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.

The River Journey Experience
Your journey begins from outside Racers Edge at 99 Ardmore, opposite the Wanaka Lake front, or at your Wanaka accommodation. Here you will be met by shuttle to embark on the first leg of your trip, a 20 minute drive around the shores of Lake Wanaka to the Matukituki River.

The jet boat base area is beneath the West Wanaka Bridge at the entrance to a spectacular gorge. Here you will meet your guide and board the jet boat for a safety briefing before beginning your River Journey upstream toward Mount Aspiring National Park, part of Te Wahipounamu, Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Shallow water jet boating at its best, your highly skilled driver will enable you to experience the exhilaration of speed in just centimeters of water and spinning turns in deep pools. During several photo stops you will learn of the early pioneers and hear stories of the natural forces that created this amazing landscape.

At the top of the River disembark the jet boat for a 50 min wilderness walk through native forest alongside a mountain stream to a waterfall.

Allow three and a half hours for the Matukituki River Journey Experience

The Aspirng GlacierJourney Helicopter Flight Option
The Aspiring Glacier Journey is a new option for passengers while at the top of the Matukituki River, instead of the wilderness walk. Disembark the jet boat 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.

Wanaka River Journeys Enquiry Form

Address:

Departs from 99 Ardmore Street

Wanaka

Phone:

Freephone: 0800 544 555

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Wanaka River Journeys Enquiry Form