If your question is not answered below, please scroll down to our other FAQ categories. Alternatively contact us for further information
A packraft is a strong, stable inflatable raft, a cross between a kayak and a raft.
Wanaka River Journeys packrafts are ultra light, 2 person craft
An average level of fitness is fine. The paddling is not strenuous as the river flow keeps you on the move but you must be able to swim and be up for a full day of fun wilderness adventure.
YES. You must have a basic swimming ability: Be able to use forward propulsion, be able to hold your head above water and not panic when in water. This is an activity in and on water.
No, but definitely a love of adventure is required and an average level of fitness.
YES, for those families that are used to outdoor adventures, this is a great family experience for older children 10 -14
Children need to be able to swim, follow instructions and be up to participating in a full day wilderness adventure
Absolutely, this is a wilderness packraft adventure and getting wet is all part of the fun.
Our company is required to advise you of the risks associated with our Packrafting Adventure Activity and you will be asked to read and sign our risk disclosure form before leaving town.
below is the section of the documentation you will be asked to read and sign regarding understanding the risks:
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS
I accept that this activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to:
Flipping out of the packraft & submerging in cold water, hypothermia, impacting on rocks, floating into natural hazards such as trees in the river, slipping on uneven ground, drowning.
I am aware that participating in the Packraft activity offered by Wanaka Jet Ltd T/A Wanaka River Journeys can be hazardous if not conducted with care, control and responsibility. I acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.
wear swimmers or sports gear beneath the wetsuit we provide and warm clothing to change into at the end of the trip.
Bring a towel and
Wear your own trainers or sports sandals. These will get wet.
yes but we advise using a safety (keeper) strap. These can be purchased relatively cheaply from a pharmacy or ask us at the river and we can provide you with a soft strap. There are also pockets in our lifejackets to keep your sunglasses if you prefer.
There are incredible photo opportunities on this trip but your camera must be waterproof (Go-pro or similar). We cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your camera.
Our guide will take photos during the trip so make sure we have your email to send you a link.
Are all provided, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements on booking
We are sorry but there is no smoking or vaping at any time during this tour
Cancellations by you - If you decide not to join our tour after you have paid for your ticket, please notify us 48 hours or more before the departure time for a full refund. There is no refund if cancelled within 48 hours of a trip departure time.
Cancellations by us (the Operator) – The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel any service as a result of weather or river conditions, insufficient reservations or any other unforeseen event or circumstance. In this event we will make every effort to reschedule you to another suitable trip time.
We pick you up from outside the I-SITE Information Centre (99 Ardmore Street) at 9am. During the xmas and new year period allow 20 minutes to find a park and find your way to our pick up spot.
Long term free car parking can be found on the edge of the lake outside of the CBD opposite Pembroke Park. Make sure there are no shops opposite where your car is parked or in the Dungarvon Street car park next to Pembroke Park
Apologies but this experience is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 10, people that can't swim and people that can't fit a 2XL (or smaller) wetsuit.
If your question is not answered below, please scroll to our other FAQ categories. Alternatively contact us for further information
Your flight lasts approx 25 minutes including a landing on the Isobel Glacier for approx 10 minutes
When conditions permit we will land on the Isobel Glacier.
In the event we cannot land on the Glacier we have several fabulous high altitude landing locations which look directly into the huge glacial area around Mount Aspiring. We fly you up close over the Rob Roy and Avalanche Glaciers, one of the most spectacular glacier flights in new Zealand. disembark the helicopter for approx 10 minutes for photos
About 3/4 of the way up-river, the helicopter meets the jet boat on the banks of the river where passengers who have chosen this option disembark the jet boat and join the helicopter for their amazing flight.
Meanwhile... the jet boat continues up-river to its top destination. The passengers in the boat disembark at which time the helicopter returns and everyone begins the wilderness walk together.
Those that chose this option will miss out on the top 1/4 leg of the jet boating but will see the river from the air. You will however get to jet boat downstream on that top 1/4 section after the walk
A helicopter flight is weather dependent we can occasionally have weather conditions which are great for jet boating but not a helicopter flight. In this situation we will refund you the helicopter portion of your trip.
Yes definitely, a great opportunity for children to see farm animals on an exciting 4WD adventure
Let us know the ages of your children when booking.
After your jet boat tour a picnic lunch and water will be supplied for you at the river before being collected by your guides from Ridgeline Adventures. This is usually about a 20-30 minute lunch break
Afternoon tea at the "Alpine cafe" is a hot drink and snack
Note- Please advise if you have any dietary requirements, during winter lunch will be taken during the tour at a suitable time and location during the day.
Cancellations by you - If you decide not to join our tour after you have paid for your ticket, please notify us 48 hours or more before the departure time for a full refund. There is no refund if cancelled within 48 hours of a trip departure time.
Cancellations by us (the Operator) – The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel any service as a result of weather conditions, insufficient reservations or any other unforeseen event or circumstance. In this event we will make every effort to reschedule you to another suitable trip time.
If your question is not answered below, please scroll down to our other FAQ categories. Alternatively contact us for further information.
Let us know if you are a fan of lord of the rings or the hobbit.
Our Jet Boat drivers have fantastic information about these films and can pass this on if we know we have enthusiasts on board!
You are required to be at the pickup location at I-SITE Information Centre (99 Ardmore Street) 20 minutes prior to your departure time.
Long term free car parking can be found on the edge of the lake outside of the CBD or alongside Pembroke Park. Make sure there are no shops opposite where your car is parked.
Allow 40 minutes prior to departure time to allow for parking & walking to our pick up location.
Yes! There are incredible photo opportunities of the Mount Aspiring National Park. The guides and drivers stop regularly for photo opportunities HOWEVER please note we are an Adventure Activity that operates in a Wilderness Area and any camera or device carried is at your own risk.
Suited to most abilities. The walk is not at a fast pace but there is uneven ground and some rocks to walk over. If you are unable to keep up with the group there is the option to do just a little of the walk at your own pace & let the others go ahead and remain close to the jet boat until the group returns. A pretty good option as you are in paradise!!
For those with younger children who may no be good walkers, also staying close to the boat, taking photos and playing in the wilderness paradise instead of slowing up the walk for others is a great option.
You will be required to climb over seats in the boat, step up onto the bow of the boat and step up onto a river bank or onto rocks to access a path.
If you have trouble climbing steps or need assistance with your movements then this isn't for you.
Give us a call if you have any questions
We take you in to a wilderness area on a fast boat, we do spins and we walk on uneven ground. There is no way to smooth this into a serene and calm tour. It is an ADVENTURE ACTIVITY and action packed.
Wanaka River Journeys requires that you disclose any medical conditions that may affect participation in the activity, or which may be aggravated by this activity.
Yes, absolutely! Children love this trip from young ones who are in awe of the jet boats’ power and the drivers skills, to the excitement of the wilderness walk where their imaginations can play and the souvenirs they gather from this experience. Different times of the year introduce different animals for them to see from the lambs in the spring to the huge numbers of fish in the autumn and birdlife all year round. Recommend parents bring a day pack with drink and food for children.
Child age 4-14 years inclusive / Adult from 15 years
Sorry but not suitable for infants under 4 years
Mountain weather can be unpredictable and sometimes we get caught out by rain. We have excellent wet weather gear and do our best to protect passengers if rain eventuates and we make a point of showcasing the huge waterfalls that come to life.
Wanaka River Journeys reserves the rights to cancel or postpone a trip due to weather or river conditions that the company deems unsuitable for a trip to proceed
Stunning scenic shuttle drive around the shores of Lake Wanaka to the Matukituki River (approx 20 minutes). At the river you are met by your guide, life jackets on and aboard the jet boat for a safety briefing, then you’re off!! Jet boating up river (approx 1 hour) includes a couple of stops for photos. Top of the river you all disembark for the wilderness walk. (50 mins - 1 hour) Fast, flowing trip down river (approx 45 minutes) before shuttle return to town.
Apologies but this experience is not suitable for pregnant women.
Dress according to the weather conditions on the day of your trip. Keep in mind you will be travelling in an open boat at speed into a mountainous environment with frequently changing weather conditions (unlike Wanaka).
Layers are always recommended even on a hot day bring a sweater or light jacket. It is better to have more clothing than you need.
Winter: Dress warmly, layers and a jacket, bring hat and gloves if you have them. If you are here for skiing or snowboarding, wear your ski gear.
Footwear: trainers are fine; during summer strong sandals are also suitable.
Cancellations by you - If you decide not to join our tour after you have paid for your ticket, please notify us 48 hours or more before the departure time for a full refund. There is no refund if cancelled within 48 hours of a trip departure time.
Cancellations by us (the Operator) – The Operator reserves the absolute right to cancel any service as a result of weather or river conditions, insufficient reservations or any other unforeseen event or circumstance. In this event we will make every effort to reschedule you to another suitable trip time.
Sorry, this is a non smoking and non vaping tour.
