Wanaka: Mt Aspiring fly-hike & jetboat tour with local guide

Summary

Flying over rivers, hiking mossy trails, jetboating back to Makarora

You’ll fly over alpine valleys from Wanaka into Mt Aspiring National Park, hike through mossy forests along the Siberia River with a local guide, then jetboat down the Wilkin River back to Makarora. Expect real wilderness moments — cold air, bird calls, muddy boots — and that feeling of being far away from everything you know.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our pilot, grinned as he handed me the headset — “You’ll want this for the noise, but also if you spot any kea.” I’d never been in a tiny plane before. The engine’s hum filled my chest as we lifted off from Makarora, and suddenly the world below was all tangled rivers and sharp green ridges. I pressed my forehead to the window, trying to catch every twist of the Siberia Valley. When we landed by the riverbank (the grass was still wet), it felt like we’d dropped into someone else’s dream.

The air smelled sharp — cold water and damp earth. Our guide, Anna, pointed out a fantail darting between ferns while I tried not to slip on a mossy log (failed once). She told us about how locals call this part of Mt Aspiring National Park “the lungs” because of all the ancient beech trees breathing out mist in the mornings. We followed the Siberia River upstream; sometimes it was just us and the sound of boots squelching in mud or a distant waterfall echoing through the bush. Lunch was a sandwich on a rock overlooking Wilkin Valley — honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small in such a wide place.

I kept thinking about how quiet it was until suddenly it wasn’t — that jetboat is loud and fast in a way that makes you laugh without meaning to. Our driver waved at some hikers on shore (they waved back like they knew him), then spun us around so quick my hat nearly flew off. The ride back to Makarora felt like being zipped up from wilderness straight into civilization again. Still not sure which part stuck with me more: flying over those blue rivers or just sitting under dripping trees eating lunch with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers for long.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fly, Hike, and Jet Boat Adventure

• Scenic flight from Makarora
• Hike along Siberia and Wilkin rivers with lunch stop
• Jet boat ride back to Makarora
• View Southern Alps landscapes from the sky

Top questions

How long does the Wanaka Mt Aspiring fly-hike & jetboat tour take?

The whole trip takes about 4–5 hours from start to finish.

Where does the scenic flight depart for this day trip?

The flight departs from Makarora, near Wanaka.

Is there free parking available at the meeting point?

Yes, free parking is available at Wonderland Makarora Lodge in Makarora West.

What kind of wildlife might I see during the hike?

You may see fantails, kaka parrots, or native wood pigeons along the trail.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; bring your own sandwich or snack for lunch during the hike.

Are infants allowed on this experience?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during flights and boat rides.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to hiking involved.

Can service animals join this tour?

Service animals are allowed with permission from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic flight over alpine valleys from Makarora into Mt Aspiring National Park, a guided nature hike along remote rivers and native bush trails, an exhilarating jetboat ride down the Wilkin River back to town, plus free parking at Wonderland Makarora Lodge before you set out.