1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka
4.5
1-Hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka
By Lake Wanaka Cruises
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 26 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Guided Island walk
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Lake Wanaka
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Start:
- Wānaka Marina, Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandYou will board your vessel from the Wanaka Marina. The access is at 100 Lakeside Rd Wanaka. Please be at the departure point before 12.45 pm. If you are not present at 12.45 pm, you may not be able to join the cruise. Parking may or may not be available at the marina. Arrive early to check.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56970P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Island walk is not compulsory
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled 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 26 travelers
- 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: 56970P1
From
$29.62
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandYou will board your vessel from the Wanaka Marina. The access is at 100 Lakeside Rd Wanaka. Please be at the departure point before 12.45 pm. If you are not present at 12.45 pm, you may not be able to join the cruise. Parking may or may not be available at the marina. Arrive early to check.
- 1Often called the jewel of Wanaka, Ruby is small but very photogenic. The eclectic mix of exotic and native plants adds a foreground to the colors of the lake and the mountains behind.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 534sueg0 contributionsNice water activity in WanakaWe booked this tour about an hour ahead of time and really enjoyed it. We had an afternoon that was semi-sunny and the water was pretty calm, but not glassy. There were 11 passengers in total. The boat ride was nice. We sat inside part of the time as enjoyed chatting with the captain. The nature walk was nice and the guide gave an interesting talk about nature and the area while we were at the top of the short hike. We fully enjoyed this activity after spending several hours hiking in the morning. There were people of all ages on the boat and it seemed like everybody was having a nice time.Written December 11, 2024
- lindahamann0 contributionsLovely cruiseFriendly crew, beautiful views of the mountains on this one hour cocktail cruise. If you enjoy being out on the water you’ll like this cruise.Written December 10, 2024
- familytravel4x40 contributionsHappy hour like no other!We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, and we doubt there is a better happy hour to be found any where in Wanaka. The backdrop is awesome and the cruise goes by far too fast, albeit it could be that the alcohol helps! As for the cheese and biscuits don’t expect anything out of the ordinary - it’s functional and plentiful, but not a gourmet event, but with drinks at $6 each (after the initial freebie) we had no complaints! It’s basically a nice cruise with a drink on the poop deck thrown in!! Enjoy….Written November 5, 2024
- Overseas_Aussie0 contributionsNot much to write home aboutJust a cruise, one drink and a little cheese in a confined space. Views I can see from the shore line so nothing to write home about except wasting my moneyWritten November 3, 2024
- markwQ4389ZG0 contributionsStunning & Enjoyable!Trip was excellent from start to finish. Rion was a first-rate guide full of interesting facts and observations whilst being laid back enough to let you take it all in yourself.Written September 19, 2024
- 930gerardk0 contributionsFantastic Views and a Nice WalkAfter a memorable (if bumpy!) boat ride, we had a memorable guided tour, occasionally stopping for looks at the wildlife (including insects). Views were amazing, as was the wind! Not for those who get seasick.Written September 3, 2024
- balajir2300 contributionsBooked different and got this oneI originally booked for Stevensons but they canceled it last hour as they didn’t have minimum required numbers to run the cruise. They moved me to the happy hour cruise. I took the option because it was my last day in Wanaka. This was a good cruise but I am sad that I couldn’t do what I preferred.Written August 28, 2024
- D4280MGstephenc0 contributionsToo good too shortWonderful really cruisey, pardon the pun. Plenty of places on the boat to chill out and enjoy the scenery. Skipper and crew super friendly.Written August 16, 2024
- helenrawlinson0 contributionsGreat afternoonBeautiful scenery for two hours, glassy lake, tour leader knowledgeable, nice little walk hot coffee/ milo and biscuitsWritten July 12, 2024
- bookwormKarin0 contributionsKiwi Version of Russian DollThe Kiwi version of a Russian Doll: at the top of the hill on Mou Waho Island you can see an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island. Stunning views and nature awaits you in that picturesque place. The track to the arthresian lake is a bit steep, so make sure to wear good shoes. I would also advice that children should be no younger than about 8 (or else have been up mountains before). However, the reward is well worth the effort of the climb.Written April 17, 2024
- bookwormKarin0 contributionsRelaxing Way to Discover Lake WanakaA wonderfully relaxing cruise on a beautiful ship. The guide was a little too fast for my liking (it was hard for some of the group memembers to keep up with him), but he was very knowledgeable on the flora and fauna of the island. There were even tea and busicuits on the way back to Wanaka. On the whole, a very enjoyable way to discover more about the lake and its islands.Written April 17, 2024
- Lucy M0 contributionsBeautiful day, fab cruiseBooked online, then the next day hopped on the boat, looking forward to a peaceful cruise on Lake Wanaka. The weather was perfect, sun, blue skies, water reflecting the sky, great visibility. It’s a fairly small catamaran, think there were a max of 18 of us and we all found a place to sit and enjoy the rays and tranquillity. After 45 mins we alighted at Stevensons Island, and followed the guide up to the top of the hill. It’s a pretty easy 15 min walk, gentle slope up, with only a couple of rocky/steepish parts that I needed a stable husband to support me with. Lovely view from the top, so worth the short hike. There’s a loo onboard and on the return trip we were served a cuppa and biscuits. Perfect. A lovely two hour excursion which l would highly recommend.Written April 9, 2024
- evets12320160 contributionsGreat day out on Lake WanakaThe day consisted of a leisurely one hour cruise about halfway up the lake, on a very nice boat, to Mou Waho island. There are a couple of hours on the island, then a return cruise back to the Wanaka marina. Lake Wanaka is stunningly beautiful, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, and this is the best way to see it. The captain and guide, Tim, gave us just enough info. on the lake and its history, without overdoing it. On the island, which is full of wekas, we climbed to the top, learning a lot about the local fauna along the way. Just be aware the climb to the top of the island takes you up 150 metres in altitude, so it's not for everyone.Written February 18, 2024
- jennSaigon0 contributionsExcellent trip around lakeWe booked on Book me ($41) , excellent value which includes alcoholic beverage, cheese and crackers. It was a stunning night so being out on the water was a wonderful way to experience the views. Very good staff. Highly recommend.Written February 10, 2024
- kriyoung0 contributionsVery beautiful boat rideWe had a wonderful time. Lake Wanaka is absolutely beautiful. The Captain and staff were so very nice. Great boat ride overall!Written February 2, 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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
18
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1
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1
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0
RST-Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand24 contributions
Apr 2022
I had a great cruise with Tim and Bronnie, the boat was great and there was plenty of space to take in the amazing views of Lake Wanaka. Tim took us for a walk around Ruby island and taught us about the interesting history and local vegetation. I highly recommend this cruise as it gets you out on one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. Regards Wayne
Written May 1, 2022
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.
matautraveller
Waihaorunga, New Zealand87 contributions
Nov 2020
Really impressed with this trip out to Ruby Island and the walk around the island to hear and see the history of this unique part of Lake Wanaka. Lovely boat, with guide Tim pointing out features around the lake on the way.
A great way to see the shore and get a different perspective of the area.
A great way to see the shore and get a different perspective of the area.
Written November 7, 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.
TarshaandKristian
Auckland Central, New Zealand109 contributions
Jan 2022
Bronnie and Tim, thank you so much for an amazing cruise. We absolutely loved cruising out to Ruby Island with you both. Bronnie took us an a short walk, taught us so many incredibly interesting facts about the history of Ruby Island, and she was an amazing photographer, too.
We highly recommend this trip to everyone. We both get seasick, but had no trouble at all. The boat is super clean, and the team super friendly.
The only thing that we wished for was that the cruise not to end. We think it would be fabulous to cruise right around Ruby Island, even if it needs to cost a little more.
Thanks again, Bronnie and Tim. This really was such a fabulous adventure for us both.
Tarsha and Kristian 🌺
We highly recommend this trip to everyone. We both get seasick, but had no trouble at all. The boat is super clean, and the team super friendly.
The only thing that we wished for was that the cruise not to end. We think it would be fabulous to cruise right around Ruby Island, even if it needs to cost a little more.
Thanks again, Bronnie and Tim. This really was such a fabulous adventure for us both.
Tarsha and Kristian 🌺
Written March 14, 2022
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.
Thanks Tarsha. We enjoyed your company and would love to have you both aboard again when you are back in town. All the best.
Written April 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kiwijoandsreve
Adelaide, Australia116 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Wonderful little trip that we all enjoyed (aged 4 to 66). We asked the kids 4,9 and11) when we got home what they enjoyed today and all said the boat trip! Excellent scenery and tour guide imparted a wealth of knowledge that we all appreciated. Would recommend 👍
Written June 14, 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.
Hey thanks so much for joining us and taking the time to leave feedback. We greatly appreciate it.
Written July 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LakesideChick
Adelaide, South Australia122 contributions
We enjoyed the cruise across the lake - but go see the tree from the beach as the view from the boat is a bit far away.
The island walk is ok and the history of the island is interesting.
It’s not really a photo walk - there’s just the one photo opportunity at the top of the hill.
The guide and the driver were friendly and welcoming.
Take a drink as there’s nowhere to purchase on the boat or island.
The island walk is ok and the history of the island is interesting.
It’s not really a photo walk - there’s just the one photo opportunity at the top of the hill.
The guide and the driver were friendly and welcoming.
Take a drink as there’s nowhere to purchase on the boat or island.
Written January 12, 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.
Thanks very much for coming along with us.
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin C
Crewe, UK164 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Great catamaran. Perfect scenery. Inexpensive for a one hour cruise
Friendly owner/captain who did his best with the commentary but there is little of interest to say.
We saw pretty much zero wildlife.
Pleasant way to spend a restful hour
Friendly owner/captain who did his best with the commentary but there is little of interest to say.
We saw pretty much zero wildlife.
Pleasant way to spend a restful hour
Written November 12, 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.
Hi Martin. Thanks for your comments. I'm not sure what your 'wildlife' expectations are on a freshwater lake so I'm going to guess a little. Most of the 'wildlife is under the water and being a fresh water lake there aren't any seals or dolphins. There are many of our native water birds in abundance on the lake however firstly you must look cafrefully and secondly, they are 'wild' so they will not always appear 'on cue'. The biology of New Zealand is quite strange, it was a kingdom of birds. All the large mammals are introduced and from a conservation perspective considered pests. They therefore are also quite hard to see during the daytime in response to being shot at quite regularly. Safe travels.
Written December 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bbb
13 contributions
When the cruise boat turned up ….well it was actually a small boat. Not what was advertised on the flyer.
Had to climb in via a small ladder onto and into the front of the boat and a step down three stepped little ladder into the boat. Definitely not a recommended way of safely getting aboard.
Couldn’t even go outside as he said it would destabilise the boat ?
Kinda went near the Wanaka tree …..too far for a photo.
Ruby island was more than a walk. Should have realised when the tour guide/skipper of the boat took his hiking pole.
The ascent was steep and long … take a drink it will be needed.
Very disappointing as this cost us $98.
Had to climb in via a small ladder onto and into the front of the boat and a step down three stepped little ladder into the boat. Definitely not a recommended way of safely getting aboard.
Couldn’t even go outside as he said it would destabilise the boat ?
Kinda went near the Wanaka tree …..too far for a photo.
Ruby island was more than a walk. Should have realised when the tour guide/skipper of the boat took his hiking pole.
The ascent was steep and long … take a drink it will be needed.
Very disappointing as this cost us $98.
Written March 15, 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.
Oh dear. It is really disappointing to us that you did not enjoy yourself. We do try very hard but of course its impossible to design an island or a boat that will suit everyone. To be clear, it is a 11.5 m vessel, 500 Hp and seats 28 guests.
We cannot go right to the Wanaka Tree because that part of the lake is very shallow.
The walk on the island is very very easy for most people and entirely optional. You can enjoy the beach if you wish.
At $49 per adult it is also really good value today. We have not raised our prices in 6 years against a background of spiraling fuel, parts and labour costs.
Perhaps you should have chosen our Happy hour Cruise instead. There is no walking at all, just eating and drinking plus its on the big boat you saw on the flyer. Beware of the stairs though, they are pretty steep!
Written March 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Courtney K
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Solo
Beautiful cruise around lake Wanaka. An absolute slice of heaven and perfect venue to enjoy a drink. Pavla and Adam were super warm and welcoming, And shared their local knowledge. I travelled alone and instantly felt included in the fun group. It was a smooth journey with stunning vistas.
Written January 23, 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.
PhotoSandy
Charlestown, RI189 contributions
A short ride on Lake Wanaka to an island where we could walk a trail to a gradual summit with beautiful lake and Mountain View’s. Easy loop walk. Appears to be a well run but one-man operation. Well worth the trip since we had limited time in Wanaka.
Written March 31, 2019
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.
RichelleESA
Dunedin, New Zealand21 contributions
Excellent trip, lovely crew so friendly and helpful, rough water as it was so windy but the skipper was very skilled. They let us know the trip would be delayed and said we could re-schedule if we wanted but we didn’t. I would definitely do this trip or another with this company again as it was so much fun and the crew were excellent. Thanks for a great day celebrating our daughter’s 21st! Everyone singing happy birthday on the island and the complimentary beers from Tim on the way back were extra special thank you!!
Written January 8, 2019
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.
Really happy we could make a special day even better!
Written January 12, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trysha L
Auckland, New Zealand
Is this activity doable for a person in a wheelchair? Thanks
Written June 23, 2021
Hello, how long is the boat docked on the island before it departs again?
Written January 18, 2019
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