Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

Wanaka, a picturesque town in New Zealand’s South Island, offers an exhilarating adventure that seamlessly blends adrenaline-pumping thrills and serene natural exploration. The Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk experience promises a captivating 4-hour journey, taking adventurers through the stunning Matukituki Valley and showcasing the region’s cinematic landscapes, including filming locations from the beloved "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. After the heart-pounding jet boat ride, participants are guided through a tranquil 50-minute nature walk, where they’ll explore the area’s unique glacial and forested marvels. With inclusions and safety precautions in place, this excursion presents an opportunity to take in Wanaka‘s natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Wanaka.

Key Points

• 4-hour excursion combining a high-speed jet boat ride and a nature walk through moss-covered forests and glacial landscapes in Wanaka, New Zealand.
• Opportunity to explore film locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies during the jet boat tour.
• Knowledgeable live guides provide insights about the ice-carved landscapes and the region’s natural wonders.
• Complimentary shuttle transfers, safety gear, and heated amenities included in the $191.84 per person starting price.
• Suitable for ages 4 and above, with restrictions for pregnant women and individuals with specific medical conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk activity offers a thrilling 4-hour excursion that combines the exhilaration of a jet boat ride through the Matukituki Valley with a peaceful nature walk beneath the region’s glaciers and waterfalls.

Priced from $191.84 per person, the tour includes complimentary shuttle transfers, safety gear, and a knowledgeable live guide who’ll share insights about the stunning landscapes.

Guests can explore film locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, witness the power of the river’s shallow braids and deep pools, and marvel at the towering Mount Aspiring and hanging glaciers.

This activity isn’t recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions.

Jet Boat Experience

This jet boat tour through the Matukituki Valley is the longest and most spectacular in New Zealand, offering an exhilarating journey over the river’s shallow braids and deep pools at high speeds.

You’ll experience the thrill of sharp turns and spins as your skilled driver navigates the twists and turns of the watercourse.

Along the way, you’ll be awed by the hanging glaciers and towering Mount Aspiring that dominate the landscape.

This is also a chance to spot filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.

The combination of raw power and scenic beauty makes this jet boat ride an unforgettable adventure.

Wilderness Walk

After the thrilling jet boat ride, guests embark on a 50-minute nature walk through the moss-covered forests, cascading waterfalls, and glacial streams of the Matukituki Valley.

The walk offers a chance to learn about the unique ice-carved landscape from knowledgeable guides. Depending on conditions, the trail may lead beneath the Avalanche Glacier or along McGills Creek, providing opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the towering glaciers and shimmering waters.

Throughout the leisurely stroll, guests will enjoy the serene wilderness, taking in the sights and sounds of this untamed natural wonder.

The guided walk complements the adrenaline-fueled jet boat experience, creating a well-rounded adventure in the heart of Wanaka.

Inclusions and Safety

Complimentary shuttle transfers whisk guests to and from Wanaka to the jet boat base, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventure.

Upon arrival, participants receive life jackets and wet weather gear to keep them comfortable throughout the journey. Heated handrails and footrests are available when needed, adding an extra layer of convenience and comfort.

Before setting off on the jet boat, guests receive a thorough safety briefing, ensuring they’re well-prepared.

However, this activity isn’t suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or those with back problems, mobility impairments, or pre-existing medical conditions, as safety is the top priority.

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Recommendations

Adventurers are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, rain jackets, sunglasses, sunblock, cameras, and day packs for their gear. This gear will ensure they’re prepared for the varying weather conditions and terrain during the Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk experience.

Some additional recommendations include:

• Packing snacks and water to stay energized and hydrated throughout the 4-hour tour.

• Wearing layers to adjust to any temperature changes.

• Bringing cash or a card for purchasing photos or souvenirs at the end of the experience.

• Ensuring all valuables are properly stored and secured during the high-speed jet boat ride.

Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk experience, with a 4.8/5 rating based on 20 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the expertise of the guide (4.6/5), the seamless transportation (4.8/5), and the overall high level of service (5/5) and organization (5/5) throughout the tour.

One customer described the experience as ‘a must-do in Wanaka’ and praised the ‘stunning scenery‘ and ‘knowledgeable guide.’

Another reviewer noted that the jet boat ride was ‘thrilling and memorable’ and the wilderness walk provided ‘a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.’

Customers consistently commended the tour’s attention to safety and the professionalism of the staff.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk is located at 99 Ardmore Street, outside the Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. This centralized location makes it easy for participants to find and access the tour.

The i-SITE Visitor Information Centre provides helpful resources and can assist with any questions or directions. Here’s what you can expect at the meeting point:

1. Clear signage to identify the exact pickup location.

2. A friendly staff member to greet you and check you in.

3. Complimentary shuttle transportation to the jet boat base.

4. A final opportunity to ensure you have all the necessary gear and equipment before departing.

The meeting point is designed to provide a smooth and convenient start to your Wanaka adventure.

Duration and Price

The activity runs for 4 hours and is priced from $191.84 per person. This price provides excellent value considering the length and breadth of the experience. Participants can enjoy the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand, as well as a 50-minute nature walk through a picturesque glacial landscape.

Duration	Price	Free Cancellation
4 hours	From $191.84 per person	Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

The activity also includes complimentary shuttle transfers and all necessary safety gear, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure. With a high customer rating and positive reviews, this Wanaka experience is an exceptional way to take in the region’s natural wonders.

Recap

Wanaka’s Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk offers an exhilarating combination of high-speed thrills and serene natural beauty.

Explore the stunning Matukituki Valley, taking in breathtaking scenery and Lord of the Rings film locations.

After the jet boat ride, learn about a guided nature walk, learning about the region’s glacial landscapes and lush forests.

With a duration of 4 hours and a price of $191.84 per person, this adventure is a must-do for visitors to Wanaka.

You can check if your dates are available here: