Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk, Wanaka

Jet boat into glacier country, then walk to a waterfall most visitors never reach

A half-day jet boat and guided walk tour in Wanaka that takes you up the glacier-fed Matukituki River to the base of Mt Aspiring and its hanging glaciers, then on foot through ancient beech rainforest and high country to a remote waterfall. Wanaka River Journeys is the only operator that jet boats this far into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Small groups, local guides, shuttle transfer from Wanaka and all gear are included. Minimum age is 4 years and the tour suits most fitness levels.

The experience

You start with a scenic shuttle around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley, where towering peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls come into view. Then onto the river for a 50-minute jet boat ride up the glacier-fed Matukituki: across crystal-clear shallows and braided streams, with the jet boat's signature spins and quiet pauses in deep alpine pools. Your local guide shares the stories of the land as you travel, and there's no road that reaches this far into the wilderness.

The journey continues on foot: a 60-minute guided walk through ancient beech rainforest and high country station to a stunning waterfall, with photo stops along the way. This is the part most visitors to Wanaka never see. Then a final 50-minute jet boat run back down the river to the shuttle and back to town. The whole expedition takes roughly four hours, and families are welcome: children from age 4 can come along.

Life jackets, heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather), wet weather gear and the shuttle transfer are all included, so you show up ready to go. Groups stay small (no more than ten people per booking), which means your guide can move at a pace that works and stop when something catches your eye. This is not a quick thrill ride. It's a half-day in the high country with someone who knows the river and the mountains.

What’s included

• Shuttle transfer from Wanaka to the Matukituki Valley and back.
• life jackets.
• heated hand rails and footrests in cold weather.
• wet weather gear.
• local guide for the jet boat ride and the rainforest walk.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:45 and 12:45

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wanaka River Journeys

Is this one for you?A half-day commitment means you can fit this into a free afternoon or a morning in Wanaka without losing the rest of your day: the shuttle, the jet boat and the walk are all arranged, so you don't build the logistics yourself. If you have only a few hours and want to reach the high country and the glaciers, this is the only way to get there.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do this tour if I've never been jet boating before?

Yes, the jet boat ride is part of the tour design, and life jackets plus heated hand rails and footrests are provided. The 50-minute ride up and 50-minute ride back are paced so you can take in the scenery and listen to your guide. Families with children from age 4 do this tour regularly.

What is the Matukituki River like when we're on the jet boat?

The Matukituki is glacier-fed, so the water is cold and the river braids into shallows and deeper alpine pools. The jet boat navigates across both, with quiet pauses in the deep pools so you can see the hanging glaciers and the base of Mt Aspiring. Your guide will point out the landscape and the stories tied to it.

How hard is the 60-minute walk to the waterfall?

The walk goes through ancient beech rainforest and high country station to reach the waterfall, with photo stops along the way. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, though you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The pace is set by the group, and your guide knows the terrain well.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The shuttle transfer from Wanaka, life jackets, heated hand rails and footrests, and wet weather gear are all included. Bring layers and sturdy shoes for the walk. The weather in the high country changes quickly. Food and drinks are not included, so pack snacks or a lunch if you want them.

How many people will be on the tour with me?

Groups stay under ten people per booking, which keeps the experience personal and lets your guide move at a pace that works for everyone. You'll have a local guide who knows this part of Mount Aspiring National Park well.