Erleben Sie mit dem „Wanaka Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk“ ein halbtägiges Jetboot-Abenteuer in Neuseelands Mount-Aspiring-Nationalpark (UNESCO-Welterbe) – zwischen Bergen und Gletschern, in einer Landschaft wie aus „Der Herr der Ringe“. Wir fahren auf dem Matukituki, einem weit verzweigten, gletschergespeisten Fluss – mit dem einzigen Jetboot, das diesen Flussabschnitt befahren darf: Wir besitzen die alleinige Konzession der neuseeländischen Naturschutzbehörde (Department of Conservation, DOC).
So läuft der Tag: Abfahrt am i-SITE Wānaka (99 Ardmore Street), anschließend eine 20-minütige Panoramafahrt im Shuttle; rund eine Stunde Jetbootfahrt mit Fotostopps; ein gemütlicher, geführter 50-minütiger Spaziergang durch uralten, einheimischen Südbuchenwald zu einem Wasserfall (für alle Altersgruppen geeignet – wer möchte, bleibt einfach beim Boot); zum Abschluss 45 Minuten flussabwärts zurück. Planen Sie insgesamt etwa 4 Stunden ein. Unterwegs erzählen unsere Guides von der Māori-Geschichte und den Geschichten des Tals – entwickelt in Abstimmung mit Ngāi Tahu.
Wir fahren das ganze Jahr über. Sommer (1. Oktober – 30. April): täglich zwei Abfahrten um 9:45 und 12:45 Uhr. Winter (Mai – September): täglich eine Abfahrt um 12:45 Uhr – eine Buchung im Voraus ist unbedingt erforderlich. Die Touren finden auf Englisch statt.
Erwachsene NZ$339 · Kinder (4–14 Jahre) NZ$209. Ab dem 1. Oktober 2026: Erwachsene NZ$359, Kinder NZ$229. Mindestalter: 4 Jahre.
Wir fahren bei fast jedem Wetter – Hauptsache, es wird ein schöner Tag für Sie. Müssen wir absagen, buchen wir Sie um oder erstatten Ihnen den vollen Preis.
Lust auf mehr? Es gibt auch Packraft Wānaka, eine Ganztages-Packrafting-Tour (ab NZ$429, 10. Oktober – 30. April), sowie Kombi-Touren mit Helikopter oder 4WD. Familienbetrieb seit 2005 – über 400 Fünf-Sterne-Bewertungen.
Buchen Sie online über den „Book Now“-Button, telefonisch unter +64 3 443 4416 oder per E-Mail an [email protected].
| Erwachsene | Kinder | Beginn | Dauer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$339 | NZ$209 | 9:45 & 12:45 Uhr | ca. 4 Stunden |
| Erwachsene | Kinder | Beginn | Dauer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$429 | NZ$329 | 8:15 Uhr | ganztägig |
| Erwachsene | Kinder | Beginn | Dauer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$1049 | NZ$649 | 9:45 & 12:45 Uhr | ca. 4 Stunden |
| Erwachsene | Kinder | Beginn | Dauer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$711 | NZ$459 | vormittags | ganztägig |
| Erwachsene | Kinder | Beginn | Dauer |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$1411 | NZ$879 | vormittags | ganztägig (ca. 8,5 Std.) |
Startpunkt: vor dem i-SITE, 99 Ardmore Street, Wānaka.
Parkplätze: am Flussufer außerhalb des Zentrums, neben dem Pembroke Park; die zeitlich begrenzten Parkplätze vor den Geschäften und in der Dungarvon Street bitte meiden.
Kinderpreise gelten für 4–14 Jahre (Packraft 10–14). Geeignet für Kinder ab 4 Jahren und jedes Fitnessniveau.
Packraft Wānaka: Teilnahme ab 10 Jahren, Teilnehmer MÜSSEN schwimmen können.
Hinweis: Im Winter (Mai–September) gelten abweichende Zeiten. Alle Preise in NZD. Preisänderung ab 1. Oktober 2026.
Jetzt buchen über den „Book Now“-Button oder telefonisch unter +64 3 443 4416.
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.
Half day — allow 4 hours · Adult from $NZ339 · Child (4–14) $NZ209 · Runs year-round. Summer (1 October – 30 April): two departures daily, 9.45am and 12.45pm. Winter (May – September): one 12.45pm departure daily — advance booking essential. From 1 October 2026 the adult fare is $NZ359 and the child fare $NZ229.
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 an hour-long guided wilderness walk deep into the mountains, far from the crowds — taken at a leisurely pace and suitable for all ages. 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. We hold the sole Department of Conservation concession for this stretch of the Matukituki — no other operator is licensed to bring you here. Half day, $339 per adult, ages 4 and up, and more than 400 five-star reviews from the people who’ve done it. 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. We operate in most weather conditions — as long as it’s going to be enjoyable. The valley turns properly dramatic in the mist, and if we do have to cancel, you’ll be rebooked or refunded in full. Check out our fitness guidelines and all the essentials by clicking below:
Choose your date on our secure booking page — nothing is charged until you confirm. Morning departures are the first to fill in summer. 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
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)
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
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
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
East Branch Expedition - advanced packrafting in Mount Aspiring National Park
Loved our Packraft Wānaka trip and found yourself wanting more? The East Branch Expedition is for experienced beginner and intermediate paddlers who want to step things up a bit. A bigger day, more whitewater, and a proper backcountry experience. It’s our guides’ favourite section for a reason
The day starts with a walk up the riverbed to a hidden put-in below the Kitchener confluence. It’s a decent walk but well worth it once you reach the river. From there it's continuous, low-volume Grade 2 whitewater with plenty of fun features along the way, plus the famous Rollercoaster - a long Grade 2+ rapid - as an optional challenge for those feeling confident.
There’s also one Grade 3 rapid on the run, which we always portage. It’s a short walk around but gives you a pretty good look at some serious whitewater before you jump back in!
This is a remote trip, so we keep the groups small. A maximum of six paddlers per guide, with Grade-3 qualified raft guides who know the East Branch well. We also have helicopter support from our partners at Aspiring Helicopters
You’ll be paddling self-bailing packrafts with all the safety gear you need, surrounded by some seriously wild country that most people never get to see
Prefer to skip the walking? We also run a separate heli-access version of this trip, flown to the put-in by Aspiring Helicopters. It’s a great option for small private groups and is available through agents. See the East Branch Heli-Access trip.
Highlights
Good to know
Prices & booking
From NZ$499 per person. Book online now, or email [email protected] or call +64 3 443 4416 - new this season and running with limited numbers.
East Branch Heli-Access - fly-in wilderness packrafting
Want to skip the walk in and get straight to the river? The East Branch Heli-Access trip starts with a 15-minute helicopter flight from Wānaka taking you over the Matukituki Valley, its peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls. If the weather plays ball, there’s also a chance to land on a glacier before flying on to Junction Flat and the start of your paddle
From the drop-off, you’ll paddle the glacier-fed East Matukituki (Class II/III-), with fun wave trains, technical rapids, and calm emerald pools along the way. Our stable, self-bailing packrafts make this a great option for confident paddlers looking for something a bit different, while our Grade 3-qualified raft guides will read the river and group and adjust the day as needed
You’ll paddle beneath Avalanche Glacier, surrounded by seriously wild backcountry, with beech forest and native birds like pīwakawaka and kākāriki along the way - a part of the valley most people never get to see
Private, small-groups only - your party, your day. It's also a favourite for agents putting together premium, off-the-beaten-track South Island itineraries.
Prefer to earn it on foot? Check out the East Branch Expedition!
Highlights
Good to know
Prices
Priced per group, not per person - one price, one aircraft, your own expedition. NZ$6,900 for a group of four, or NZ$9,500 for five to six paddlers (around NZ$1,583 per person at six). Minimum four paddlers.
For agents & private groups
Available to private groups and the travel trade. Email [email protected] or call +64 3 443 4416 for dates, net agent rates and availability.
