Wānaka Water Taxis has received the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award for the fourth year in a row despite a challenging few seasons.

Business owners Brent Shears and Krystle Theunissen have had “a really tough” three years, Krystle told the Wānaka App, which has made it all the more significant that the business has received the award again this year. 

Wānaka Water Taxis offer tours to Mou Waho Island as well as packages such as four-wheel-drive trips, bike trips and family experiences.

Brent, who has previously had kidney and liver transplants, required a second kidney transplant in 2019, as well as heart surgery. 

Brent and Krystle with their furry companion.

Delays in surgery due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the White Island volcanic eruption meant he had to have his lower right leg amputated while waiting for surgery.

Meanwhile Krystle shuttled between Christchurch Hospital and Wānaka, running the business during the border closure and pandemic.

“We've been lucky with the most incredible guests, so many Kiwis who have joined us, supported us and wrote great reviews,” Krystle said. 

“It's been really hard work over these last years but our guests made it totally worth it.”

Krystle said the business was lucky to have the help of skipper and guide Shilo, as well as the support of Kiwis, many of whom have recommended the business to other guests.

Brent has been home since January “minus half a leg and half a foot but plus a new kidney and a new heart valve”, Krystle said.

He finally had his kidney transplant at the end of 2020/21 (which was “a fantastic season”), but during the next season the business stayed closed until Christmas because of the Auckland lockdown and Brent having more setbacks, eventually losing half his second foot.

Since he returned in mid January the pair have done trips together.

Krystle said the Wānaka Water Taxis tend to be booked “last minute”, so it’s hard to say what next summer will bring. 

“But bookings are coming in already, especially for the Wānaka 4x4 Explorer tours which have been very quiet in the last two years… [and] also for Mou Waho Island.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have had,” she said.

PHOTOS: Supplied