This was a really wonderful day out. They were very helpful with communication prior to our trip... read more
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Waiatoto River Safari
1975 Haast-Jackson Bay Rd | Hannahs Clearing, Haast 7844, New Zealand
Open today: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Review Highlights
“Loved It!”
Beautiful excursion on jet boat into pristine river valley on western side if South Island. Guide... read more
lizrichardson81
Exeter, United Kingdom
3349
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BiancaNoginson
2
Review of: Waiatoto River Safari
This was the perfect jet boat tour; it had stunning views, a knowledgeable and lovely guide, the right amount of whoops and adrenaline-inducing turns and spins, a cup of tea and delicious scone along the way, and the knowledge that some of the ticket price goes towards a wonderful local Kiwi bird conservation program.
One of the best things we did on our whole NZ holiday.
Date of experience: January 2023
Thank BiancaNoginson
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 1 February 2023
Wow! High praise indeed. Thrilled you enjoyed our tour so much. The spin is not what the tour is about which is why we only offer it if people are voicing lots of 'whoops'! If I do offer one, it is right at the end, so people have a chance to disembark to the shore (along with my tea cups,) so they can watch if they do not want to participate!....Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Best regards, Ruth.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LakesideChick
Adelaide, South Australia
7551
via mobile 
Review of: Waiatoto River Safari
First up, I’m not a boat person, I don’t like speed much and my type of boat cruise is something very sedate on a lake.
So, today I was brave and we went on a jet boat tour!
I would definitely recommend this tour. The guide / driver was super experienced and sensible and I felt very safe. There were no spins / 360s etc. Most of the river was pretty calm, though there were a few rapids at one point and some boulders that I saw at fairly close range.
The scenery was magical from start to finish. Such a beautiful and isolated part of the world!
We went for a walk in the rainforest halfway through and had a cuppa and a homemade scone 🙂 which was lovely!
It was a great few hours and I’d recommend it!
For lunch we went to the nearby Craypot which was delicious!
Thank LakesideChick
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 1 February 2023
Lovely to hear that you were brave enough to try us out. You describe the tour well. We say the jet boat is just the mode of transport, it is a comfortable and easy way to access the back country and what an amazing area it is! All the best, Ruth & Wayne.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Meander787318
211
via mobile
Review of: Waiatoto River Safari
This was a really informative trip up river. We stopped at a kiwi reserve & heard of the locals efforts to ensure this area is protected then went on to see the clear marking of the alpine fault. Our driver was knowledgeable and experienced.
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 1 February 2023
Great to hear from you and very happy you enjoyed our magical area. The Alpine fault is a very interesting and rare site and it was a pleasure to take you out. Kind regards, Ruth & Wayne.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
annieapple99
Romsey, United Kingdom
1611
via mobile
Review of: Waiatoto River Safari
Brilliant trip up the river with lots of stops for informative talks on a wide range of regional topics. Beautiful scenery, and a boat that you don’t get wet in when it rains!! Great trip.
1 Thank annieapple99
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 1 February 2023
Thanks Annie! Yes that roof is handy but with open sides, it is perfect to see the rainforest in its pristine natural state....in the rain. All the best, Ruth.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
thetapdancer
Melbourne, Australia
419
via mobile
Review of: Waiatoto River Safari
Didn’t really know what to expect but it was very interesting. Local knowledge makes all the difference. Beautiful surroundings.
Thank thetapdancer
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 8 November 2022
Thank you for taking the time out to write a review. It is appreciated. We enjoy taking people deep into the back country to experience the amazing scenery. All the best for the rest of your holiday. Ruth.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC