Experience the Ultimate Half-Day Jet Boating Adventure in New Zealand
Get ready to embark on the most exhilarating half-day adventure in Aotearoa! Journey with us into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site known as Te Wāhipounamu – where glacier-fed rivers meet cinematic landscapes straight out of The Lord of the Rings.
Location: The Matukituki River – New Zealand’s Most Spectacular Jet Boating River
Carved by glaciers and framed by soaring peaks, the Matukituki River offers more than just jaw-dropping views – it’s the perfect stage for high-speed jet boating thrills. Skim across crystal-clear shallows, power through braided streams, drift around corners, and brace yourself for those famous jet spins that just might leave you smiling and soaked.
Pause in deep, tranquil pools to soak in the alpine serenity while your local guide shares rich stories of the land and its people.
But That’s Just the Beginning…
Your adventure continues with a 50-minute remote wilderness walk deep into the mountains, far from the crowds. Wander through ancient, moss-covered forests, along glacier-fed streams, and into the stunning McGills Creek. Along the way, learn about the region’s natural history and cultural heritage, and capture once-in-a-lifetime photos of this awe-inspiring ice-carved landscape.
Why Choose Us?
We’re the only jet boat company that takes you to the base of Mount Aspiring and its surrounding glaciers – an experience truly unique to Wanaka River Journeys. If you’re visiting Wanaka or Queenstown, this is a must-do adventure you won’t forget.
Know Before You Go:
This is an adventure activity suitable for most. Check out our fitness guidelines and all the essentials by clicking below:
Departures (winter): 12:45pm from outside the Wanaka i-SITE Departures (From 1 October): 9:45am & 12:45pm from outside the Wanaka i-SITE Schedule
Allow 4 hours
Winter Pricing
Check out these other great Wanaka River Journeys activities.
It was so fun. Our family had an awesome time. Brent was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend and a must do activity if you visit Wanaka. Our family lov...
Sue and Brent were the best hosts anyone could wish for on this unforgettable pack raft trip down the mighty Matukituki River. Such a thrill - and we felt compl...
Thrilling, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path! River Journeys takes you places you can only get with these jet boats as the river gets very shallow and th...
CLOSED until 15 October 2025
Packraft the Majestic Matukituki – A Full-Day Adventure Like No Other
Ready for something truly unforgettable? Come paddle one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine rivers in our super fun, stable packrafts – perfect for beginners and adventurers alike!
Your journey starts with a scenic shuttle through the stunning Matukituki Valley, where towering mountains, hanging glaciers, and tumbling waterfalls surround you at every turn. Along the way, enjoy views of Avalanche Glacier and hear fascinating stories from your local guide about how this incredible landscape was shaped by ice and time.
After a short break and some refreshments, it's time to gear up. We’ll walk you through a full safety briefing and paddle lesson, then head to the river for the real fun to begin.
Let the Adventure Begin!
You’ll paddle through gentle wave trains, cruise into calm eddies, and drift along with the flow of the river. Feeling bold? Take a dip in the Matukituki’s famous turquoise swimming holes – if you're brave enough! By the end of the day, your guide will have you paddling like a pro.
It’s the perfect mix of fun, hands-on adventure, and incredible scenery — all topped off with a relaxed picnic lunch by the riverbank.
Good to Know:
Just a heads up:
Like any outdoor adventure, this experience comes with some risks — including the rare but real possibility of injury or even death. Our guides are highly trained, and your safety is our top priority, but it’s important you understand and accept these risks before joining us.
For more info about fitness requirements, safety, and what to bring, just click the ‘FIND OUT MORE’ button below.
Departures:
08:15 AM from outside of the i-SITE
3:30 PM return (time can vary up to 30 minutes with river conditions)
It was so fun. Our family had an awesome time. Brent was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend and a must do activity if you visit Wanaka. Our family lov...
Sue and Brent were the best hosts anyone could wish for on this unforgettable pack raft trip down the mighty Matukituki River. Such a thrill - and we felt compl...
Thrilling, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path! River Journeys takes you places you can only get with these jet boats as the river gets very shallow and th...
Jet Boat, Glacier Helicopter & Wilderness Walk – One Epic Half-Day Adventure
Looking for something a bit wild, a bit breathtaking, and completely unforgettable? This is New Zealand’s ultimate alpine experience — a half-day adventure that takes you from river rapids to a glacier, and back again.
It all starts on the Matukituki River, deep in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed streams, you’ll hop into one of our jet boats for an adrenaline-pumping ride. Skim over shallow braids, twist through turns, and hold on tight for those famous spins — all while soaking up the spectacular scenery (and maybe a little splash!).
Then things go next-level.
We’ll take you deep into the mountains where a helicopter is waiting riverside to whisk you into the high alpine. Your 25-minute scenic flight with Aspiring Helicopters takes you soaring above hanging valleys, waterfalls, and ancient ice fields toward the Isobel or Tyndall Glacier. If conditions allow, you’ll land on the snow or ice — step out, take it all in, and snap a photo you’ll never forget.
Back on the ground, your guide leads you on a peaceful wilderness walk through lush native forest. Then it’s one more thrilling run down the river before your day wraps up.
Good to know:
For more info about fitness, safety, and what to bring, click the ‘FIND OUT MORE’ button below
Departures
9:45am & 12:45pm from outside of the i-SITE
Allow 4 hours
Check out these other great Wanaka River Journeys activities.
It was so fun. Our family had an awesome time. Brent was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend and a must do activity if you visit Wanaka. Our family lov...
Sue and Brent were the best hosts anyone could wish for on this unforgettable pack raft trip down the mighty Matukituki River. Such a thrill - and we felt compl...
Thrilling, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path! River Journeys takes you places you can only get with these jet boats as the river gets very shallow and th...
Jet Boat, Wilderness Walk & 4WD Safari – A Full Day of Pure Wanaka Adventure
Experience a full day of adventure in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. This unforgettable journey combines jet boating, a wilderness walk, and a 4WD high-country safari, all set beneath the soaring peaks and glaciers of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Your day begins at 10am with an exhilarating jet boat ride up the stunning Matukituki River — a glacial-fed alpine river known for its crystal-clear water and dramatic scenery. Skim across shallow braids and cruise into the heart of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.
Next, step off the boat and into the wild for a guided wilderness walk through lush native forest. Your local guide will share stories of the landscape, ecology, and history along the way.
In the afternoon, your journey continues with Ridgeline Adventures as you climb aboard a 4WD Land Rover for their signature Highlights Safari. Travel through the private backroads of West Wanaka Station, a 30,000-acre working deer farm rich in history and framed by stunning alpine views. You’ll access panoramic lookouts high above Lake Wanaka and the Matukituki Valley — perfect for photos and stories of Wanaka’s rugged high country.
Why you’ll love it:
Good to know:
Departures:
9:45am from outside of the i-SITE
Allow 8.5 hours
PLEASE EMAIL bookings@wanakajet.nz TO BOOK. Valid from 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026.
Check out these other great Wanaka River Journeys activities.
It was so fun. Our family had an awesome time. Brent was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend and a must do activity if you visit Wanaka. Our family lov...
Sue and Brent were the best hosts anyone could wish for on this unforgettable pack raft trip down the mighty Matukituki River. Such a thrill - and we felt compl...
Thrilling, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path! River Journeys takes you places you can only get with these jet boats as the river gets very shallow and th...
The Ultimate Adventure of Jet Boating, Wilderness Walk, Glacier Helicopter Flight, and a 4WD High Country Station Safari all in the beautiful Matukituki Vally surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, towering mountains, and turquoise pools.
Location: The Matukituki River, Isobell or Tyndall glacier landing, West Wanaka High Country Station.
Combine a thrilling jet boat ride on the Matukituki River, a 25-minute glacier helicopter flight and an off-road 4WD safari. After jet boating deep in the mountains, you’ll board the helicopter for a close-up view of hanging valleys, cascading waterfalls and magnificent glaciers. Capture stunning photos during a glacier landing before returning to the river below to continue your guided wilderness walk and return leg of the jet boat journey. Enjoy a river side lunch before you embark on a 4WD adventure through the stunning landscape, take part in conservation projects and listen to fascinating tales of farming life and local history. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Good to know:
Departures:
10.00am from outside of the i-SITE
Allow 8.5 hours
PLEASE EMAIL bookings@wanakajet.nz FOR AVAILABILITY. Valid from 01 October 2025 to 30 April 2026.
Check out these other great Wanaka River Journeys activities.
It was so fun. Our family had an awesome time. Brent was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend and a must do activity if you visit Wanaka. Our family lov...
Sue and Brent were the best hosts anyone could wish for on this unforgettable pack raft trip down the mighty Matukituki River. Such a thrill - and we felt compl...
Thrilling, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path! River Journeys takes you places you can only get with these jet boats as the river gets very shallow and th...
