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
549diannep
3
Awesome worth every bit
Review of Waiatoto River Safari
Date of experience: March 2023
Thank 549diannep
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lizrichardson81
Exeter, United Kingdom
3349
via mobile 
Review of: Waiatoto River Safari
We loved this jet boat trip. Knowledgeable , confident guides who gave us bite sized information about the untouched New Zealand jungle we travelled in. A welcome cuppa and refreshments halfway and an exhilarating return trip. We ended up in a magical lagoon with quietness all around and I took some wonderful photographs. Our best trip by far this visit.
Thank lizrichardson81
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 16 March 2023
Wow! Thank you so much for your stellar review. We appreciate you taking time our to let people know that we have an amazing tiny slice of the world here at Haast, South Westland. All the best, Ruth.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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