6 Island Walking Tours in the World to Build a Day Around

1.Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 617 reviews · from $211Our pick

Spend about eight hours exploring Maria Island by boat and on foot. Crews such as Michael, Ruby, Milly, and Tamsyn lead wildlife viewing, geology commentary, lunch, and a two-hour Darlington walk. Expect a small group, open-water conditions, and chances to see wombats, seals, dolphins, and albatross.

“Staffs were very friendly and organised which made the trip very enjoyable. We will definitely come back and join the tour again.”

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2.Strahan: Gordon River Cruise with Lunch & Sarah Island Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 382 reviews · 6 hours · from $109

Spend six hours cruising from Strahan through Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River, with stops at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island. Guides bring the convict past to life, including lively Sarah Island walks with guides such as Maggie, Shannon, and Lyell. Main Deck seating costs $109, with a more polished Premier option available.

“the boat was fantastic with a very good lunch and staff”

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3.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 160 reviews · 2 hours · from $50Best value

Take a 2-hour cruise from Wanaka’s lakefront to Stevensons Island aboard the white catamaran Dual Image. Enjoy mountain views, a 10-minute uphill nature walk with a local guide such as Cam, and tea, coffee, and biscuits on the return trip.

“The views were spectacular and our guide was very informative”

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4.Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $176

Join Eco Wanaka Adventures for a 3.5-hour cruise and guided walk to Mou Waho Island. Captain Michael or Chris shares local nature stories, while you look for buff weka, plant a native tree, hike to an island lake, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea.

“The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boRead more”

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5.Mou Waho Island: 3-Hour Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 66 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Take a fast 30-minute boat ride from Wanaka to predator-free Mou Waho Island, then join an English-speaking guide such as Jamie, Toby, or Tim for a two-hour walk to the island’s hidden lake and lookout. Expect rare weka, native wildlife, steep sections, and wide mountain views.

“What an amazing experience, the views are stunning on the way up Mount Waho and the cherry on the cake right at the top, just WOW! The boat to the island was also a beautiful experience and the guide very informative, great photographer and obliging to assist all group members, thank you.”

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6.Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · from $111

Cruise with a local skipper from Wānaka to predator-free Mou Waho Island, then hike with guides such as Jamie, Toby, or Kyle to Arethusa Pool. Expect rare weka, Māori and European history, steep sections, big views, and a small group capped at 15 people.

“Lovely experience on a gorgeous day luckily! Toby took our small group of 6 on a 30min boat ride to the island. Was a bit rocky on the way in, much smoother on the way out with gorgeous views. We then spent about 2hrs in total on the island hiking up to the viewpoint and back down.”

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