Private and Luxury
4 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
$645
per adult
Siberia Experience
Siberia Experience
5
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
SIBERIA EXPERIENCE - Scenic Flight - Bush & Valley Walk -Jetboat Safari. Allow 4 hours to experience this unique New Zealand Wilderness Adventure in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park. Experience 3 of NZ's most popular activities in an exciting 4 hour encounter with nature. Operating since 1975 and described by many as a "MUST DO" Adventure. The scenic flight with Southern Alps Air begins from Makarora Valley(near Wanaka).Enjoy spectacular views from window seats of glaciers, waterfalls and plunging river valleys amongst the native forest and towering mountains of the Southern Alps. Your flight ends with landing amongst the mountains in the remote Siberia Valley where your 2.5-3hr walk begins. The freedom walk is 6.8km with a combination of flat, up-hill & down-hill sections. The track/trail is clearly defined and easy to follow as you set off across the flats and Siberia Stream and on to the track proper which leads you to the jetboat pick up point in the Wilkin Valley. Rendezvouz at the rivers edge at a pre-arranged time with Wilkin River Jets for a 30 minute scenic and thrilling ride back to where your Siberia Experience began. Suitable for all ages with an average/reasonably good fitness level. Easier walk for similar Fly-Walk-Jetboat Experience is Blue Pools Nature Experience - the trail is the same distance but basically flat.
Tours and Tickets by Siberia Experience
Adventure Tours
4–5 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
$520
per adult
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5.0
85 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
TheRobertsons43
Auckland Central, New Zealand236 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 8 December 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.
Megan B
London, UK5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Amazing experience, probably the highlight of our trip on the South Island. The views from the plane were phenomenal and we were lucky to have a clear, sunny day to cruise through Milford Sound. We were also lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins jumping out of the water around the boat!
The pilot was excellent - very smooth flying, landing and take off and gave us informative commentary as we were flying. Really could not recommend this experience more! We took snacks with us, but there was food and drink available to buy on the boat, as well as free teas and coffees.
The pilot was excellent - very smooth flying, landing and take off and gave us informative commentary as we were flying. Really could not recommend this experience more! We took snacks with us, but there was food and drink available to buy on the boat, as well as free teas and coffees.
Written 1 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi there!
It sounds like you had an amazing time and that you got to enjoy this experience at its very best!
We are so grateful for your fantastic review, thank you!
All the best,
The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 2 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
randywiek
Nashville, TN6 contributions
What a great ride! From booking to guided trip and return everything was professional! Booking on line was easy, and the staff were friendly and helpful at check in. Our safety was as important to the hosts as the rest of the trip. During the tour our guide was informative and humorous. I would recommend this outing to anyone that wants to experience the Sound. Thanks again for a great afternoon!
Written 15 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi there!
How lovely to know you had a great experience from start to finish. All of our team are so happy to know that we contributed your wonderful flight and cruise. Thank you very much for the kind review and we're pleased you enjoyed the day!
All the best,
The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gordon S
Northern Ireland, UK6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The total experience was exceptional, especially the overflight of the mountains and glaciers.
The pilot provided an excellent overview of the terrain and Milford Sound.
The pilot provided an excellent overview of the terrain and Milford Sound.
Written 25 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Good morning!
We really appreciate your wonderful review! It's great to know you enjoyed the experience.
We wish you all the best,
The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen & Sue
Canberra, Australia2,458 contributions
Jan 2023
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.
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.
Written 25 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi there!
We are so happy to hear you had a great time and that the weather finally allowed this flight to go ahead! Thank you so much for your fantastic review.
All the best,
The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
char783
Brisbane, Australia6 contributions
Great flight over to Milford Sound, spectacular views. Cruise was good, very informative, stunning views. No decent food on board to buy. Pack a lunch!
Written 23 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you for the review. We hope you had a good Christmas.
Written 25 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter G
14 contributions
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!!!
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!!!
Written 22 October 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you Peter for this review- we loved showing you our backyard and that it is even more special that you enjoyed it so much. It is a great snap shot of what we aim to offer to everyone.
Regards
Anne
Written 3 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aussiedavewitta
109 contributions
We were lucky enough to have a clear day for the flight which made the visibility incredible.
Really did not expect to be flying below the mountain peaks and so close to snow covered cliffs and frozen crater lakes.
The cruise was fairly uninteresting compared to the flight
Really did not expect to be flying below the mountain peaks and so close to snow covered cliffs and frozen crater lakes.
The cruise was fairly uninteresting compared to the flight
Written 8 September 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you for taking the time to review our service. We are glad you enjoyed the mountain peaks and the flying- we believe its truly one of the best views in the world.
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip.
Adele and The Southern Alps Air team
Written 4 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
whattosay
Blenheim, New Zealand854 contributions
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.
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.
Written 7 January 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the beautiful views of Siberia and the experience itself. We will reiterate to passengers about the crossing of the refreshingly chilly stream but we believe this helps makes the experience so fun.
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and we hope to see you sometime in the future.
Regards
Adele and The Southern Alps Air team
Written 4 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
C A
3 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
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!!
Written 1 March 2021
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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review. We are glad that you enjoyed this experience.
We hope to have you fly with us again soon
From the team at Southern Alps Air
Written 4 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan N
Aldridge, UK100 contributions
Hi two questions:
Is footwear for the “wet section” available to hire?
How long/hard is the walk on this tour? Distance and ascent/descent would be helpful.
Thanks in anticipation
Jan
Daniel B
1 contribution
Hi What is the policy if we booked a day which eventually has bad weather?
Southern Alps Air
Wanaka, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi Ryan, if the trip is unable to operate because of bad weather you will have the opportunity to cancel and receive a full refund or re-schedule.
Kind regards, Anne
Hi
Is the experience available during ski September 2016?
Cheers
SouthernAlpsAir
Wanaka, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi
We can operate as long we reach minimum numbers which is 4 people.
Regards
Nick
NorthShore777
56 contributions
Hi
I want to book Siberia experience. How difficult is the 3h bush walk? Is there much uphill walking? Some stops? What is recommended level of fitness?
SouthernAlpsAir
Wanaka, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi There
Please find a description of the walk below - we suggest you need average to good fitness levels - you need to know you can walk for 3 hour with some up & down-hill sections.
The walk starts at 600 meters (2000 feet) above sea level where you start off with a stroll across the Siberia Flats and across the Siberia Stream. This section will be accompanied by your pilot, listen carefully as the pilot will give you a verbal description of the walk and stream crossing. This section is about 300 meters (328 yards) long and is in open tussock land.
You cross the Siberia Stream under supervision of your pilot remembering in general the wider the stream the shallower the water. The stream is generally between ankle and half way to the knee in depth and quite brisk in temperature – a unique part of this true New Zealand wilderness experience. Stream crossings are a common practice in New Zealand when we go tramping. (kiwi slang for hiking or trekking).
Once across the Siberia Stream follow the well-worn track marked with ORANGE TRIANGLES, walk down the Siberia Valley for about another 700 meters (765 yards) before entering the native Silver Beech Forest, it is then a steady climb to the highest point on the track at 730 meters (2,395 feet) above sea level and about 130 vertical meters above the Siberia Valley floor this section of the track is about 2km (2100 yards) long and is about the halfway point.
From the highest point it is about 2 KM (2100 yards) of descending to the Wilkin River valley floor at 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level .
Once on the Wilkin River valley floor it is about 1.1 KM (1,200 yards) downstream to the Jet Boat pickup point sign.
If you would like any other information please let us know.
Kind regards
Anne Cooper Southern Alps Air/Siberia Experience