2-Hour Waiatoto River Jetboat Safari: South Westland

Jet boat ride into remote rainforest with expert guide and unique river access

A 2-hour jet boat safari on the Waiatoto River in South Westland takes you into UNESCO World Heritage back country with a live English-speaking guide, life jacket, warm jacket and boots, snacks, coffee or tea, and souvenir postcards. Multiple stops let you listen to native birds, spot fish and ferns, and stretch your legs on an optional forest walk into New Zealand's rainforest. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, from infants (who sit on an adult's lap) to elderly travellers. Check in 30 minutes before departure and bring closed-toed shoes and insect repellent or use the free spray provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jetboat safari on Waiatoto River

• Board jet boat
• Travel up Waiatoto River
• Listen to natural history commentary
• Spot native birds and animals
• Stop for optional forest walk
• Explore New Zealand rain forest
• Return by jet boat

The experience

You arrive at the jetty in South Westland and board a jet boat built to navigate the shallow, winding Waiatoto River. The guide pilots you upstream into remote back country that has no road access. This is how the boat earns its place, cutting through water where a car stops. The two-hour round trip includes several stops where the guide shares the natural history of the region: native birds, the animals that live in the rainforest canopy, the ferns and forest structure of this World Heritage Area. A photographer's dream, the operator says, because the boat gets you close to places most visitors never see.

At the top of the river you have the option to step out and walk into the rainforest on foot. The walk is short enough for all ages and fitness levels: children, elderly travellers and people in wheelchairs can all join the tour itself, though the forest walk is optional. You touch the ferns, listen to the birds, spot fish in the water. The boat waits while you stretch your legs, then returns you downstream. Sandflies are present on the West Coast, so the operator provides free insect spray. Wearing long sleeves and closed-toed shoes helps too.

Inclusions cover what you need to stay warm and safe: life jacket, warm jacket and boots if required, snacks, coffee or tea, and a postcard souvenir. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. The boat does leave on time, so arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

What’s included

• Life jacket, warm jacket and boots if needed.
• snacks, coffee and tea.
• postcard souvenir.
• free insect spray.
• live guide commentary on native birds, forest and wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Waiatoto River Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants a guided jet boat journey into remote rainforest with multiple stops for wildlife and forest commentary, plus the option to walk deeper into the bush at the river's end.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

What is the Waiatoto River like, and how far upstream does the jet boat go?

The Waiatoto River is a remote back country waterway in South Westland's UNESCO World Heritage Area, accessible only by jet boat because there are no roads to reach it. The boat takes you upstream into the rainforest for stops along the way, then to the top of the river where you can walk into the forest on foot before returning downstream.

What should I wear and bring for the two-hour tour?

Wear sensible clothes and closed-toed footwear. Sandflies are present on the West Coast, so bring insect repellent or use the free spray the operator provides. The tour includes a warm jacket and boots if you need them, so you don't have to pack those yourself.

Is the optional forest walk at the top of the river difficult?

The forest walk is optional and short enough for all ages and fitness levels, from elderly travellers to children. You can stretch your legs, touch the ferns, listen to native birds and spot fish in the water while the boat waits for you.

What does the 2-hour tour include?

The Waiatoto River jetboat safari includes a life jacket, warm jacket and boots if required, snacks, coffee or tea, a postcard souvenir, and a live English-speaking guide. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, and a minimum of two people per booking is required.