We were booked into the Siberia hut flight and walk out to jet boat but the plane needed unforeseen repairs. The company was fantastic and took us for a really long flight around mount aspiring then a jet boat trip up the wilkin river. We were left for an hour exploring time then picked up again. We had a brilliant time. Thanks to them for being so accommodating and organising something fun for us despite the changes. We all thought it was the best thing we did on South Island.

OMG. We had a perfect day for flying, hiking, and jet boating. The staff is wonderful and helpful for apprehensive travelers. Flight on 4 seater (1 pilot, 3 guests) was stunning (about 20 min). The pilot takes off from the office area (grass runway), narrates the flight into the valleys/mountains, and lands on a grassy area next to a stream. The walk/hike across the stream is less than 5 minutes - the level is dependent upon rain (it was over my knees, but I'm short). We arrived a day after heavy rain so it was quite fast and wide. You need water shoes/sandals (get at the office before the flight if you didn't bring them) and recommend hiking poles - it is slippery and the water was strong. Did I mention it is also COLD? The second adventure is hiking out - we are slow and it took us about 3 1/2 hours (counting a lunch stop). The first part is through a meadow-like area (gradual incline), 2nd part is in the forest and there are some steep parts (not long and not that steep), and the 3rd part is downhill to the water again (this was slippery and long; hiking sticks well worthwhile). You end up in a meadow-like area by the water. LOTS of sandflies!!! Then the jet boat comes (ours held 11 and the driver) and a cool ride until you get back to the starting area. You may get wet. This was our last excursion in NZ after 3 weeks and it was outstanding.

LOVED this trip, what an amazing part of our country! The pilot showed us some great sights on the way in, the river crossing was "refreshing" (lol), the walk enjoyable and varied, and the jetboat loads of fun.

We did the flight, 7k walk and boat (without the scenic flight). What an amazing experience! The views from the flight were amazing! You cross the river to start the walk- it’s cold and rocky so do take some water shoes otherwise it can take a while to get a cross and can get slippery. The walk was challenging but not too much- quite rocky again so can be easy to slip if you’re not paying attention but again, magnificent views along the way. The jet boat was our favourite as the views are just astounding, we had great weather which clear skies which made it even better and the speed of the boat gives you the thrilling feeling you need after a long walk! Keep your hats, glasses and bags secure though, otherwise they will fly away! Totally recommend doing, it was so beautiful and photos just don’t do it justice! The team were super helpful and lovely also- thank you for making our honeymoon so memorable!

Fantastic experience. Flying up in the mountains on a Cessna 5 seater plane is just awe inspiring. Then a very chilly crossing of a glacial river before a 3 hour hike which is steep and slippery in places but with fantastic views. And finally a fast and fun jet boat ride back.

This is an amazing trip! The scenery was stunning. We had the most beautiful weather so felt really lucky. The flight was fantastic - incredible views with an interesting commentary about the area. Great walk and wonderful jet boat trip. We found all the team to be really friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this as an excellent South Island adventure.

The Southern Alps Air Siberia day trip is an absolutely sensational “best of New Zealand". It begins with a short flight through the mountains to a grass landing strip, but this was not just a delivery run. They take the scenic route right up the main valley to fly closely past mountain peaks, glacial lakes and valleys, with stunning views up close everywhere. Then, the landing on the grass, and shoes off for a walk across a freezing, shallow river (bring crocs, or borrow there’s). The walk was fairly easy – about 3 hours, with a bit of elevation, but nothing too steep, then back down the mountain to the river, and a jet boat pick up. Everything about this was perfect from start to finish, the flight, the views, the walk and the jet boat. And service was superb. We had great weather, but flights had been called off for days before. Instead of just writing them off Southern Alps Air was working with as many of those people as possible to put them on additional flights which flew all morning. A superb experience.

Fantastic adventure into the beautiful Siberia Valley! Just enough to bring out your Grizzly Adams without all the hassle of walking miles or sleeping in uncomfortable huts. The flight in was amazing! The walk out was stunning! The jet boat ride was a blast! Combined together they were fantastic! Only average fitness required. Low risk but high reward activity. Don’t forget to take a small towel to dry your feet and legs after crossing the stream at the start of the walk (you’ll only get wet up to your knees at the most but IT’S COLD!!!

As expected, wonderful trip. Everything ran on time, friendly service. Flight in was great, loved flying up into the valley beyond where we would walk. Beautiful. The pilot showed us where to walk once we got to Siberia Valley. The track was easy to follow, up and over what felt like a low pass but was presumably just up and down the side of the mountain as we followed the Wilkin Valley. The whole trip took 5 hours, not 4 like the website suggests, so if time matters to you, check the timing of the jetboat you are booked on. We flew at 9am and were booked on a 1.30pm boat, returning 2pm. The jet boat was loads of fun. Be aware that right after you leave the plane you will have to walk across a stream. Somehow it escaped my attention pre trip that the stream was unabridged. We didn't want wet boots (water was shin high at deepest when we were there) so crossed in bare feet which was numbing and uncomfortable, we should have taken jandals and a wee towel with us! It was fine though, and perfectly safe, just chilly.

The Siberia Wilderness trip had been on the bucket list for some time and was well worth the wait. It was a fantastic trip. An absolute gem of an experience and right at our back door! Well looked after by all the staff, office, pilot, jet boat driver. Everything was well organised. Highly recommend it. Get out there Kiwis!!

As regular visitors to Wanaka, we decide to park up the bikes and give this adventure a go. Wow. It was such an amazing day out, Jake flew us in with near perfect conditions and the smoothest landing ever. We were blown away by the beauty of the valley. The day was topped off by an epic jet boat out via Wilkin River jets and our driver Danyel. Simply a stunning day and very accessible to those wanting a taste of wilderness NZ. Can’t recommend enough.

This was our family xmas present, parents and sons 21 and 23. Heading towards Siberia Flat we were flown up over freshly snow dusted peaks, tarns and roof of the world hidden lakes. After a grassy valley floor landing we did quick knee high wading trip across a freezing river and we were on our way for the walk section. A gradual, well graded climb up through cool beech forest with occasional glimpses of crystal blue rivers and the yellow plane dropping more visitors was followed by a decent zig zag descent to the river on the far side. A short wait (still requiring insect spray, don't forget it you will regret it) we were met by the jetboat. 35 minutes of flying down river over shallows and with the occasional 360" spin thrown in we were returned to our start point. Highly recommend as a day trip out for the active family that enjoys time together. This trip had just the right amount of everything, time, challenge and fun. Support local. Memories last forever.

What a fun trip we had. The Cesna plane is small and you really feel amongst the mountains while flying up the river valleys. The walk out is through pristine landscapes and the jet boat ride back exhilarating. The pilot, jet boat operator and staff were all friendly and helpful. Also we had good weather.

Recommended by local kiwis, this was a perfect day. We flew in Buttercup, a four seater plane, yellow of course, into Mount Aspiring. Close up views of the peaks either side of us. Snow capped peaks where the snow had turned brown after the ash from the Australian fires. Then down onto an almost invisible grass landing strip, a quick crossing of the stream (it was sooo cold!) and a 7km walk through beech forest with glimpses of the river below us. Topped off with a mad ride on a jet boat back to our starting point at Makarora. Brilliant!

We have been visiting and traveling in New Zealand for years, and we can say that this was the most incredible experience yet! The flight was spectacular, hiking was beautiful (wading through the river added to the charm), and the jet boat driver made the ride extra exciting. A "Can Not Miss" opportunity.