Wanaka River Journeys

Rates: Jetboat and wilderness walk  NZ$175.00   child nz$85.00 jetboat and helicopter nz$455.00   child rate nz$253.00

Experience the braided and ever-changing Matukituki River. Fed by glaciers and surrounded by the peaks of Mount Aspiring national Park, the Matukituki river is one of New Zealand’s most powerful and pristine jet boating rivers.

Wanaka River Journeys travel this fast flowing river through Lord of the Rings locations, watched over by Avalanche Glacier and Tititea (Mount Aspiring). Along the way, your guide will share with you stories of the past, of how these ancient lands were carved by ice and of the first people to come here.

At the top of the River disembark the jet boat for a 40 min wilderness walk through native forest alongside a mountain stream to a waterfall.

Alternatively, in winter, enjoy a steaming and freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate beneath the towering mountains of the Matukituki Valley before returning downriver and back to Wanaka. A special part of the River Journey experience is your guide and his great knowledge of the area and of its history. Our group numbers of up to ten, are small, to ensure you enjoy your guide's company on an interesting, thrilling and truly unique Journey.

Allow three and a half hours for the Matukituki River Journey Experience. Departures in Summer at 10.30am and 1.00 pm, Winter at 11.00am from Wanaka

Helicopter Flight Option: Disembark the jet boat at the top of the Matukitukiti River to be met by Aspiring Helicopters for a flight into the second largest glacial area in New Zealand.

This area of ice and snow includes the dramatic Avalanche and Rob Roy Glaciers. You will also see hanging valleys where glaciers once lay and waterfalls that explode from the glaciers into the rivers and streams that feed the Matukituki River.

Experience a high altitude snow landing and disembark the helicopter for photos before flying back down to the jet boat to continue the river journey downstream. The flight option duration is 25 minutes.

The Aspiring Glacier Journey is a great opportunity to capture a closer look at the huge glacial area around Mount Aspiring with the unique combination of jet boat and helicopter flight.