SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Mt Aspiring Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk - Small-Group, Wanaka
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Group size
- Up to 14 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 4 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This half day goes up the Matukituki River into Mount Aspiring National Park by jet boat, then on foot past forest, waterfalls and glacier-fed streams with a guide. The listing gives about 4 hours from the Wanaka i-SITE on Ardmore Street with a return shuttle, life jackets, wet weather gear, food and drinks, and heated hand rails and footrests in cold weather. Groups are up to 14, and the minimum age is 4.
Our things to do in Wanaka guide suggests it for a half day in the national park, with about 280 reviews around 4.9. The listing asks for average fitness and rules out wheelchair users, anyone with back or heart problems and pregnant travellers. If the river is high, ask the operator whether it's running. No traveller video of this trip had captions.
Good for
- Families with children from 4 who want the national park without a long hike
- People with half a day and no car, since the shuttle is included
Think twice if
- You have a bad back; the boat ride is bumpy
- You want a full day; the packrafting trip is the longer option
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
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.
From the listing by Wanaka River Journeys on Viator.
What's included
- Shuttle transfer
- Life jackets
- Heated hand rails and footrests (in cold weather)
- Wet weather gear
Not included
- Food and drinks
Meeting point
99 Ardmore Street, outside of the i-SITE
Please make sure you have parked your car in a long term car-park
Meet 5 minutes prior to departure
Checking in
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. (A moderate amount of walking is involved)
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. This tour is also subject to minimum number requirements
Where it ends
99 Ardmore Street, outside of the i-SITE
Please make sure you have parked your car in a long term car-park
Meet 5 minutes prior to departure
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- 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
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our things to do in wanaka page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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