to the landing point where the 4x4 waits.
Once you board the 4x4, the vehicle climbs above the lake until Lake Wanaka spreads out below you in a single panorama: the full expanse of blue water with Mount Aspiring National Park peaks beyond. This is where you stop for your gourmet picnic and take time to absorb the view. Your guide shares the history of the farm station, the geology of the Alps, and stories of early settlers while you eat. Morning tours include coffee, tea and treats with fruit. Afternoon tours include afternoon tea with cheese, crackers and a local wine or non-alcoholic drink.
The whole experience stays off the main paths: no crowds, no other groups visible. You travel in a small group of up to five people maximum, and the driver acts as your guide throughout. Wear a jacket because the mountain is colder than the town, and note that there are no toilets on the tour itself, though bushes are available. Parking at the marina is limited, so most people park on Lakeside Road once it turns uphill, or walk from town.
Is this one for you?At four hours, the tour fits into a free afternoon or morning without dominating your whole day in Wanaka. The small group size and remote location mean you spend the time with only a few other travelers and your guide, away from the busier attractions around town.
Compare the 6 alternatives
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5).
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.
How long is the boat ride on Lake Wanaka?
The boat ride to Mt. Burke takes 20 minutes, and the return journey is another 20 minutes, so you spend 40 minutes total on the water as part of the four-hour tour.
What's included in the picnic?
A gourmet picnic is served at Mt. Burke Station. Morning tours include coffee, tea, treats and a selection of fruit. Afternoon tours include cheese, crackers, and either a local wine or non-alcoholic drink.
What are the views like from Mt. Burke?
From Mt. Burke Station, Lake Wanaka spreads out below in a complete panorama with Mount Aspiring National Park peaks visible beyond the far shore: the guide describes it as the best view in Wanaka.
How many people travel together on this tour?
Groups stay small, with a maximum of five people per 4x4 vehicle, so you travel with no more than four other travelers plus your guide.
Do I need to arrange my own transport to the marina?
You meet the guide at the Wanaka Marina jetty on Lakeside Road. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so you drive or walk to the marina yourself. Parking is limited at the marina, but available on Lakeside Road once it turns uphill.
What should I wear for this tour?
Bring a jacket because the mountain is colder than town level. Dress in layers so you can adjust as you move between the lake and the higher elevation at Mt. Burke.
Wanaka 4x4 and boat tour: Lake and mountain views with picnic
4h · EN
from NZ$ 329 per person
≈ US$ 189 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.