Private Half-Day Photography
5 hours · Glen Howey Photography Tours
Private tour with snacks.
from $217.87 per person Check availability →
Island Safari, Self-Drive Option
Glenorchy Island Safari, Self-drive option
from $88.87 per person
Check availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Duration
- 4 hours 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- Oban Street, Glenorchy
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Run by
- Rippled Earth Ltd
Overview
You meet the guide outside Mrs Woolly's General Store on Oban Street in Glenorchy and drive on from there to the lake launch area. From the water, the group paddles out among the lake's islands, then lands for a walk on one of them.
Although the name says safari, the tour is built around kayaking plus a short island hike. Reviewers regularly describe calm water, native birdlife on the islands, and a snack stop with homemade cake and a hot drink. Guides get frequent praise for being friendly, safe and generous with stories about the area.
This is a private tour, so only your group takes part, and pricing is per person. It suits travellers with moderate fitness who want time on the water at a relaxed pace. If the lake is rough, the operator has moved groups to Moke Lake instead, and several reviewers said that alternative worked out well.
- Island Safari, Self-Drive Option (this tour)$88.87
- Island Safari, Shorter Trip$106.07
- Private Half-Day Photography$217.87
What's Included
Included
- Snacks (Cake and a hot drink)
- Private transportation
Itinerary
- Meet in GlenorchyMeet outside Mrs Woolly's General Store at 64 Oban Street, Glenorchy. This is the self-drive option, so you make your own way to the meeting point.
- Drive to the launchPrivate transportation is included, and the trip involves a drive from Glenorchy to the lake launch area after meeting in town.
- Kayak the lakePaddle the lake by kayak among its islands. Reviewers describe calm, peaceful water and close-up views of the islands.
- Island stop and hikeLand on an island for a walk. Reviewers mention seeing native birds, including weka, and enjoying the peaceful shoreline.
- Snack breakCake and a hot drink are included. Reviewers mention homemade cake and a hot Raro drink served during the break.
- Return to GlenorchyThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Oban Street. Total duration is 4.5 hours.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points are worth knowing before booking this self-drive option.
- Getting there. You meet outside Mrs Woolly's General Store on Oban Street in Glenorchy and this is the self-drive product, so you arrange your own transport to town. One reviewer suggested the launch point by the lake might be a more logical meeting spot, but the current arrangement starts in Glenorchy.
- Fitness and pace. A moderate level of physical fitness is required. No kayaking experience seems necessary: one reviewer said a nervous first-timer in their group ended up loving it, and the pace is described as relaxed and peaceful.
- Private group. The tour is private to your group and priced per person. Reviewers who ended up with a private trip described it as peaceful, with sections of shoreline nearly to themselves.
- Food and drink. Snacks are included, specifically cake and a hot drink. Multiple reviewers single out the homemade cake, with one mentioning fruit cake and a hot Raro drink.
- Weather flexibility. The experience requires good weather. When Lake Wakatipu has been rough, groups have been taken to Moke Lake instead, and two reviewers said the substitute trip was excellent. Poor-weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund.
- Photography. Reviewers describe stunning scenery, calm water and close-up views of the islands, with the lake and shoreline often nearly to themselves. There is plenty of open water and island shoreline to point a camera at.
Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for children under 8. All participants must be able to speak English. Weather can force changes: the trip needs good conditions, and reviewers have had the lake leg moved to Moke Lake when Lake Wakatipu was rough. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. One reviewer felt the meeting point in town was less convenient than starting at the lake.
Common Questions
Where Does The Tour Meet?
Outside Mrs Woolly's General Store at 64 Oban Street, Glenorchy. This is the self-drive option, so you drive yourself to the meeting point, and the tour ends back at the same spot.
How Long Is The Tour?
Duration is 4.5 hours. That covers meeting in Glenorchy, the drive to the launch area, kayaking, the island stop and the return.
Is Food Included?
Yes, snacks are included: cake and a hot drink. Reviewers mention homemade cake, fruit cake and a hot Raro drink during the break.
Is It Suitable For Children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 8. One reviewer's family with children aged 10, 13 and 15 all enjoyed it.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. Weather cancellations and minimum-number cancellations come with an alternative date or a full refund.
Do I Need Kayaking Experience?
A moderate level of physical fitness is required. One reviewer said a nervous first-timer in their group ended up loving it, and another described guides making everyone feel safe. Guides are regularly praised for being friendly and informative.
Book Island Safari, Self-Drive Option
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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