Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka: Experience Glaciers, Film Locations and Heritage Park
4.9
195 Ratings
Wānaka
Embark on an exhilarating 4-hour jet boat and wilderness walk tour from Wanaka. Explore glaciers, film locations, and a heritage park in Mount Aspiring National Park. Experience thrilling spins and a guided walk through a stunning landscape.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road - Come deep into the Matukituki Valley on the most exciting 4-hour jet boating adventure in New Zealand, beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers and Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, stopping in deep pools to breathe in the magic of the landscape & hear stories of our land from your local guides. Deep in the mountains, off the beaten track, enjoy a 50-minute guided walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams in an area so special you won’t want to leave.

For those looking for even more of an adventure then check out our new Packraft Wanaka Tripadvisor listing!!!

What's Included
  • Shuttle transfer
  • Life jackets
  • Heated handrails and footrests during cold weather
  • Wet weather gear
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Embark on New Zealand’s most thrilling four-hour jet boating journey deep into the Matukituki Valley, framed by stunning glaciers and the film locations of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, all within the world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Fed by glaciers, the pure waters of the Matukituki River offer the opportunity to experience the most extensive and breath-taking jet boat tour in New Zealand. Traverse speedily across shallow waters, glide into turns, and of course… indulge in exhilarating spins, pausing in tranquil pools to soak in the bewitching landscape and listen to local guides share tales of our land. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, far from the usual paths, enjoy a 50-minute guided trek through an enchanted forest covered in moss, cascading waterfalls and glacier-fed streams in an area so unique, you’ll wish to stay forever. 

If you’re searching for another level of adventure, have a look at our new Packraft Wanaka listing on Tripadvisor!!!

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 4 years
  • Maximum is 10 people per booking
Location
Wanaka isite Visitor Information Centre
Ardmore Street
99 Ardmore Street, outside of the i-SITE Please make sure you have parked your car in a long term car-park Meet 5 minutes prior to departure
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(195 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Mishkabear2019
May 2, 2024
Great Time! - Very enjoyable and safe! The nature walk was fantastic. The 360-degree spins were exhilarating. I recommend this trip for the great scenery and fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A2073hjjessicaw
Apr 22, 2024
Jet boat and wilderness walk - A beautiful day in Wanaka with all the autumn colours, perfect for a trip up the river and a relaxing walk. Ben our river guide was very knowledgeable about the area and made the trip interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion25861877814
Apr 17, 2024
a great day - a great day courtney was a brilliant guide and boat driver , she knew lots about the wildlife on the beautiful island , a slight incident on the river when we ran aground was exciting and superbly handled , highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susandemel
Apr 5, 2024
Everything about tour was amazing…. - It was one of the funnest ride I’ve ever taken. It was so much fun and our guide Ben was amazing. He explained clearly everything and the walk was increidible. Recommend this highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rej5175
Mar 31, 2024
Great fun on the river - This was a jet boat ride and short walk up the Matukituki River near Lake Wanaka. On a beautiful, clear day, the scenery as we headed toward Mount Aspiring was beyond stunning. The hike to a very pretty waterfall formed a nice interlude halfway through. And the jet boat ride is the definition of fun. Our driver-guide Ben knows every inch of the river and surrounds, as well as knowing how to give the clients some thrills. Great afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Global33023973062
Mar 28, 2024
A great experience with 3 interesting options! - We actually did the Jet Boat/ Wilderness walk with the heli ride to Mt. Aspiring glacier and it was AMAZING. The jet boat was great fun, the walk (we had a shortened version) brought us through some interesting parts of the valley and the helicopter ride was one I will remember forever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kdk08d
Mar 26, 2024
Pretty and fun! - Very fun and pretty scenery! Ben was our guide and he gave us some good commentary and made sure we felt safe and comfortable. Recommend this trip….especially kids would like it. The Beech tree walk was an easy 2 miles in a pretty forest
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shaz1a
Mar 26, 2024
Great experience of the braided rivers and valleys they flow through - Fabulous way to really experience NZs braided rivers and get up close to the water and nature. Courtney was fantastic, really knowledgeable and answered lots of questions. There were thrills but no spills (just the way we want it) and it was a great way to explore the valleys that you otherwise drive through.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious44191539305
Apr 5, 2024
Worth a go - Enjoyed the jet boat and the the 360 stops. Stunning scenery along the river which makes this even better. Staff were excellent and looked after us very well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious44191539305
Apr 5, 2024
Exciting and Beautiful - Beautiful Scenery and excellent staff made this an enjoyable trip. Enjoyed the jet boat and the full circle stop. Excellent guide and very passionate about the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor