Recommended by Auckland friends. Three of us - one from Tapanui and 2 from Nelson -did this trip with Johan who was very knowledgeable and passionate about the area, and his job. Also he is very skilled at driving the jet boat down the river. Was most exhilarating, especially going down the Wairaurahiri river which is like non stop shallow rapids. On the way back we had a full boat, as a large group had been staying at the Waitutu Lodge where we had a wonderful BBQ/salad meal prepared by Johan. Loved the walk back to the local swing bridge, accompanied by Tess the caretaker's dog. Take sandfly repellant, as there are many sandflies. We made a few stops on our way to the lodge and the nicest would be the stand of native bush that we saw. I have never seen anything so luscious and thick. The undergrowth was amazing. You can stay in the lodge for $50 pp pn or hire it out in its entirety. That would be an amazing experience. Highly recommend seeing this unique part of the world.

An exhilarating ride across the deepest lake in New Zealand, Lake Hauroko then down the Wairaurahiri river out to sea was one of the top things i have ever experienced in New Zealand. I was nervous at first thinking it could jar my back, but not even a tiny bit. If you have a back issue, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The skill of Johan is mind blowing. The ride is broken by a very short walk into the most exquisite moss and fern covered grotto like area in the bush. You would swear you were on a Peter Jackson film set. Then on down to the open sea where we walked a small distance to the Lodge where we were greeted with a cheese board and wine, followed by a lunch where Johan cooked up a tasty bbq of venison, patties and sausages, accompanied by salad and fresh bread . We were blessed with a superb clear warm day which always adds to the occasion. This experience is not to be missed and should be added to the top ten things to do in New Zealand.

Spent the day with Johan travelling the Hauroko lake and down the Wairaurahiri river to the sea and back. Not only a great driver of watercraft, Johan has a wealth of knowledge he is willing to share on local lore, the scenic highlights and thr conservation mission. He is also a natural raconteur and a great chef, evidenced by his perfectly cooked venison bbq for lunch. This is a don't miss experience and leaves Central Otago equivalents looking very tame on a river with Grade 3 rapids. Take the day adventure - in every way you will love it!