Being the island in Lake Wānaka closest to the township, Ruby Island is relatively easy to get to and well worth a visit on a lazy summer day.

This diminutive island, roughly 3.16ha in size, is dwarfed by the mountains and hills that surround the lake and, at just over 1.7kms from the town’s lakefront, it is regularly visited by locals and visitors.

Paddleboarders, kayakers, jetskis and boats often adorn the approachable south-eastern end of the island in the summer where the jetty and beaches are easily accessed and there’s a toilet, picnic tables and gas BBQ.

And, of course, ‘The Ruby’ annual swimming event has witnessed hundreds of experienced lake swimmers circumnavigate the island starting from the closest point to the island at the Waterfall Creek launching area at the end of Ruby Island Road.

Markus Hermanns mows a trail during one of the island’s working bees. PHOTO: Chris Arbuckle

The island is an idyllic spot for a family picnic or a gentle wander along the grassed walking trails which circle the island. The trail passes the historic site of the former dance floor and kitchen originating from the Hunt family’s Ruby Island Cabaret, which was held on weekends in the late 1920s.

While the Queenstown Lakes District Council is responsible for the island, the Ruby Island Management Committee and local volunteers keep a close watch over the island.

An information map displays the key points of interest on Ruby Island. PHOTO: Chris Arbuckle

Committee chair Michele Lacroix said a working bee was planned for the end of this month to carry out the pre-summer maintenance, mowing the tracks and tackling the spring growth to reduce the risk of wildfire.

Even though there is a fire ban, fire on the island is always a concern. Fire has visited the island on a number of occasions, the worst in 1992 when it destroyed virtually all the trees. A massive community effort involving more than 200 locals was needed to replant the island and great care has been taken to enforce a fire ban since then, Michele said. 

Wanaka Primary School students participating in the “Education outside the classroom” programme spent time at Ruby Island recently. PHOTO: Markus Hermanns

Ruby Island is home to a native mountain gecko (identified as the Cromwell Gecko) and a species of giant weta and this season apparently one of Wanaka’s grebes was sighted on the island, she said.

Ruby Island has also been the focus of the ‘Education outside the classroom” programme for Wanaka Primary School. About 40 students visited the island a few weeks ago, checking water quality and searching for water creatures, Michele said. They also planted six trees donated by Te Kākano Trust and installed tracking tunnels and “chew cards” to identify what pests, like rats and stoats, had taken up residence on the island.

Dual Image steers a course to the jetty on Ruby Island. PHOTO: Wanaka App

A new public information panel is underway and Michele hopes it will be erected near the jetty by the end of the year. Other things on the wish list include a replacement gas BBQ for the current one which had to be repaired after it was damaged. Michele said the current gas BBQ still operates but she’s hoping a community group looking for a fundraising project would consider purchasing a replacement gas BBQ “with greater capacity and durability” for the island.

There are several options available for those wanting to visit the island but don’t have their own suitable transport. Both Wanaka Water Taxis and Lake Wanaka Cruises offer return trips to the island and family friendly tours.

Paddle Wanaka also provides a water taxi shuttle to the island as well as hiring out paddle boards and kayaks.

The Ruby Island working bee, which includes a potluck lunch, will be on Sunday November 29. Michele said volunteers from the community are welcome, but asks they contact her (0272783988) before Sunday.