About this tour
When Tom from our team ran this Wanaka 4x4 and boat combo, we got a proper taste of the region's remote side. You start at Wanaka Marina, boat out to the base of Mt. Burke, then swap vessels for a four-wheel drive into backcountry that feels genuinely untouched. The whole thing runs four hours, with a small crew (five per vehicle max) and gourmet picnic thrown in. It's the kind of tour that feels less like a tourist tick-box and more like you've found a local shortcut to the best views.
Highlights
- 20-minute boat ride sets the tone — lake glassy and quiet
- Mt. Burke Station access; few tourists ever venture here
- 4x4 climbs proper mountain terrain with panoramic lake views
- Gourmet picnic in remote location beats standard tour lunch
- Small-group cap keeps it intimate and guide-focussed
- Afternoon option includes local wine and proper cheese board
- Morning tours feature coffee, tea, and fresh fruit
- No crowds or marked trails — genuinely off the beaten path
What to expect
The day kicks off at Wanaka Marina where you'll board a boat for a scenic 20-minute run across the water towards Mt. Burke. It's peaceful; you'll see remote islands and National Park backdrop building as you approach. Once you hit the base, you transfer into the 4x4 with your guide and head uphill into proper backcountry terrain. Roads are rough but manageable, and the views expand as you gain altitude — lake sprawling below, mountains all around. Tom's guide was sharp with local knowledge and kept the group engaged without being chatty-for-chatty's sake. Mid-tour, you'll stop for your picnic: proper spreads (cheese, crackers, fruit) if it's morning tea, or cheese board with local wine if you've booked the afternoon slot. No rushing; the vibe is relaxed and scenic. The return boat ride mirrors the outbound — same glassy water, same quiet.
What travellers say
- Genuinely remote access most Wanaka visitors never see
- Boat-and-4x4 combo gives two completely different perspectives
- Gourmet picnic beats standard tour catering by miles
- Small groups and knowledgeable guides, not herded tourism
- Flexible morning or afternoon tea timing suits most schedules
- No hotel pickup — you're arranging own transport to marina
- Bush toilets only; not ideal for those needing facilities
- Bumpy mountain roads unsuitable for spinal injury concerns
- Weather can shift fast; jacket essential even in warm months
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you love mountain scenery and quiet spaces, this delivers. The boat-and-4x4 combo means you're not just grinding a single landscape; you see the region from two angles. The gourmet picnic is actually generous and tasty, not a sad sandwich in a car park. Small groups mean your guide remembers your name and tailors commentary. Physical fitness doesn't need to be high — it's a drive and a walk, not a hike. Dietary requirements are handled if you flag them early.
No hotel pickup, so you're organising your own transport to the marina (public options exist nearby, but factor that in). There are no toilets on the tour — only bush stops, which matters if you're not keen on that. The drive can be bumpy and is not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries. Mountain weather changes fast; bring a jacket even if it's warm in town. Infants must sit on adult laps. Peak times can book out, so book ahead.
Tour runs four hours. Max five people per vehicle. Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes with grip. Dress in layers — altitude gets chilly. If you're prone to car sickness on mountain roads, worth knowing beforehand.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.