Walking Tours Wanaka

Stevensons Arm Boat & Hike – A Journey Off the Beaten Track

Leave the crowds behind and discover a side of Lake Wānaka that few ever get to see. Step aboard your Wanaka Water Taxi for a scenic 20-minute cruise across the lake’s clear blue waters to the hidden trailhead at Stevensons Arm — a place accessible only by boat.

Your journey begins with a gentle lakeside walk along the glacier-carved western shoreline of Stevensons Arm, beneath the striking slopes of Mount Burke. Guided by local experts, you’ll hear stories of the land’s rich farming history, native wildlife, and the high-country families who have cared for it for generations.

As you hike through sun-dappled Manuka and native bush, the path gradually leads you to a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Wānaka. Pause here to take in sweeping alpine views — from Mount Alta and the Buchanan Range to Mou Waho Island floating in the deep blue lake below.

Continue on toward the head of the Arm, where you’ll arrive at a secluded bay. This peaceful, hidden spot is the perfect place to rest tired legs, enjoy a snack, dip your toes (or dive right in!) and soak up the pure serenity of this off-the-beaten-track corner of Wānaka.

For more than 170 years, shepherds have led flocks down these slopes of Mount Burke Station, following the rhythms of the seasons and the land. This guided or self-guided adventure with Wanaka Water Taxi lets you walk in their footsteps — tracing historic trails through a spectacular high-country landscape that remains untouched by roads and crowds.

Whether you join a knowledgeable local guide or choose to walk the trail at your own pace, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to private land, stories that bring the landscape to life, and time to simply breathe in the wild beauty of Lake Wānaka’s hidden reaches.

Tour Highlights

• 
  

  Scenic 20-minute Wanaka Water Taxi cruise across Lake Wānaka

  
  


• 
  

  Private access to Mt Burke Station’s remote peninsula — only reachable by boat

  
  


• 
  

  Approx. 4 km gently undulating lakeside trail with an optional lookout loop

  
  


• 
  

  Breathtaking alpine, lake, and island views

  
  


• 
  

  Fascinating stories from local guides about the land’s history and nature

  
  


• 
  

  Time to relax, picnic and swim at a secluded bay

  
  


• 
  

  3–4 hour experience, guided or self-guided

Stevensons Arm Boat & Hike – A Journey Off the Beaten Track

Leave the crowds behind and discover a side of Lake Wānaka that few ever get to see. Step aboard your Wanaka Water Taxi for a scenic 20-minute cruise across the lake’s clear blue waters to the hidden trailhead at Stevensons Arm — a place accessible only by boat.

Your journey begins with a gentle lakeside walk along the glacier-carved western shoreline of Stevensons Arm, beneath the striking slopes of Mount Burke. Guided by local experts, you’ll hear stories of the land’s rich farming history, native wildlife, and the high-country families who have cared for it for generations.

As you hike through sun-dappled Manuka and native bush, the path gradually leads you to a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Wānaka. Pause here to take in sweeping alpine views — from Mount Alta and the Buchanan Range to Mou Waho Island floating in the deep blue lake below.

Continue on toward the head of the Arm, where you’ll arrive at a secluded bay. This peaceful, hidden spot is the perfect place to rest tired legs, enjoy a snack, dip your toes (or dive right in!) and soak up the pure serenity of this off-the-beaten-track corner of Wānaka.

For more than 170 years, shepherds have led flocks down these slopes of Mount Burke Station, following the rhythms of the seasons and the land. This guided or self-guided adventure with Wanaka Water Taxi lets you walk in their footsteps — tracing historic trails through a spectacular high-country landscape that remains untouched by roads and crowds.

Whether you join a knowledgeable local guide or choose to walk the trail at your own pace, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to private land, stories that bring the landscape to life, and time to simply breathe in the wild beauty of Lake Wānaka’s hidden reaches.
Tour Highlights



Scenic 20-minute Wanaka Water Taxi cruise across Lake Wānaka



Private access to Mt Burke Station’s remote peninsula — only reachable by boat



Approx. 4 km gently undulating lakeside trail with an optional lookout loop



Breathtaking alpine, lake, and island views



Fascinating stories from local guides about the land’s history and nature



Time to relax, picnic and swim at a secluded bay



3–4 hour experience, guided or self-guided