Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

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!!!

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum age is 4 years

Maximum is 10 people per booking

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

What‘s Included

Shuttle transfer

Life jackets

Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather)

Wet weather gear

Food and drinks

Options

Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

A half day wilderness Jet boating adventure with stunning views of Glaciers, Mt Aspiring and Lord of the Rings film locations. Guided walk through ancient forests and waterfalls, suited for all ages

Reviews

4.90

260 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

245

Amazing experience
583gailh,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cannot fault this trip it was excellent highly recommended Ben was an excellent skipper and very knowledgeable
As above
Z3045WGcatherines,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great trip with Ben our informative guide, he certainly made it fun. I had no idea that the Matukituki is so wide, interesting to ride through the braided river system and walk in the beautiful mountain beech forest. The trip might seem expensive but it was really worth the money.
Don’t miss this fabulous river adventure!
Travel17354061321,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a beautiful and fun experience we had! Sue was cheerful and welcoming and gave us lots of details while driving out to the river. Ben was a very friendly guide and skilled jet boat driver. This adventure was the highlight of our trip so far!
Great experience, beautiful views!
MirelOnTour,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a great experience! We went in the afternoon with Ben as our Jet Boat captain; so much fun! Because we were only with the 5 of us (the rest of the group did the tour in the morning), we could go further into the National Park..it is incredible, so beautiful. Thanks Ben and your colleagues for everything!!
Jet boat tour
SCB1959,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience, spectacular views. Covered a lot of the river, yet very quiet and peaceful. Gentle walk during trip.
Top experience
127jaapk,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic tour with Benjamin as incredibly relaxed and knowledgeable skipper. At various stops and the walk we got a lot of information about the area, nature and Lord of the Rings locations. The shuttle was also well arranged. For us, a well-deserved ten for this tour.
Adventure experience.
Jacoba M,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very experienced driver of the boat. Knows exactly what he's doing and turned it into an adventurous journey. Is himself very enthusiastic and also knew a lot about the area and nature to tell. Beautiful walk in unspoilt nature.
Awesome river trip
Travel12467011387,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time. My wife and I were the solo passengers that day and Ben made it awesome. We traveled quite a ways up river with beautiful views of the mountains and then took an hour or so walk in the forest. Ben's knowledge of the plants and trees probably made it that much more enjoyable for us as we are gardeners at home.
Nice combination of nature and adventure
Franss23,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an amazing experience! The jetboat ride across the river was spectacular, with lots of speed, spins and a super friendly captain who gave interesting info about the area along the way. He also sailed the boat to shallow areas where we could see the trout swimming. After that, the wilderness walk was a nice, quiet counterpart: a piece of nature that you don't usually go to quickly. Everything was top organized and felt professional and safe. A perfect mix of adrenaline and nature – definitely recommended when you are in Wanaka!
Fantastic boat ride and hike!
3LeannR,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fun exhilarating jet boat ride! Awe inspiring, breathtaking scenery! Beautiful hike through the wooded forest to a waterfall. Ben was an excellent guide.