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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

Offered by Wanaka River Journeys

Special Offer
Ends 4/15/2026

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$288.15 per person

$339.00 Save $50.85

4.9 (271 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

4 hours (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

4 hour jet boating trip on the Matukituki River in Mount Aspiring National Park, with a 50 minute guided walk through forest, waterfalls and streams.

Tour Overview

Travel deep into the Matukituki Valley on a 4 hour jet boating trip that combines fast river travel with time on foot in Mount Aspiring National Park. This journey follows the Matukituki River, whose glacier-fed waters shape the shallow braids and deeper pools that make this route so distinctive.

By jet boat, you will skim across braided channels, slide through turns and experience spins, with pauses in deep pools to take in the scale of the valley. The setting includes glacier scenery and film locations connected with The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, adding another layer to the landscape without taking focus away from the river itself. Local guides share stories of the land during stops, giving context to what you are seeing along the way.

Deep in the mountains, the tour includes a 50 minute guided walk through moss covered forest, past waterfalls and alongside glacier-fed streams. This section offers a quieter contrast to the speed of the boat, and lets you experience the valley at ground level before returning by river.

This is a longer jet boat trip designed for travellers who want to go well into the Matukituki Valley rather than stay close to town, with both high energy sections and time to slow down in the backcountry.

What's Included

  • Shuttle transfer
  • Life jackets
  • Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather)
  • Wet weather gear

Not Included:

  • Food and drinks

What To Expect

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!!!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Wānaka isite Visitor Information Centre

103 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand

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99 Ardmore Street, outside of the i-SITE Please make sure you have parked your car in a long term car-park Meet 5 minutes prior to departure

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. (A moderate amount of walking is involved) • Children must be accompanied by an adult • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. This tour is also subject to minimum number requirements

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.