Wilkin River Jet Boat Adventure

Journey into Mount Aspiring’s Heart

Experience the thrill of jet boating through the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, where glacial waters carve through dramatic alpine valleys. The Wilkin River, with its stunning turquoise waters, offers an exhilarating adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping action with breathtaking World Heritage scenery.

Your journey begins in Makarora, where expert pilots navigate powerful jet boats through the braided rivers of this pristine wilderness. Shooting through narrow gorges and skimming across shallow rapids, you’ll experience the unique capability of these New Zealand-invented vessels to navigate just inches of water while performing exciting 360-degree spins.

As you surge upstream into the Wilkin Valley, towering peaks rise dramatically on either side, their slopes draped in native beech forest. Your pilot will pause at strategic viewpoints, sharing stories of the land’s history and pointing out hidden waterfalls and glacier-carved features. Keep your camera ready for sightings of native wildlife and crystal-clear pools where the river seems to glow an otherworldly blue.

This journey offers a perfect blend of thrills and scenic tranquility, making it accessible for all ages while delivering an authentic taste of New Zealand’s remote backcountry. The experience is particularly spectacular in spring when snowmelt feeds the rivers and mountain peaks remain snow-capped, or in summer when alpine wildflowers dot the riverbanks.

Location Details

Makarora 9382, New Zealand