Ruby Island Cruise: Lake Wanaka Scenic Tour

Embark on a 1-hour Ruby Island Cruise and Walk from Wanaka to discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand. This small-group tour offers a guided exploration of the island, perfect for all ages.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Wanaka - Often 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.
What's Included
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Guided Island walk
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

The Ruby Island Cruise, lauded as the top choice for travellers with a tight schedule, provides an exceptional hour-long tour of the beautiful landscape of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.
This small-group excursion includes a guided exploration of the island, complete with numerous chances for memorable photos. With its effortless route, it is fitting for…

Location
Lake Wanaka Cruises
Ardmore Street
You will board your vessel from the Wanaka Lake Front. In between the Old Town Jetty and the Dinosaur Park. 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 depending on the season.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(33 Ratings)
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1 star
Jonathanko774pr
Feb 22, 2026
Very apt - Great experience for the family. Nice and short but informative. Very recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z8410zhsarad
Jan 28, 2026
Strongly recommend, especially for a short time in Wanaka - A really excellent trip out to Ruby Island. Great, knowledgeable guides showed us round and introduced us to the fascinating history of this island. We didn't have long in Wanaka and this was a perfect way to get out into the lake and see more of the scenery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emmy353
Dec 11, 2025
Spectacular Views - Great Value - can't fault this trip!! - Spectacular views on a perfect day. Skipper Jamie was so friendly, knowledgeable and his manner just took this special little day trip to the next level. The boat trip is super quick and easy and the walk is also easy with lots of special hidden treasures. Then the views from the top are just amazing . Great value - good investment if short on time - would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion64277487110
Oct 16, 2025
A must do in Wanaka - Had the best time in Wanaka! Chris and Dan were fantastic – so knowledgeable and just great blokes. Highly recommend this trip in Wanaka nice and short and very Informative will not be disappointed !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass57538486955
Aug 4, 2025
Great Views - Great views, easy trip, Toby the guide was personable and knowledgeable! Will do again with family, and maybe do some of the other Islands.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christinewh
Feb 1, 2025
An Excellent Upgrade - I was the only one booked for the Ruby Island Cruise, so I was offered an upgrade for the Stevenson Island Cruise and walk 3-5 pm. The man who arranged it for me was very helpful and the Cruise was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious04869718554
Sep 27, 2024
Outstanding! - Outstanding way to spend an hour! Gorgeous views and the skipper (Toby) was wonderfully cheerful & knowledgeable. A delightful time indeed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colin_w
Nov 16, 2024
Great Wanaka familiarisation cruise. - Our Ruby Island cruise was canceled as the Lake was too full with the rain and snow melt. We were vey efficiently transferred to the lake cruise and drinks in the afternoon .it was wet, but the boat handled it well and we had a great familiarisation trip. The crew were excellent and helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Martincs2512nk
Nov 12, 2024
Pleasant way to spend a restful hour - 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oliver_m
Feb 25, 2024
Tour Cancelled Last Minute - The tour organised called me 25 minutes before the boat was due to depart, and said the tour hadn't met the minimal number of guests to run, so that it was cancelled. He did kindly offer a free upgrade to a longer tour departing later that day, however this didn't fit with our schedule. It would have been nice if we had been notified sooner. He could have called earlier that day and said it was looking unlikely the tour would run due to lower numbers, FYI. (We would have not waited around in town that day had we of known.)
Review provided by Viator
From $32
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).