We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Open today: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Review Highlights
Great day out

This was a really wonderful day out. They were very helpful with communication prior to our trip... read more

Reviewed 5 April 2024
touringstrongs
,
Brisbane, Australia
via mobile
Loved It!

Beautiful excursion on jet boat into pristine river valley on western side if South Island. Guide... read more

Reviewed 8 March 2024
Lisa S
,
McKinney, Texas
via mobile
Read all 252 reviews
  
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Reviews (252)
Filter reviews
252 results
Traveller rating
237
12
2
0
1
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveller rating
237
12
2
0
1
See what travellers are saying:
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
23 - 28 of 252 reviews
Reviewed 1 January 2022

Fantastic! Despite the light rain we had a fun trip up the river. Very informative host, delicious scones and white bait tasters. Only downside was the smoke fumes from the engines coming in towards those sitting in the back seats. Choose a seat up front.

Date of experience: December 2021
Thank Ngaire W
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.
Ruth-Wayne, Owner at Waiatoto River Safari, responded to this reviewResponded 21 January 2022

Thanks for your review, the boat tour can be amazing in the rain which is all part of living in a rain forest.

The 'fumes' you describe is steam as the engine is water-cooled for efficiency, the steam comes from a condenser that is expelling the water after it has been through the water jacket. It can be little more noticeable in the cooler weather as the steam takes longer to evaporate.

All the best, Ruth and Wayne.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 28 December 2021 via mobile

This was a fantastic and relaxed tour.

The boat was new, we went at a brisk but enjoyable pace, and having a coffee qnd scone with a taster of whitebait fritter was a lovely way to spend half an hour.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this tour, but it exceeded expectations

Thank Dan F
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.
Ruth-Wayne, Owner at Waiatoto River Safari, responded to this reviewResponded 19 January 2022

I am happy to hear it exceeded expectations. That is one of our top goals. The boat travels at 40km up stream and 50km downstream. It is nice to break up the 2 or so hour tour with a break on the river side and have a look at the forest and enjoy a scone. Kind regards, Ruth

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 20 December 2021

Highly recommend this activity. Our guide Ruth was excellent. Plenty of info on the flora, fauna and history of the area. Bonus fresh scones and a cup of tea. Excellent value for money.

Date of experience: December 2021
Thank 511nealew
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.
Ruth-Wayne, Owner at Waiatoto River Safari, responded to this reviewResponded 21 December 2021

Thanks so much and it was my pleasure to take you out and treat you with home baking. We are really proud of producing a quality tour that offers great value for money. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. All the best, Ruth.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 13 December 2021 via mobile

This was a great trip. The weather was good for boating and the river was clear. We enjoyed hearing about the kiwi reserve. Our driver was pleasant and capable and she took us back down to the river mouth as well showing us the whitebait spawning spots. Morning tea was a bonus.

Thank Meander787318
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.
Ruth-Wayne, Owner at Waiatoto River Safari, responded to this reviewResponded 21 December 2021

Thank you Meander for taking the time out to write a review. We really appreciate you coming out with us and supporting a family business on the remote West Coast. Kind regards, Ruth.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 7 November 2021

Such incredible untouched beauty! Ruth was a skilled and generous guide, taking us to this incredible confluence of wild mountains, glacial rivers, geological features and beautiful bush. We got to see Kea and Karearea and whitebait and even got great scones. Highly recommend.

Date of experience: November 2021
Thank kamoandback
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.
Ruth-Wayne, Owner at Waiatoto River Safari, responded to this reviewResponded 10 December 2021

Thanks to you too, Kamoandback. I really enjoyed our diverse conversation that day, on what was a very beautiful back drop. It was a pleasure to meet you both and I really appreciated taking you out to experience the pristine nature that I am fortunate enough to call home. All the very best, Ruth and family.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
View more reviews