Wilderness Adventure in Mount Aspiring National Park: Scenic Flight, Hike and Jet Boat Ride
4.9
17 Ratings
Makarora

The original since 1975 and still the best! Four hours of unique New Zealand wilderness adventure in the vast Mount Aspiring National Park.
Experience a true New Zealand wilderness adventure. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat through New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine environment on an adventure like no other.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mount Aspiring National Park - Your scenic flight departs from Makarora, and you fly for around 25 minutes through magnificent alpine river valleys to land beside the remote Siberia river. Your hiking trail follows the Siberia river before climbing to a low pass overlooking the magnificent Wilkin river valley, a good spot for lunch or a sandwich. You descend to the Wilkin River and then walk along an easy trail to the point where your jet boat meets you for an exhilarating ride back out to Makarora and “civilisation”. Allow 4-5 hours for the whole trip.

The forest on the walk is beautiful with mossy logs, small side streams, glimpses of waterfalls and snowy peaks high above you. You will likely see fantails and may be lucky enough to spot Kaka or wood pigeons.

  • Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights - Let Southern Alps Air show you the beautiful landscapes from the Sky
What's Included
  • Discover glaciers, incredible waterfalls, and remote landings
  • Embark on an exhilarating jet boat safari
  • Complimentary parking at Wonderland Makarora Lodge
  • Take a scenic nature hike through native bush
  • Experience a scenic flight with breathtaking views
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Food and drink
Additional Information
  • Service animals allowed with permission from Department of Conservation
Location
Wonderland Makarora Lodge
Haast Pass-Makarora Road
Meet at our desk inside Wonderland Makarora Lodge 5944 Haast Pass Makarora Road
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(17 Ratings)
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119donnag
Mar 11, 2024
A perfect excursion - OMG. We had a perfect day for flying, hiking, and jet boating. The staff is wonderful and helpful for apprehensive travelers. Flight on 4 seater (1 pilot, 3 guests) was stunning (about 20 min). The pilot takes off from the office area (grass runway), narrates the flight into the valleys/mountains, and lands on a grassy area next to a stream. The walk/hike across the stream is less than 5 minutes - the level is dependent upon rain (it was over my knees, but I'm short). We arrived a day after heavy rain so it was quite fast and wide. You need water shoes/sandals (get at the office before the flight if you didn't bring them) and recommend hiking poles - it is slippery and the water was strong. Did I mention it is also COLD? The second adventure is hiking out - we are slow and it took us about 3 1/2 hours (counting a lunch stop). The first part is through a meadow-like area (gradual incline), 2nd part is in the forest and there are some steep parts (not long and not that steep), and the 3rd part is downhill to the water again (this was slippery and long; hiking sticks well worthwhile). You end up in a meadow-like area by the water. LOTS of sandflies!!! Then the jet boat comes (ours held 11 and the driver) and a cool ride until you get back to the starting area. You may get wet. This was our last excursion in NZ after 3 weeks and it was outstanding.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_v
Mar 9, 2024
Our favourite experience in Wanaka! - What an unbelievable experience! We loved every bit of it! The flight was spectacular - a blue sky day and amazing views. The hike was just right (3 hours), and the jet boat ride beauty in itself - spectacular rivers and countryside with the added benefit of being on the crystal clear waters. I would recommend this to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
M3459szlisag
Feb 27, 2024
Breathtaking scenery! - LOVED this trip, what an amazing part of our country! The pilot showed us some great sights on the way in, the river crossing was "refreshing" (lol), the walk enjoyable and varied, and the jetboat loads of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Therobertsons43
Dec 8, 2023
Wow! - This is an amazing trip! The scenery was stunning. We had the most beautiful weather so felt really lucky. The flight was fantastic - incredible views with an interesting commentary about the area. Great walk and wonderful jet boat trip. We found all the team to be really friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this as an excellent South Island adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen
Feb 25, 2023
Trip of a Lifetime - The Southern Alps Air Siberia day trip is an absolutely sensational “best of New Zealand". It begins with a short flight through the mountains to a grass landing strip, but this was not just a delivery run. They take the scenic route right up the main valley to fly closely past mountain peaks, glacial lakes and valleys, with stunning views up close everywhere. Then, the landing on the grass, and shoes off for a walk across a freezing, shallow river (bring crocs, or borrow there’s). The walk was fairly easy – about 3 hours, with a bit of elevation, but nothing too steep, then back down the mountain to the river, and a jet boat pick up. Everything about this was perfect from start to finish, the flight, the views, the walk and the jet boat. And service was superb. We had great weather, but flights had been called off for days before. Instead of just writing them off Southern Alps Air was working with as many of those people as possible to put them on additional flights which flew all morning. A superb experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter
Oct 22, 2022
Take a Walk on the Wild Side! - Fantastic adventure into the beautiful Siberia Valley! Just enough to bring out your Grizzly Adams without all the hassle of walking miles or sleeping in uncomfortable huts. The flight in was amazing! The walk out was stunning! The jet boat ride was a blast! Combined together they were fantastic! Only average fitness required. Low risk but high reward activity. Don’t forget to take a small towel to dry your feet and legs after crossing the stream at the start of the walk (you’ll only get wet up to your knees at the most but IT’S COLD!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Whattosay
Jan 7, 2022
Beautiful - As expected, wonderful trip. Everything ran on time, friendly service. Flight in was great, loved flying up into the valley beyond where we would walk. Beautiful. The pilot showed us where to walk once we got to Siberia Valley. The track was easy to follow, up and over what felt like a low pass but was presumably just up and down the side of the mountain as we followed the Wilkin Valley. The whole trip took 5 hours, not 4 like the website suggests, so if time matters to you, check the timing of the jetboat you are booked on. We flew at 9am and were booked on a 1.30pm boat, returning 2pm. The jet boat was loads of fun. Be aware that right after you leave the plane you will have to walk across a stream. Somehow it escaped my attention pre trip that the stream was unabridged. We didn't want wet boots (water was shin high at deepest when we were there) so crossed in bare feet which was numbing and uncomfortable, we should have taken jandals and a wee towel with us! It was fine though, and perfectly safe, just chilly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellingfromnz
Feb 1, 2021
Epic - As regular visitors to Wanaka, we decide to park up the bikes and give this adventure a go. Wow. It was such an amazing day out, Jake flew us in with near perfect conditions and the smoothest landing ever. We were blown away by the beauty of the valley. The day was topped off by an epic jet boat out via Wilkin River jets and our driver Danyel. Simply a stunning day and very accessible to those wanting a taste of wilderness NZ. Can’t recommend enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megpage2015
Dec 30, 2020
Awesome day filled to the brim with fun and adventure - This was our family xmas present, parents and sons 21 and 23. Heading towards Siberia Flat we were flown up over freshly snow dusted peaks, tarns and roof of the world hidden lakes. After a grassy valley floor landing we did quick knee high wading trip across a freezing river and we were on our way for the walk section. A gradual, well graded climb up through cool beech forest with occasional glimpses of crystal blue rivers and the yellow plane dropping more visitors was followed by a decent zig zag descent to the river on the far side. A short wait (still requiring insect spray, don't forget it you will regret it) we were met by the jetboat. 35 minutes of flying down river over shallows and with the occasional 360" spin thrown in we were returned to our start point. Highly recommend as a day trip out for the active family that enjoys time together. This trip had just the right amount of everything, time, challenge and fun. Support local. Memories last forever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikayla_r
Nov 1, 2022
BOOK THEM SEPARATELY, SAVE $500 DOLLARS - The scenic flight was amazing, definitely a must do BUT this package was definitely not worth the price … it was raining at the time so the hike was cancelled. I understand that they cannot control the rain so we weren’t disappointed. However, you can save atleast $500 dollars booking the jet boating and the flight separately. This price was not worth it and I feel ripped off. Scenic flights were only $250 so $635 dollars for a jet boat ride is outrageous. Please don’t make my mistake and book them separate.
Review provided by Viator
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