The only commercial jet boat on the Matukituki, and the only jet boat to the foothills of Tititea Mt Aspiring and its glaciers.
The classic. Full throttle up the Matukituki, then deep into ancient forest.
Get ready for the most exhilarating half-day adventure in Aotearoa. We take you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area known as Te Wāhipounamu, where glacier-fed rivers meet landscapes straight out of The Lord of the Rings.
Carved by glaciers and framed by soaring peaks, the Matukituki is New Zealand's most spectacular jet boating river. Skim across crystal-clear shallows, power through braided channels, and brace for the famous jet spins that may leave you smiling and slightly soaked.
Then the boat stops, and the wilderness begins. Your local guide leads a walk of about an hour through ancient moss-covered forest, along glacier-fed streams, into stunning McGills Creek. Learn the natural and cultural history of this ice-carved valley, and capture photos you'll never delete.
This is a 60 km round trip up a river inside a national park, not a lap of the bay. Halfway up, the boat stops and you walk: about an hour of guided walking through ancient beech forest, with glaciers hanging above you. Groups are small, so you hear your guide rather than a loudhailer. Allow about four hours from the i-SITE and back.
Where we go: up the Matukituki Valley, into Mount Aspiring National Park, under the peaks that hold Rob Roy Glacier.
Good to know: Suitable for most fitness levels. The guided wilderness walk takes about an hour, relaxed but not flat, and you'll climb in and out of the boat over uneven ground. You can stay near the boat if you'd prefer. Ages 4 and up (children with an adult), not suitable for under 4s or pregnant women.
12:45pm, outside the Wanaka i-SITE
9:45am & 12:45pm, outside the Wanaka i-SITE
Allow 4 hours door to door
Suitable for most fitness levels. The guided wilderness walk takes about an hour, relaxed but not flat, and you'll climb in and out of the boat over uneven ground. You can stay near the boat if you'd prefer. Ages 4 and up (children with an adult), not suitable for under 4s or pregnant women.
You're in an open boat at speed, so it can feel cool, and the famous spins may leave you smiling and slightly soaked. Dress in warm layers and bring a jacket. In winter we provide wet-weather gear.
We run year-round, including winter. Helicopter flights and glacier landings are weather dependent. If conditions don't allow, we'll work with you on alternatives.
Adventure activities carry inherent risk, and rarely, serious injury. Our guides are highly trained, we're Qualmark endorsed and Maritime NZ certified, and safety is the start of everything we do. Read our full risk disclosure before you travel.
Cancel or change up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Within 48 hours, or no-shows, are non-refundable. If we have to cancel for weather, river conditions or low numbers, we'll do our best to rebook you, or refund you in full.
About an hour over the Crown Range, a little longer on State Highway 6 through Cromwell in winter. Park free at Pembroke Park by the i-SITE and walk two minutes to the boat. Full detail on our Queenstown to Wanaka page.
More questions? See all FAQs or call +64 3 443 4416.
All trips depart from outside the Wanaka i-SITE, 99 Ardmore Street, Wānaka.
This is the trip on this page, start to finish: the run up the Matukituki, the spins, the hour in the forest, and home for lunch. Sound on for the full effect, or off, the captions have you covered.
What guests say about the jet boat and wilderness walk, the half day that takes 81% of our direct bookings.
“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“Fun exhilarating jet boat ride! Awe-inspiring, breathtaking scenery. Beautiful hike through the forest to a waterfall. Ben was an excellent guide.”
Leann RTripAdvisor✓ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure, and a full refund if we cancel for weather.
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Demo note: calendar availability is simulated. The live version reads real availability from RTBS.
