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Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

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Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

 

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:

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Schedule

Departures (winter):

12:45pm from outside the Wanaka i-SITE

 

Departures (From 1 October):

9:45am & 12:45pm from outside the Wanaka i-SITE 

 


Allow 4 hours 

 

 

 

Experience

Packraft Wanaka

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Packraft Wanaka

 

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:

  • This is an adventure activity, so you do need to be able to swim
  • Minimum age is 10 years, and each child must be accompanied by an adult
  • A minimum number of participants is required for the trip to run — if you're travelling solo, just give us a call or send us an email and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
  • Please include gear sizes and dietary requirements when you book

 

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.

 

VIDEO

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Schedule

Departures:
08:15 AM from outside of the i-SITE 
3:30 PM return (time can vary up to 30 minutes with river conditions)

Experience

Glacier Jet

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Glacier Jet

 

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:

  • This is an adventure activity suitable for most people
  • Minimum age is 4 years (children must be accompanied by an adult)
  • A minimum of 2 paying adults is required for the helicopter flight to go ahead
  • Helicopter flights and glacier landings are weather dependent

 

For more info about fitness, safety, and what to bring, click the ‘FIND OUT MORE’ button below

Find out more

Schedule

Departures

9:45am & 12:45pm from outside of the i-SITE  

Allow 4 hours

Jet Boat & Wildernes...

 
Experience the Ultimate Half-Day Jet Boating Adven...

Packraft Wanaka

 
Packraft the Majestic Matukituki – A Full-Day Adve...

Glacier Jet

 
Jet Boat, Glacier Helicopter & Wilderness Walk – O...

Reviews

Great Day on the Matukituki River!

Wow! Just Wow! An 11 on a scale of 10!

A perfect (mild) adventure thanks to perfect Wanaka weather, the professional organization, and our friendly and consi...

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TripAdvisor Review, 2025

1 week ago

An Unforgettable Rafting Adventure

We had a tremendous time! I was nervous about the rapids on the river as I had never done real rafting before but the instruction from Mia and Kaylee and their ...

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Kim

1 week ago

A very good time

Superb day in a valley with incredible landscapes.
And for the record the sandwiches were very good.

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Thomas G

1 week ago

Fantastic boat ride and hike!

Fun exhilarating jet boat ride! Awe inspiring, breathtaking scenery! Beautiful hike through the wooded forest to a waterfall. Ben was an excellent guide.

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Leann R

1 week ago

An experience not to be missed

An exceptional way to experience the vast and pristine space that is the Mount Aspiring National Park and the Matukituki River. Our guide and boat driver, Ben, ...

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Alison L

1 week ago

Absolutely 6 out of 5!

Great experience on the river, thrilling spins but mainly great sightseeing of the valley and mountains. Very friendly and welcoming staff who ensure a wonderfu...

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TripAdvisor Review, 2025

1 week ago

Great trip

First time on a jet boat and it was thrilling experience. The landscape is beautiful and you have sone great views of the glacier. Ben was a nice guide. More th...

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Micha H.

1 week ago

Best in New Zealand

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...

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MinnesotaLaurie

1 week ago