Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk - Small-Group, Wanaka
Overview
We're the only jet boat company that takes you to the very base of Mount Aspiring and its surrounding glaciers, deep into the Matukituki wilderness where roads can't go. It's a true half-day expedition - jet boating plus a guided walk through rainforest and high country to a stunning waterfall, not a quick thrill ride. Small groups, with local guides who know and love this country.
What's Included
- Shuttle transfer
- Life jackets
- Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather)
- Wet weather gear
- Food and drinks
Meeting Location
103 Ardmore Street
Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
This isn't just a jet boat ride - it's a half-day wilderness expedition into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Wanaka River Journeys is the only operator that jet boats to the very base of Mt Aspiring and its hanging glaciers, deep up the glacier-fed Matukituki River where no road reaches.
Your adventure begins with a scenic shuttle around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley, surrounded by towering peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls. Then onto the river: a 50-minute jet boat ride up the glacier-fed Matukituki, across crystal-clear shallows and braided streams, with the famous spins and quiet pauses in deep alpine pools while your local guide shares the stories of the land.
The journey continues on foot - a 60-minute guided walk through ancient beech rainforest and high country station to a stunning waterfall, with photo stops and scenery most visitors never reach. Then a final 50-minute jet boat run back down the river to the shuttle and back to Wanaka.
Small groups, expert local guides, round-trip Wanaka transfers and all gear included. Roughly four hours; suitable for most fitness levels; families welcome (minimum age 4).
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 4 years
- Maximum is 10 people per booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk – Small-Group, Wanaka?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-47316P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 270 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Shuttle transfer.
- Life jackets.
- Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather).
- Wet weather gear.
- Food and drinks.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk - Small-Group, Wanaka is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk – Small-Group, Wanaka will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Shuttle transfer
- Life jackets
- Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather)
- Wet weather gear
- Food and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 4 years
- Maximum is 10 people per booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
