Family-owned and running the Matukituki since 2005.
Wanaka River Journeys is a 100% New Zealand-owned, family-run business that has been taking people up the Matukituki River since 2005. Our home is Mount Aspiring National Park — Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Area — and we hold the only concession to jet boat guests to the base of Tititea Mt Aspiring and its glaciers.
Our guides aren't seasonal imports reading from a script. They're locals who trap stoats in the valley on their days off, know where the kea hang out, and genuinely cannot wait to show you McGills Creek.
We could go on about glacier-carved scenery and Lord of the Rings backdrops — but honestly, one trip up the river makes the point better than we can. Come see for yourself.
Hot off the river — what guests said in the last few weeks.
“Wow! Just wow! An 11 on a scale of 10! A perfect adventure thanks to perfect Wanaka weather, professional organisation, and our friendly and considerate guides.”
TripAdvisor Review, 2025Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk“Best in New Zealand. Thrilling, spectacular scenery, off the beaten path! River Journeys takes you places you can only get to with these jet boats.”
MinnesotaLaurieTripAdvisor“We had a tremendous time! I was nervous about the rapids as I'd never rafted before, but the instruction from Mia and Kaylee was outstanding.”
KimPackraft Wānaka✓ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure, and a full refund if we cancel for weather.
You'll confirm live availability and pay on our secure booking system (RTBS).
Demo note: calendar availability is simulated. The live version reads real availability from RTBS.