Reel South Charters – Wānaka Lake Tours & Fishing

Discover Reel South Charters, offering personalised Wānaka lake tours, fishing charters and private boat trips surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps.

Departing from Wānaka Marina, these small-group experiences take you beyond the shoreline to discover beautiful islands, secluded bays, freshwater fishing and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Led personally by owner, skipper and guide Austin Bunn, every trip is relaxed, welcoming and tailored to the people onboard. With a maximum of just six guests, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience, whether you’re exploring Mou Waho Island, fishing for trout and salmon or booking a private charter with family and friends.

Choose from half-day and full-day lake tours, guided fishing adventures or fully customised private charters on Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea.

Explore Wānaka Lake Tours, Fishing Charters & Book Direct

Why Choose Reel South Charters?

• Owner-guided experiences – Every trip is personally led by Austin, an experienced local skipper with extensive knowledge of the lakes.
• Maximum six guests – Small groups ensure a relaxed, personal experience without the crowds.
• Scenic island adventures – Explore Mou Waho, Stevensons Island and Ruby Island on guided Lake Wānaka tours.
• Guided fishing charters – Discover freshwater fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and seasonal salmon.
• Private boat charters – Customised experiences for couples, families, friends and small corporate groups.
• Comfortable charter boat – Travel aboard a McLay 651 Custom Hardtop with a heated cabin.
• Local knowledge and storytelling – Learn about the lakes’ landscapes, wildlife, history and conservation.
• Conservation-focused operator – Every booking contributes to local environmental initiatives.
• DOC concession holder – Authorised to provide guided experiences on the islands.
• Flexible experiences – Choose sightseeing, fishing, island walks or a private itinerary.

Wānaka Lake Tours & Scenic Island Cruises

Experience Lake Wānaka from a different perspective on a relaxed, small-group scenic cruise.

Reel South Charters offers guided boat tours to some of the lake’s most beautiful islands, with opportunities to explore native bush, enjoy short walks, discover local wildlife and take in spectacular views of the Southern Alps.

Unlike larger sightseeing cruises, these Wānaka lake tours accommodate a maximum of six guests, allowing Austin to provide a more personal experience with time to explore, ask questions and appreciate the surroundings.

Choose from a three-hour half-day tour or a seven-hour full-day adventure visiting all three islands.

Half-Day Lake Wānaka Island Tour – 3 Hours

Discover the beauty of Lake Wānaka on a relaxed three-hour scenic boat tour, with different island destinations depending on your departure time.

Morning Tour – Mou Waho Island

Travel across Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a protected nature reserve known for its native wildlife, walking tracks and remarkable alpine scenery.

Explore the island with Austin and discover the famous Arethusa Pool, a small lake situated high above Lake Wānaka.

Enjoy panoramic views, learn about the island’s conservation story and experience one of the region’s most memorable natural attractions.

Afternoon Tour – Stevensons Island & Ruby Island

Cruise to Stevensons Island and Ruby Island, two beautiful destinations offering peaceful surroundings, native bush and spectacular lake views.

Enjoy guided island exploration, learn about the area’s history and wildlife, and experience quieter corners of Lake Wānaka.

Half-day tour highlights:

• Three-hour guided Lake Wānaka cruise
• Small groups of up to six guests
• Morning or afternoon departures
• Guided island walks and exploration
• Snacks and refreshments onboard
• Comfortable heated charter boat
• Opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing

Full-Day Lake Wānaka Three-Island Tour – 7 Hours

For a more complete Lake Wānaka experience, join Reel South Charters on a full-day scenic cruise visiting Mou Waho Island, Stevensons Island and Ruby Island.

This seven-hour adventure offers more time to explore the lake’s beautiful scenery, walk on the islands and discover their unique natural environments.

Cruise between secluded bays and island reserves while learning about local history, native wildlife and conservation efforts.

With lunch and refreshments included, the full-day experience is ideal for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in the beauty of Lake Wānaka.

Full-day tour highlights:

• Visits to all three Lake Wānaka islands
• Guided island walks and exploration
• Native birdlife and conservation stories
• Spectacular Southern Alps scenery
• Lunch, snacks and refreshments
• Personal guiding with a maximum of six guests

Wānaka Fishing Charters – Trout & Salmon Adventures

Experience freshwater fishing on Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea with an experienced local skipper.

Reel South Charters offers guided Wānaka fishing charters suitable for beginners and experienced anglers, with opportunities to target brown trout, rainbow trout and seasonal Quinnat salmon.

Austin grew up fishing in South Carolina and has spent years developing his knowledge of the Southern Lakes, including productive fishing locations, changing conditions and effective techniques.

Whether you’re learning to fish for the first time or looking for a memorable alpine fishing adventure, each charter combines experienced guidance, quality equipment and spectacular scenery.

Half-Day Wānaka Fishing Charter – 3 Hours

Enjoy a three-hour guided fishing trip departing from Wānaka Marina.

Ideal for visitors wanting a rewarding fishing experience without committing to a full day, this charter focuses on productive fishing areas around Lake Wānaka.

Includes:

• Experienced local fishing guide
• Rods, reels and fishing equipment
• Guidance on fishing techniques
• Snacks and refreshments
• Fish cleaning and filleting
• Small-group experience

Full-Day Wānaka Fishing Charter – 6 Hours

Spend six hours exploring Lake Wānaka’s freshwater fishing grounds.

With additional time on the water, Austin can adapt fishing techniques and locations to suit conditions and target species.

The full-day charter includes lunch, refreshments and fishing equipment, making it an excellent choice for dedicated anglers or visitors wanting a longer adventure.

Target species include:

• Brown trout
• Rainbow trout
• Seasonal Quinnat salmon

Fishing techniques may include trolling, spinning, jigging and downrigging, depending on conditions.

Important: Guests intending to fish must hold a valid New Zealand freshwater fishing licence. International visitors should arrange the appropriate non-resident licence before their trip.

Private Boat Charters – Lake Wānaka & Lake Hāwea

Looking for a private boat charter in Wānaka?

Reel South Charters offers fully customised experiences for up to six guests, giving you the freedom to explore Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea at your own pace.

With the boat and skipper exclusively for your group, you can create an itinerary around your interests, whether that’s sightseeing, island exploration, fishing, photography or simply enjoying time together on the water.

Private charters are particularly suitable for:

• Families and groups of friends
• Couples celebrating special occasions
• Small corporate teams
• Birthday and anniversary celebrations
• Private sightseeing experiences
• Fishing trips with friends
• Photography and nature enthusiasts

Choose a shorter lake escape or arrange a longer personalised adventure.

Austin can help plan an experience that suits your group, interests and available time.

Meet Austin Bunn – Owner, Skipper & Guide

Reel South Charters is owned and operated by Austin Bunn, whose lifelong connection with the water has shaped his approach to guiding.

Originally from South Carolina, Austin grew up fishing and developed a background in swimming, swim coaching, white-water and sea-kayak guiding, wilderness leadership and outdoor education.

After travelling internationally, he settled in Wānaka nine years ago, drawn by the region’s spectacular natural environment and outdoor lifestyle.

Austin has spent eight seasons working on Lake Wānaka, including six as a skipper, developing an intimate knowledge of its islands, fishing grounds, landscapes and changing conditions.

His passion for sharing these places inspired the creation of Reel South Charters.

Unlike larger commercial boat tours, every experience is personally guided by Austin, giving guests the opportunity to learn about the lakes, ask questions and explore at a relaxed pace.

For Austin, it’s not simply about taking visitors on a boat trip. It’s about helping people develop a genuine connection with the lake, its history and its conservation story.

Conservation & Responsible Lake Tourism

Reel South Charters is committed to protecting the natural environment that makes the Southern Lakes so special.

The business supports local conservation through partnerships with WAI Wānaka and Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, organisations involved in protecting waterways, restoring native habitats and supporting environmental sustainability.

Every booking contributes to local conservation initiatives.

Reel South Charters also holds a Department of Conservation concession for guided activities on the islands.

During island visits, Austin shares insights into the region’s natural history, native wildlife and conservation work, helping guests develop a deeper appreciation of these remarkable places.

Small-Group & Corporate Experiences in Wānaka

For families, friends and small corporate groups, Reel South Charters offers an alternative to traditional group activities.

With a maximum of six guests, private charters provide an exclusive experience where everyone can enjoy the scenery, take part in activities and spend quality time together.

Whether you’re organising a family outing, entertaining clients or planning a small team-building experience, Austin can help create a personalised lake adventure.

For groups larger than six, contact Reel South Charters to discuss suitable options.

Explore Wānaka, Queenstown Lakes & Otago

Surrounded by the Southern Alps, Wānaka is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations for outdoor adventures, lake activities and scenic experiences.

Beyond a Wānaka lake tour or fishing charter, visitors can discover walking and cycling trails, mountain scenery, local wineries and attractions throughout the Queenstown Lakes district.

Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended South Island holiday, exploring Lake Wānaka by boat offers a memorable perspective on this spectacular region.

For more travel inspiration, explore our Otago Travel Guide for attractions, accommodation and things to do across the region.

Book Your Wānaka Lake Tour, Fishing Trip or Private Charter

Discover Lake Wānaka with Reel South Charters and experience the Southern Lakes through the eyes of a knowledgeable local skipper.

From scenic island cruises and guided fishing adventures to exclusive private charters, every trip is designed to offer a memorable, personal experience for up to six guests.

Book Direct with Reel South Charters – View Tours & Availability