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Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka

Offered by Southern Alps Air

From

$570.00 per person

4.9 (27 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

4 to 5 hour trip in Mount Aspiring National Park with a scenic flight from Makarora, a self-guided walk via Siberia River, and a jet boat return.

Tour Overview

This 4 to 5 hour wilderness trip in Mount Aspiring National Park combines a scenic flight, a self guided walk, and a jet boat ride in one journey. The flight departs from Makarora and takes around 25 minutes, following alpine river valleys before landing beside the remote Siberia River.

From there, the walk follows the Siberia River through forest with mossy logs, small side streams, glimpses of waterfalls, and snowy peaks high above. The track then climbs to a low pass overlooking the Wilkin River valley, a natural pause for lunch or a sandwich, before descending to the Wilkin River.

The final section is an easy trail along the river to the pickup point, where your jet boat meets you for the ride back to Makarora. This return leg adds speed and contrast to the day after the quieter pace of the walk.

The route offers a close view of the varied terrain within this part of the national park, from river flats and forest to open valley views. Along the way, you will likely see fantails, and you may also spot kaka or wood pigeons. Operated by Southern Alps Air, this is a long running New Zealand wilderness adventure that has been offered since 1975.

What's Included

  • Glaciers-Waterfalls-Remote Landing-Nature Hike-Native Bush-Jetboat Safari-Crystal Clear Rivers-Great
  • Jet boat ride
  • Free parking at Wonderland Makarora Lodge, Makarora West
  • Scenic hike
  • Scenic flight

Not Included:

  • Personal expenses
  • Food and drink

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Mount Aspiring National Park

    Your scenic flight departs from Makarora, and you fly for around 25 minutes through magnificent alpine river valleys to land beside the remote Siberia river. Your hiking trail follows the Siberia river before climbing to a low pass overlooking the magnificent Wilkin river valley, a good spot for lunch or a sandwich. You descend to the Wilkin River and then walk along an easy trail to the point where your jet boat meets you for an exhilarating ride back out to Makarora and "civilisation". Allow 4-5 hours for the whole trip. The forest on the walk is beautiful with mossy logs, small side streams, glimpses of waterfalls and snowy peaks high above you. You will likely see fantails and may be lucky enough to spot Kaka or wood pigeons. 

    4 hours

  2. 2

    Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights

    Let Southern Alps Air show you the beautiful landscapes from the Sky

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Wonderland Makarora Lodge

5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Road, Makarora 9382, New Zealand

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Meet at our desk inside Wonderland Makarora Lodge 5944 Haast Pass Makarora Road

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Service animals allowed with permission from Department of Conservation
  • Call us 1.5 hours before your schedule to check the weather

Cancellation Policy

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