Wanaka in winter
Winter in Wānaka is the same valley with snow on it. We run through July, August and September with a 12:45pm departure, there is snow on the peaks and the river is low and clear, and you will often have the valley to yourselves. It is a good rest day from Cardrona or Treble Cone, and it suits people who came for the snow and want to see the mountains from underneath for a change. We close for May and June for maintenance and are back on the water in July.
The boat is open and it moves, so dress for it: a warm layer, a hat and gloves, closed shoes. We supply the life jackets and the wet-weather gear, and the boat has heated handrails, which in July are the most popular thing on it. The walk is about an hour at an easy pace under beech forest, and you can stay by the boat if you would rather.
A few winter notes. The Crown Range road between Queenstown and Wānaka needs chains carried from May to October, and after snow the Cromwell road is the sensible way round. The Rob Roy Glacier Track is an avalanche path from May to November and DOC recommends stopping at the lower lookout. The Mt Aspiring Road fords are colder and higher after snowmelt. All of which is a long way of saying the easiest way up the valley in winter is with us.
$359 per adult, $229 per child aged 4 to 14, walk and gear included. Ages four and up. One departure a day at 12:45pm, so book ahead on fine days. Trip details on the Wanaka jet boat and wilderness walk page.
Boarding is from the riverbank with a hand from the guide, there is a step and a handrail. About an hour of walking at a gentle pace, and you can stay by the boat instead. Bring a warm layer, a hat and closed shoes; we supply life jackets and wet-weather gear. Minimum age four. If we call a trip off for river levels you are refunded in full.
Book the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk
Quick answers
Does the jet boat run in winter?
Yes, July to September at 12:45pm, and from October two departures a day. We are closed in May and June.
Is it cold on the boat in winter?
Yes, it is an open boat. Warm layer, hat, gloves and closed shoes, and we supply the outer gear and the heated handrails.
Can you see Mt Aspiring in winter?
On a clear day, yes, and with snow on it. Winter has more clear days than people expect.
What else is open in Wānaka in winter?
The ski fields, the cafés, Puzzling World, the cinema, the pool, and most of the walks around town. The high valley roads are the thing to check.
See also Wānaka on a rainy day and Queenstown to Wānaka.