Spend an hour on Lake Wanaka at golden hour—one drink and a shared cheese board included—while the cruiser passes Ruby Island and panoramic alpine ridges. A relaxed, easy outing ideal before dinner.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dusk settles over Lake Wanaka and the water turns the color of worked steel, broken only by the wake of a small cruiser and the soft clink of glass. You step aboard at the lakefront, find a seat along the rail and let the town slip away as the vessel eases past Ruby Island and Stevensons Peninsula, the hills folding into the Southern Alps on the horizon.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic mobility for boarding a small vessel
Wildlife
History
The Wanaka basin was formed by glaciers; Māori used the lake seasonally and European settlement introduced farming and later tourism in the 19th century.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to follow NZ biosecurity practice—clean gear between waterways to prevent invasive species—and avoid feeding wildlife to protect local ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Lake Wanaka 1-Hour Cruise Including Wine and Cheese Board today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Boarding begins promptly; be at the Wanaka Lakefront before 5:15pm to avoid missing the cruise.
Dress in layers
Even summer evenings are cool on open water—bring a windproof layer and light hat.
Bring a camera with a zoom
Wildlife and shoreline details can be close but low light favors a lens with reach and a steady hand.
Watch for communal food service
Cheese boards are shared; note allergens and keep small children supervised around shared platters.
Windproof jacket
Blocks lake breezes that intensify at sunset.
summer
Non-slip shoes
Provide secure footing on boat decks and wet ramps.
Camera or phone with zoom
Captures low-light shoreline and wildlife details.
Reusable water bottle
Useful if you prefer non-alcoholic hydration beyond the complimentary drink.