Photo Shoots
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$297
per adult
Wanaka River Journeys
Wanaka River Journeys
5
River Rafting & TubingAdrenaline & Extreme ToursBoat ToursSpeed Boats ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Come with us on the most exciting half day adventure activity in New Zealand, jet boating beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of The Rings locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience jet boating on 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, And there is MORE… Deep in the mountains & off the beaten track enjoy a 50-minute walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams. Walk in awe beneath Avalanche Glacier when conditions permit or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Hear the stories of this unique ice carved landscape and see photo opportunities not to miss. For those who want to explore more add a glacier helicopter flight from the jet boat or a 4WD farm safari
Tours and Tickets by Wanaka River Journeys
Full-day Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$379
per adult
Travellers talk about
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(3 reviews)
(51 reviews)
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5.0
501 reviews
Excellent
468
Very good
23
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
1
PeterODover
Dover, DE90 contributions
Skilled and knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery....just the right amount of time. The nature walk was a welcome interlude to the speed and noise of the boat. Fair price for the experience.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah
10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fantastic day out. The scenery is just amazing.. river so blue and clear.
Brent and Sue were great hosts. Very kind and shared a lot of information on the natural history of the area during the drive and paddle.
The pack rafts are awesome. Very light to carry, but super strong. They track well in the water and were easy to manoeuvre.
We had a gourmet sandwich and snacks on the grassy Riverbank.
Brent gave us some useful paddling tips which was great.
Highly recommend.
Brent and Sue were great hosts. Very kind and shared a lot of information on the natural history of the area during the drive and paddle.
The pack rafts are awesome. Very light to carry, but super strong. They track well in the water and were easy to manoeuvre.
We had a gourmet sandwich and snacks on the grassy Riverbank.
Brent gave us some useful paddling tips which was great.
Highly recommend.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanne B
Hurstpierpoint, UK2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Fab day out with very knowledgeable guides! Pack rafting surrounded by the beautiful surrounding Mount Aspiring National Park was such a amazing experience. Really recommend it as a day out if you are visiting Wanaka or want to have a day in nature learning a new skill!
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
Caloundra, Australia5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Truly fabulous on the river from Lake Wanaka up the Matukituki river towards Mt Aspiring - jet boat about 3 hour trip plus a one hour walk (stroll) through great Beach native bush. A must for a thrill and an experience from teenagers to seniors….
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FromOntariosOC
4 contributions
Jan 2023
Our family had a great day packrafting with Brent along the river! The mountain scenery was breathtaking, and all that Brent shared about the area was a huge added bonus. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the paddling and the rapids and now have a taste for more as we continue our travels through NZ. Huge thanks to Sue for helping get our day organized! Highly recommend!!
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coastal65936028888
1 contribution
This was a highlight of our stay in New Zealand. James was a fantastic guide/pilot, very informative and entertaining. I loved every minute of it.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
libi123
Tel Aviv, Israel16 contributions
Was so disappointed. The jet boat is just a water taxi that takes you from one place to another. It not thrilling or exciting. Is there were three 360 turns to stop, could not see the excitement in that.
Most of these views could be seen all the same from the road.
The walk in the forest was nothing like they described. It’s a farmland - you pass an electric fence and go to see a tiny waterfall and go back..
Most of these views could be seen all the same from the road.
The walk in the forest was nothing like they described. It’s a farmland - you pass an electric fence and go to see a tiny waterfall and go back..
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveTravel744487
Hi There, We are so sorry that you were this disappointed with our tour, especially after such efforts to try and get a discounted trip and then a refund so a bad review wouldn’t be posted. We stand by our tour: the Mountain and Glacier scenery is spectacular, The Matukituki River is one of the most challenging and exciting shallow, braided, jet boating rivers in New Zealand. Our skipper, one of NZ’s most experienced jet boat drivers’ who ensures our passengers are able to enjoy this adventure activity safely. As our name suggests, We offer a Journey, not thrill seeking.
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly A
5 contributions
Mar 2023
Such a fun activity to do! We rode up the river toward Mt. Aspiring National Park. James was informative along the ride, and we thoroughly enjoyed the sharp turns and 360s on the boat. So fun! The nature walk along the beech forest was beautiful and informative as well! Definitely recommend!
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie S
Seattle17 contributions
We loved our experience from start to finish! A perfect half day trip for any age. Sue and James were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable - and you could tell they really loved their jobs. The journey to the river boat was breathtaking and we appreciated Sue pointing out particular spots. We could have ridden on the jet boat all day. James was an excellent driver and added fun turns and spins! He was funny and knew everything about the area including the native flora & fauna. I researched several jet boating companies prior to booking - I’m so glad I went with Wanaka River Journeys! Don’t think twice - book this trip!
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianebrat
Minneapolis, MN15 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Beautiful journey up the river with views of the beautiful mountains and glaciers in Mount Aspiring National Park. The boat spins were great fun and a good way to laugh with new friends. The nature walk was informative and a lovely way to experience the countryside made famous by the LOTR movies.
Written 3 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary S
Boerne, TX52 contributions
We will be there mid-March. Is this something we need to book in advance...how far ahead?
cultureoutdoors
Knaphill, UK291 contributions
We booked on the webthe night before.
