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FAQs

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Here are a few of the questions that often come up. If we have not answered your question here please use our contact form or give us a call on +64 21 307 104.

Does Wanaka Cruises offset its emissions?

Yes, Wanaka Cruises is the first carbon positive tourism operator in the Wanaka region. Each ticket purchased contributes to native forest planting that is forever protected. Please see 'Our Carbon Story' under the main menu.

What are the ten best things to do in Wanaka?

Wanaka is a beautiful scenic lakeside town in New Zealands South Island. Surrounded by mountains and with Lake Wanaka at its doorstep, Wanaka is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Here are the top ten things to do in Wanaka as voted by locals:

1. Take a scenic drive up the Matukituki valley, then a hike to Rob Roy glacier.

2. Hike up Mount Iron for amazing views over the town and lake.

3. Visit the famous Wanaka Tree, a lone willow tree that stands in the edge of Lake Wanaka. Get a selfie with the tree, the lake and mountains in the background.

4. Go skiing or snowboarding at Cardrona Alpine Resort or in the Summer, mountain bike, go cart and toboggan down the hill.

5. Get your adrenaline fix with ajet boat ride down the mighty Clutha River with GoJets or Adventure Wanaka.

6. Take a cruise on Lake Wanaka aboard the Dual Image and visit the lake on top of an island (Mou Waho Island).

7. Visit the Puzzling World attraction for some mind-bending fun.

8. Sample the local wines from Maude wines at the Bistro Gentil tasting room.

9. Visit Edgewater Hotel and have a scone baked fresh while you wait. Choose from 20 varieties and enjoy with a cuppa.

10. Enjoy a meal or drink with a view at Kai Whakapai cafe and bar. Locally brewed beers on tap and the best coffee in town.

What are the five best rainy day activities in Wanaka?

Just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time in Wanaka. Here are five things to do on a rainy day in Wanaka:

1. Go to the cinema. Wanaka has two great boutique cinemas, each with its quirks and attractions. Rubys has 2 Gold Class state-of-the-art cinemas and is named after the 1920’s charismatic figure who was the star of the dance hall on Ruby Island.

Pardiso is right in town with comfy sofas, luxurious leather seating, an old Morris Minor or two as well as a cafe and bar serving delicious meals before, during or after the movie. Homemade ice cream, world-famous fresh hot cookies and a warm welcome from friendly staff complete the picture!

2. Visit the National Transport and Toy Museum at Wanaka Airport. This houses one of the largest private collections in the world with over 600 vehicles, twenty aircraft and 60,000 toys and other items. How did one man, the late Gerald Rhodes manage to collect all these things in his lifetime and then curate such an amazing display of them? Amazing.

3. In 1973 Stuart and Jan Landsborough sold their house and built a maze on the current site of Puzzling World. At the time there were only 800 people living in Wanaka. After the maze came illusions, roman toilets and the famous leaning tower of Wanaka. 50 years later Puzzling World welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year and is still a unique world-first attraction. This is must-do fun for the whole family.

 4. Go shopping: There are plenty of great shops in Wanaka. From the high-end exclusive Perriam with their fine Merino wool clothing, born on local Bendigo Station, to the Salvation Army Family Store with great pre-loved furniture and clothing for next to nothing. Wanaka has art shops, fine clothing, sportswear, bike shops, ski shops, a Mediterranean Market and a great old-fashioned butcher for fine meats and small goods to name a few.

5. Tour the craft breweries. Who would believe that a small town in the South would be home to four craft breweries and they all make great beers! Here we go; check out Ground Up Brewing and Rhyme & Reason. These two are close together in Gordon Road so you can sample their amber liquids with one trip. Wanaka Beer Works is worth a visit at Wanaka Airport (perhaps when you visit the Toy Museum) and B. Effect Brewing in Anderson Road will really impress your taste buds. Grab a cab from Yellow Taxis if your doing them all at once.

Where can I meet the boat for my cruise?

Our cruises leave right from the Wanaka lakefront by the old jetty and the log cabin. Just look for a big white catamaran. If you have a phone or GPS put in 100 Ardmore street Wanaka or Google Lake Wanaka Cruises. You can also refer to the map on our contact page here.

When should I arrive for my cruise experience?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

What should I bring on my cruise experience?

Our cruises take place on a boat with guided walks on land. Please wear strong outdoor footwear. Wear clothing appropriate to the season and bring a jacket in all seasons. Don't forget your hat, camera, water bottle and a smile!

What is your cancellation policy?

We know the best plans change and sometimes due to unfortunate circumstances. We will do our best to assist you in these circumstances. Our full cancellation policy can be found here.

Can I change my ticket to another day?

We will always try to accommodate your changes of plan. Please contact us by phone or email. Our full terms and conditions can be found here.

Do you have any minimum numbers for your cruises?

All cruises require a minimum of 4 adult tickets to run. You will be advised 1 hour prior to the departure time if there are insufficient bookings to run the cruise. If the cruise is cancelled you will receive a full refund or a free upgrade to another cruise.

Is Lake Wanaka Cruises Qualmark rated?

Yes we are audited by Tourism New Zealand and are a Qualmark Silver endorsed visitor activity.

Can I bring my own food and alchohol aboard?

Please do not bring take-away food aboard. We are fully licensed so we do not allow alcohol to be brought on board. You can purchase snacks, beers, wines, RTD's and non alcoholic drinks on board for a very reasonable price. In fact we are often called the cheapest bar in Wanaka (beers, wines & RTD's are just $6).

How old can my child be and still travel free?

Children up to and including 4 years old travel free on our cruises. Please note that you may be asked to show evidence of your child's age when you board.

Can you take push chairs on board?

Yes we can accommodate parents with push chairs. We are very family friendly.

Can I purchase food or drinks on board the boat?

Yes you can purchase snacks, beers, wines, Rtd's and non alcoholic drinks on board for a reasonable price. In fact we are often called the cheapest bar in Wanaka (beers, wines & RTD's are just $6). You can also purchase substantial food items and wholesome snacks. Please do not bring take-away food aboard. We are fully licensed so we do not allow BYO alcohol on board.

Can I charter the whole boat?

Yes we specialise in private charters on Lake Wanaka. Please call email or contact us here.

Do I have to go on Island the walk?

No our guided walks are entirely optional. You may remain aboard the boat if you wish. A crew member will remain on board with you on all cruises except the Ruby Island cruise.

What is the maximum number of passengers your boat can take?

We are licensed by Maritime NZ for up to 49 passengers.

Is your boat wheel chair accessible?

We can load wheel chair clients via the front boarding ramp however the angle of the ramp is quite steep. The weight of the passenger is therefore a limiting factor.

Do you give discounts for large groups?

Yes we do give discounts for groups. Please contact us for a quote.

Do you offer customised lake tours and boat trips?

Yes you can charter the entire boat and crew for a customised Wanaka boat trip, Wanaka boat tour or Wanaka boat cruise . Simply contact us for a quote.

How do I pay my Wanaka Cruises invoice from my overseas bank?

You can pay your charter invoice from an overseas bank via International Money Transfer . You will require the following information.

Beneficiary name: Cruise Lake Wanaka Ltd

Beneficiary account: 12-3066-0497324-00

If an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is requested: 12-3066-0497324-00

If a BSB or Sort Code is requested: 12-3066

SWIFT Code: ASBBNZ2A.

Beneficiary Bank Address: ASB Bank Limited, 12 Jellicoe Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Recipient Address: 9 Wicklow Tce Albert Town Wanaka 9305 New Zealand

Phone number: +64 21 307 104