Wilkin River Jets runs classic jet‑boat journeys through braided, glacier‑fed rivers near Makarora on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park. It’s a fast, exhilarating way to see raw South Island wilderness without a long hike—spray in the air, beech forest on the banks, peaks in the distance.
Why travellers like it
- Skilled drivers and spectacular river scenery
- Access to wilderness that would take hours on foot
- A sense of adventure that suits families and groups
Planning tips
Dress for spray and alpine weather—layers, windproof outer, sunglasses strap. Book in advance in high season and build a flexible day around the experience (Wanaka, Blue Pools, lake lookouts).
Getting there with Ryd
Allow roughly 1.5–2 hours by road depending on conditions and stops. With a Ryd, you can weave in Wanaka coffee on the way up and a golden‑hour stop on the return.
