Eco Wanaka Adventure Tours

Often regarded as Queenstown’s smaller and less adrenaline fuelled little sister, Wanaka sometimes gets overlooked but we think it has just as much, if not more, to offer our travellers, and one of our favourite things about it is the small, family run Eco Wanaka Adventures tour company.

Run by Chris Riley, Eco Adventures offer a range of trips, carefully planned to take in the less visited, jaw droppingly stunning scenery of the southern lakes.

Chris and his guides have such a passion for the area, not to mention an unrivalled knowledge of the flora and fauna that abounds there that you’ll leave the tour as enthused and excited about Wanaka as they are, and you’ll even have chance do you bit for the conservation of the area with an opportunity to plant a native tree.

They offer a completely unique and unforgettable experience that begins with a short 30 minute trip out across the waters of Lake Wanaka, and over to the magical Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, situated near the middle of the lake.

Home to the flightless Buff Weka together with a myriad of other animals and plant species, the Island isn’t visible from the town, and with absolutely no roads, no buildings and no inhabitants other than the wildlife, it’s a magic spot to get up close to nature and feel part of your surroundings.

• Helping the conservation efforts with the opportunity to plant a native tree during the trip
• Taking ‘High Tea’ at the top of the Island overlooking the lakes.
• The magical surprise when you reach the top of Tyrwhitt Peak I(we won’t spoil it for you!)