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© Stephen Matthews

Mou Waho

-44.55485 , 169.08084

New Zealand

Mou Waho ('the Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wānaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While most of the endemic species such as Tui, New Zealand Bellbird, Pipipi and Tomtit can also be seen elsewhere in the Wānaka area, here they thrive in the absence of predators. The best-known inhabitant of the island is the Buff Weka, a large flightless rail which has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Stephen Matthews : -44.5548/169.0808 (2024-02-13 07:53:25 )

Site name was set by Stephen Matthews as "Mou Waho" (2024-02-13 07:53:25 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 07:25:53
Mou Waho ('the Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wānaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While most of the endemic species such as Tui, New Zealand Bellbird, Pipipi and Tomtit can also be seen elsewhere in the Wānaka area, here they thrive here in the absence of predators. The best-known inhabitant of the island is the Buff Weka, a large flightless rail which has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-17 11:38:47
Mou Waho ('the Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wānaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of most of the endemic species such as Tui, New Zealand Bellbird, Pipipi and Tomtit can also be seen elsewhere in the Wānaka area, they thrive here in the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality absence of the island. Its predators. The best-known inhabitant of the island is the Buff Weka, a large flightless rail which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 10:19:51
Mou Waho ('the Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wānaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui, Pipipi and Tomtit can also be seen elsewhere in the Wānaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka, a flightless rail which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 10:04:43
Mou Waho ('the Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, Wānaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui, Pipipi and Tomtit can be seen elsewhere in the Wanaka Wānaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka, a flightless rail which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-15 10:28:52
Mou Waho ('Outer ('the Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the department New Zealand Department of conservation.Conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui, Pipipi and Tomtit can be seen elsewhere in the Wanaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka, a flightless rail which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-14 01:37:31
Mou Waho ('Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the department of conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui, Pipipi and Tomtit can be seen elsewhere in the Wanaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka, a flightless species rail which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 09:01:43
Mou Waho ('Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the department of conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui and Tui, Pipipi and Tomtit can be seen in the Wanaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka, a flightless species which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:37:44
Mou Waho ('Outer Island') is an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Wanaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the department of conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui and Pipipi can be seen in the Wanaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka. This Weka, a flightless species which cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:16:16
Mou Waho ('Outer Island') is an unhiabetd uninhabited island in the midel middle of Lake Wanaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the department of conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui and Pipipi can be seen in the Wanaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka. This flightless species cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:03:24
Mou Waho ('Outer Island') is an unhiabetd island in the midel of Lake Wanaka, a glacial lake which is New Zealand's fourth largest. It is a sanctuary island administered by the department of conservation. Mammalian predators have been eradicated and the bird life is correspondingly richer than on the surrounding parts of the South Island. While some of the endemic species such as Tui and Pipipi can be seen in the Wanaka area, the New Zealand Bellbird is a speciality of the island. Its best-known inhabitant is the Buff Weka. This flightless species cannot survive where there are predators, but has flourished since being transferred here in 2004.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

New Zealand Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae)
Weka (Gallirallus australis)
New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)
Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae)
New Zealand Bellbird (Anthornis melanura)
Pipipi (Mohoua novaeseelandiae)

New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-02-13 09:00:24)

New Zealand Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-02-13 08:58:06)

Pipipi (Mohoua novaeseelandiae) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-02-13 08:56:54)

Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-02-13 08:56:42)

New Zealand Bellbird (Anthornis melanura) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-02-13 08:56:29)

Weka (Gallirallus australis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-02-13 08:56:15)

  • Timing and strategy

Most species are resident. Since both Wekas and songbirds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable.

At the Wānaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck, Black-billed and Kelp Gulls should be seen on the lake.

After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common.

After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wānaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Weka and Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool.

By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-03-14 13:54
Most species are resident. Since both wekas both Wekas and songbirds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the Wānaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck, Black-billed and Kelp Gulls should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wānaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 07:28
Most species are resident. Since both wekas and songbirds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the Wānaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck, Black-billed and Kelp Gulls should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wānaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Karearea Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 07:26
Most species are resident. Since both wekas and songbirds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the Wānaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Shelduck, Black-billed Gull and Kelp Gulls should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wānaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 06:42
Most species are resident. Since birds both wekas and songbirds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the Wānaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wānaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 10:20
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the Wanaka Wānaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka Wānaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-15 10:30
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the Wanaka marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. The Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-14 01:44
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little PIed Pied Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to a lookout near the summit. Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-14 01:39
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. Ths This lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little PIed Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to the rigt to reach a Lookout lookout near the summit. Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-14 01:38
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the marina, marina where ferries depart, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. Ths lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little PIed Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to the rigt to reach a Lookout near the summit. Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:59
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the marina, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in plaes places and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Goldfinch, Blackbird and Silvereye are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. Ths lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whle, scuh whole, such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little PIed Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka and Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon) may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to the rigt to reach a Lookout near the summit. Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:36
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable. At the marina, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in plaes and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introdiced specoes Introduced species such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Blackbird are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. Ths lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whle, scuh as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little PIed Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to the rigt to reach a Lookout near the summit. Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:36
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable.preferable. At the marina, water birds such as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Black-billed Gull should be seen on the lake. After arriving at the ferry jetty on the island, a single path leads up to the Arethusa Pool and Lookout. The path is steep in plaes and benches are provided for rest. Along this path native birds such as Tui, Bellbird, Pipipi and Buff Weka should be seen and/or heard. Introdiced specoes such as Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Blackbird are also common. After around half an hour one will reach the picturesque Arethusa Pool. Ths lake is visited by water birds which use Lake Wanaka as a whle, scuh as New Zealand Scaup, Great Crested Grebe, Paradise Shelduck and Little Shag (as the Little PIed Cormorant is known here). Buff Weka may be seen and/or heard around the pool. By turning right at the pool, one can continue to the rigt to reach a Lookout near the summit. Karearea (New Zealand Falcon) is sometimes seen or heard in the summit area.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:07
Most species are resident. Since birds are more active in the morning, a morning or whole-day tour is preferable.
  • How to get there

The island can be reached by fast ferry from Wānaka in around 30 minutes. Wānaka is an hour's drive from Queenstown International Airport.

The most basic tour is a 3-hour round trip departing from the marina at Wānaka. As of 2024, Wanaka Water Taxi offers tours departing at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for in order to observe most of the species present.

A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 06:44
The island can be reached by fast ferry from Wānaka in around 30 minutes. Wānaka is an hour's drive from Queenstown International Airport. The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour round trip departing from the marina at Wānaka. As of 2024, Wanaka Water Taxi offers tours departing at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for in order to observe most of the species present. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 06:44
The island can be reached by fast ferry from Wānaka in around 30 minutes.   Wānaka is an hour's drive from Queenstown International Airport. The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wānaka. As of 2024, Wanaka Water Taxi offers tours departing at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for in order to observe most of the species present. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 11:11
The island can be reached by fast ferry from Wānaka in around 30 minutes.  The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wānaka. As of 2024, Wanaka Water Taxi offers tours departing at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for. for in order to observe most of the species present. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 10:19
The island is reached can be reached by fast ferry from Wanaka Wānaka in around 30 minutes.  The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wanaka.Wānaka. As of 2024, Wanaka Water Taxi offers tours departing at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-15 10:31
The island is reached by fast ferry from Wanaka in around 30 minutes.  The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wanaka. As of 2024, this service is operated by Wanaka Water Taxi and departs offers tours departing at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-14 01:42
The island is reached by fast ferry from Wanaka.Wanaka in around 30 minutes.  The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wanaka. As of 2024, this service is operated by Wanaka Water Taxi and departs at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-14 01:42
The island is reached by fast ferry from Wanaka.  The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wanaka. As of 2024, this service is operated by Wanaka Water Taxi and departs at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is offered by Lake Wanaka Cruises, depating departing at 9 a.m. These 3-hour tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:15
The island is reached by fast ferry from Wanaka.  The most basic tour is a 3-hour tour departing from the marina at Wanaka. As of 2024, this service is operated by Wanaka Water Taxi and departs at 9 or 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., costing NZD 125 per adult. Another tour is by Lake Wanaka Cruises, depating at 9 a.m. These tours allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island, enough for the hike to the pool and back but rather less than a visiting birder would wish for. A more elaborate 4-hour guided tour is offered by Eco Wanaka.

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  • Other attractions

Apart from birds, endemic species include an endangered insect, the mountain stone wētā and the Southern Alps gecko.

The Arethusa pool on the island is popular for swimming, the water being slightly warmer than Lake Wānaka. The boat trip, hike and scenery can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-20 07:31
Apart from birds, endemic species include an endangered insect, the mountain stone wētā and the Southern Alps gecko. The Arethusa pool on the island is popular for swimming, the water being slightly warmer than Lake Wānaka. The boat trip, hike and scenery can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 10:54
Apart from birds, endemic species include an endangered insect, the mountain stone wētā and the Southern Alps gecko. The Arethusa pool on the island is popular for swimming, the water being slightly warmer than Lake Wānaka. The hike and scenery can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 10:21
Apart from birds, endemic species include the mountain stone wētā and the Southern Alps gecko. The Arethusa pool on the island is popular for swimming.swimming, the water being slightly warmer than Lake Wānaka. The hike and scenery can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-13 08:18
Apart from birds, endemic species include the mountain stone wētā and the Southern Alps gecko. The Arethusa pool on the island is popular for swimming. The hike and scenery can be enjoyed by non-birding visitors.

It is possible to camp on the island and there is a toilet and barbeque available. 

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or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
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• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 11:14
It is possible to camp on the island and there is a toilet and barbeque available. 

As wasps can be common from December to April, those allergic to their stings are advised to carry an antihistamine. Sunscreen is recommended. 

Dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed on island reserves such as Mou Waho.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 11:17
As wasps can be common from December to April, those allergic to their stings are advised to carry an antihistamine. Sunscreen is recommended.   Dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed on island reserves such as Mou Waho.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-02-16 11:15
As wasps can be common from December to April, those allergic to their stings are advised to carry an antihistamine. Sunscreen is recommended. 
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Mou Waho - Orniverse