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
$326
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
$409
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
554 reviews
Excellent
517
Very good
26
Average
6
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Rob
Singapore, Singapore51 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
My family had a really great tour recently in Dec 2019 on the Glacier Jet package (Jet boat, Helicopter rise and Wilderness Walk).
Ben was a really experienced driver of the jet boat, giving us several thrill rides. He is also knowledgeable about the river, the native plants and birds, sharing with us many things during the journey, including fond reminisces of LOTR filming locations in the area.
Ben also took us on the “Wilderness Walk” which was a really easy and picturesque walk through a very nice area of greenery with a waterfall and amazing views of the mountain ranges in the distance. Ben was fun and good with the young and old on our trip.
The helicopter ride was done by another tour operator (I think) that partnered Wanaka River Journeys, and the timing and connection / transfers both ways were perfect and seamless. Doug (if I remember correctly) was the pilot and he too was a very friendly and good natured guide who is very experienced; he took us on an amazing tour of the valleys and mountains and made a short stop atop the mountains for a magnificent view and unforgettable experience.
We were fortunate to have Ben and Doug in this trip and I highly recommend this tour as we had a really awesome and unforgettable experience.
Ben was a really experienced driver of the jet boat, giving us several thrill rides. He is also knowledgeable about the river, the native plants and birds, sharing with us many things during the journey, including fond reminisces of LOTR filming locations in the area.
Ben also took us on the “Wilderness Walk” which was a really easy and picturesque walk through a very nice area of greenery with a waterfall and amazing views of the mountain ranges in the distance. Ben was fun and good with the young and old on our trip.
The helicopter ride was done by another tour operator (I think) that partnered Wanaka River Journeys, and the timing and connection / transfers both ways were perfect and seamless. Doug (if I remember correctly) was the pilot and he too was a very friendly and good natured guide who is very experienced; he took us on an amazing tour of the valleys and mountains and made a short stop atop the mountains for a magnificent view and unforgettable experience.
We were fortunate to have Ben and Doug in this trip and I highly recommend this tour as we had a really awesome and unforgettable experience.
Written 1 January 2020
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.
Malcolm G
Llanymynech, UK31 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is an excellent experience of both the Jet boat and the incredible scenery, LOTR locations and local history / nature.
A lot of these jet boat experiences are a short low cost thrills ride and little more. In this case there are plenty of thrills speed and sharp turns etc including regular 180 turns to come to a halt. PLUS a lot of insight and explanation of all things you see from geology and climate, the history of land development, gold mining, flora and fauna etc. The short bush walk is a real treat. It is well worth the small extra cost and short bus transfer to get to the boat for a half day adventure.
Ben, our guide, was knowledgeable and passionate about the area and its history.
A lot of these jet boat experiences are a short low cost thrills ride and little more. In this case there are plenty of thrills speed and sharp turns etc including regular 180 turns to come to a halt. PLUS a lot of insight and explanation of all things you see from geology and climate, the history of land development, gold mining, flora and fauna etc. The short bush walk is a real treat. It is well worth the small extra cost and short bus transfer to get to the boat for a half day adventure.
Ben, our guide, was knowledgeable and passionate about the area and its history.
Written 2 February 2024
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.
Helen BJ
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Packrafting down the Matukituki was an absolutely brilliant day out. Brent and Sue are welcoming, knowledgeable and extremely professional. Sue serves up tea and coffee and homemade cake by the river, while Brent prepares the packrafts. The gear is excellent and the on water instruction clear and easy to follow. The whole paddle was made interesting and fun, and we felt very safe the whole way, even in some of the bigger rapids! The packed lunches are also incredible - you won’t go hungry! Our picnic stop was the most picturesque location, with a mountain backdrop. We would highly recommend this stunning trip - if you’re thinking about it, just book it! Thank you Brent and Sue! 🥰
Written 14 January 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.
Jo Bulluss
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This is a must do in Wanaka. We have lived here for years and been into Mt Aspiring numerous times but experiencing the magnificent landscape from the river was something else. The guides were fantastic! Super friendly, funny and so informative. The small group means you really get to experience their passion for the area and you feel safe and comfortable on the river. We thought it might be difficult but it was fun through the grade 1 rapids and so peaceful when we were just floating down the river taking in the 360 degree beauty. A delicious morning tea and lunch was also provided.
Written 13 December 2022
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.
Nicki R
41 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Had the best day! Packrafting in beautiful scenery, small fun rapids and our guide Courtney was great - a real character and really knew her stuff! Our driver Dave was really friendly and looked after everyone, all in all a great day on the river and highly recommended! Will definitely do next time in Wanaka, my daughter is still talking about it!
Written 9 January 2024
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.
cscac
Petaluma, CA682 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The 4 Cali girls visited New Zealand and joined Benjamin on his jet boat tour of the Wanaka River. This was by far one of the highlights of my trip and something I had always wanted to do if I had the chance to visit NZ. The river and the valley it runs through is stunning and the boat sped over just inches of river water. The 360s were exhilarating and the nature walk at the end of the river was gorgeous. We saw a beautiful waterfall and an amazing view of the glacier. This is an absolute must do if you are in New Zealand and in the Wanaka Lake area. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Thank you for the experience and the memories!!
Written 20 February 2020
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.
59judy
Alice Springs, Australia5 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Drifting down the Matikituki River Valley Had a fabulous rafting experience with Brent, so knowledgeable on rafting and the river. Greg was great driving and organising the gear. It was a magnificent close up experience of the glaciers, snow covered mountains, crystal clear water and birds - a little piece of paradise. Lunch was delicious thank you Sue. 59Judy
Written 25 November 2022
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.
Gail H
19 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
A beautiful sunny day to see fantastic mountains, glaciers and beautiful blue water, Brent and Sue are very well organized and gave us a great day to remember! Tea in the morning a big lunch on the river and the photos emailed to us that night! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Written 12 February 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.
DORIT A
Tel Aviv, Israel53 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
it's avert good organized touristic experience. nice to fly on the river w a jet boat with an amazing skipper and knowgable guide.
wonderful scenery, bleachers mountains and beaches .
the walk was easy and spectacular.
wonderful scenery, bleachers mountains and beaches .
the walk was easy and spectacular.
Written 2 March 2020
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.
Derk v
Main Beach, Australia11 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
This trip will take your breath away, and will amaze you. It is thrilling, exciting and spectacular. The Matukituki Jet boat experience is the best my wife and I have had the pleasure doing. Worth every pennie.
Dick and Bernie, Queensland Australia
Dick and Bernie, Queensland Australia
Written 29 March 2012
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.
We will be there mid-March. Is this something we need to book in advance...how far ahead?
Written 31 January 2018
We booked on the webthe night before.
Written 20 February 2018
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