What an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand! The jet boat ride... read more
What an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand! The jet boat ride... read more
Recommended by Auckland friends. Three of us - one from Tapanui and 2 from Nelson -did this trip... read more
Wrap up warm (even in summer) and zoom into one of the most ancient forests of Aotearoa/NZ. Most of the trip down the Wairaurahiri River was zipping and skimming in Johan's powerful jet boat. However, there are two opportunities to get off the boat and walk through primordial, thick Waitutu Forest of tall trees, lush mosses and huge ferns. Just to stand in that dim peacefulness and soak in the quiet of an older world is worth the trip alone.
Back in the boat for some thrilling Grade 3 rapids before the river bursts out of the bush at the very bottom of the South Island. The wind-tossed waves of the Foveaux Strait loom dead ahead. We don't take on the waves. Instead, Johan cruises gently to a quiet beach at the river mouth. We disembark and amble an easy walk to Waitutu Lodge. There were more treats in store. Cheese, crackers, wine and a delicious BBQ of venison, sausages and yummy salads.
There's time for one more amble through the bush and a trot over a swing bridge before we're back in the jet boat for the ride back up the river. The day had warmed up and the sun glinted on the glorious crimson rata flowers that glowed in the green bush. It was still cold, though, and we were grateful for the warm hand rails so thoughtfully provided in the boat.
Johan is a careful and considerate skipper. The Wairaurahiri River is in remote Fiordland and Johan checks in with his operations base at various points while on the river. Should any mishap occur and he failed to check in at the appointed time, then help will soon be on its way and to the right point of the river. However, mishap or misjudgment is unlikely. Johan provides a thrilling ride but not at the expense of safety.
Hi,
Thanks for your very descriptive review. I'm glad that you had a wonderful day out It is an amazingly beautiful untouched part of the world:-)
Kindest Regards
Johan and Joyce
Wairaurahiri Jet
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.
HI,
Thank you for your very informative review.
Johan loves his job(if you can call it that:)
Safe Travels and thanks again for your review
Kindest Regards
Joyce and Johan
Wairaurahiri Jet
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.
Hi,
Thank you for your review. We think it should be in the top ten to do too:-)
Safe Travels
Kindest Regards
Joyce and Johan
Wairaurahiri Jet
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!
Hi,
Thank you for spending he day with us and for taking the time to write a review.
Thanks again
Warm Regards
Johan and Joyce
Wairaurahiri Jet
We thoroughly enjoyed the jet boat ride and bush walks with Johan. The BBQ lunch was delicious and exceeded expectations. Thanks for a great day.
Hi,
Thanks for writing a review we are pleased that you had a great time and the lunch didn't disapoint:-)
Safe Travel
Johan and Joyce
Wairaurahiri Jet
I walked the Hump Ridge Track with a group of friends and then took the Wairaurahiri Jet to Lake Hauroko. An unbeatable 35 minutes of scenic excitement on this remote river then across the lake to the road head and transport back to Tuatapere. Thanks
to driver Johan for a thrilling ride, helpful commentary and good skills making for this safe enjoyable trip.
Thanks for your kind words:-)