Fly-Hike-Jetboat Wanaka: Siberia Experience wilderness adventure

Fly into wilderness, walk out through native forest, ride the jet boat home

The Siberia Experience is a four to five hour wilderness adventure in Mount Aspiring National Park that combines a scenic flight from Makarora, a backcountry hike along the Siberia and Wilkin rivers, and a jet boat ride back to the start. You land on a remote riverbed, climb to a pass overlooking the Wilkin valley, and descend to meet the jet boat for an exhilarating return. The tour operates with a live English-speaking guide and includes free parking at Wonderland Makarora Lodge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fly, hike, and jet boat adventure

• Scenic flight from Makarora
• Hike along Siberia river trail
• Climb to pass overlooking Wilkin valley
• Lunch at Wilkin river valley
• Descend to Wilkin River
• Walk to jet boat meeting point
• Jet boat ride back to Makarora

The Experience

The day starts with a 25-minute scenic flight from Makarora that carries you over alpine river valleys and lands you beside the remote Siberia river. From there the hike begins, following the river before climbing to a low pass where the Wilkin river valley opens below you—a natural stopping point for lunch. The forest on the walk holds small side streams, glimpses of waterfalls, and snowy peaks visible high above; fantails are common and you may spot Kaka or wood pigeons moving through the native bush.

The descent from the pass takes you down to the Wilkin River, where an easy trail leads to the jet boat meeting point. The ride back to Makarora is the exhilarating finish: an open jet boat running through crystal clear rivers, the landscape rushing past as you return to the lodge. The whole outing runs four to five hours and is built around the weather window—you'll call 1.5 hours before your scheduled start to confirm conditions are safe for flying.

Free parking is included at Wonderland Makarora Lodge, where the flight departs. The tour has been operating since 1975 and remains the only way to combine all three elements—flight, backcountry hike, and jet boat—in a single morning or afternoon in this part of the national park.

What’s included

• Scenic flight from Makarora (around 25 minutes each way).
• guided hike through native forest along the Siberia and Wilkin rivers.
• jet boat ride back to Makarora.
• free parking at Wonderland Makarora Lodge.
• live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Southern Alps Air

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move through the landscape three different ways in one morning or afternoon—the flight gets you to wilderness most hikers never reach, and the jet boat ride is the part that stays with you. The moderate fitness level and four to five hour commitment suit people who want genuine backcountry without a full day's commitment or overnight gear.

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Top questions

What's the hike actually like on the Siberia Experience?

The hike follows the Siberia river before climbing to a low pass overlooking the Wilkin river valley, then descends to an easy trail along the Wilkin. The forest holds mossy logs, small side streams, waterfalls and views of snowy peaks; you'll see native birds and the whole walk is built around moderate fitness, not technical climbing.

Do I need to bring food and water for the four to five hours?

Food and drink are not included, so bring a lunch or sandwich to eat at the pass—it's the natural stopping point on the hike and a good spot to rest before the descent.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

You'll call the lodge 1.5 hours before your scheduled departure to check flying conditions. If the weather is unsafe for the scenic flight, the tour won't operate that day; the operator will work with you on rescheduling.

How remote is the landing spot on the Siberia river?

The Siberia river landing is accessible only by air—there's no road or walking access to it, which is why the scenic flight is the only way to reach the start of the hike.

Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during the flight.