8 Wanaka Adrenaline Activities Worth Booking

1.Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 302 reviews · from $98Our pick

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 90-minute jet boat ride on the Clutha River. With Pat or another experienced host at the wheel, you will get fast turns, 360 spins, scenic photo stops, and stories about the river, gold mining, and the Upper Clutha Valley. The group is capped at nine people.

“Amazing Ride! We enjoyed the Jet boat ride with Pat, he is so knowledgeable and he absoblutely loves nature! Explaning to us about the Clutha river, activities around the river, history and so much more! And not forgetting the twists and turns Read more”

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2.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215

Set out from Wanaka with Wanaka River Journeys for a four-hour trip into the Matukituki Valley. You’ll ride a jet boat through shallow river braids, enjoy spins and mountain views, then take a 50-minute guided walk through beech forest to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. Guides such as Ben and James add local insight along the way.

“Ben is a very knowledgable and gifted skipper. You are in for a real treat on this trip!!!! We had a blast with beautiful scenery, great jet boat ride and walk in a serene beech forest. Would definitely do this again when in Wanaka!”

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3.Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure – Clutha River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $83Best value

Join LakeLand Wanaka for a 60-minute jet boat ride from Wānaka lakefront into the Clutha River. Guides such as Amber, Matt, Max, and Sarah combine local stories with fast runs, shallow water, rapids, tunnels, close tree passes, and Hamilton Spins. The boat carries no more than 10 people, with several morning and afternoon departures.

“Exciting ride through beautiful scenery. Lovely driver who gave some great info on the way. Thrilling ride.”

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4.Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 143 reviews · 1 hour · from $83

Join Lakeland Wanaka for a one-hour jet boat ride from 100 Ardmore St. Cross Lake Wanaka, then race along the Clutha River at speeds above 80 km/h, skimming sand bars and rapids before the famous Hamilton Spin. Guides including Matt, Sarah, Amber, and Max add local facts and keep the small group feeling safe and lively.

“Thank you so much Matt! Great experience, highly recommend”

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5.Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 42 reviews · 4 hours · from $202

From Wanaka, you’ll ride a jet boat through the Matukituki Valley, pause beneath glaciers and Mount Aspiring, then walk for 50 minutes through mossy forest, streams, and waterfalls. Guides such as Ben add river skills and local stories. Bring sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, sun protection, and room for changing weather.

“Awesome experience! Bit expensive maybe, but after the 3hrs + of Jetboat and forest walk, I don't regret paying at all! Must do if you're staying in Wanaka!”

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6.Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · from $353

Fly from Makarora over alpine valleys, land beside the remote Siberia River, and hike independently through native forest toward the Wilkin River. After 4 to 5 hours, a jet boat carries you back. Pilots Ryan and Hayden are praised for their skilled handling, but you need moderate fitness, good weather, lunch, and footwear suited to river crossings.

“Wauw, the flight in was absolutely beautiful, excellent pilot! Good hike, and really fun jetboat trip”

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7.Go Jets Wanaka Clutha River Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1 hour · from $89

Join Go Jets Wanaka for a 60-minute, small-group jet boat ride on the Clutha River. Expect 44km of fast water, 360-degree spins, photo stops, gold-rush stories, the historic Red Bridge, and Devil’s Nook. The English-speaking driver handles the boat and shares local history along the way.

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8.Heli Siberia – Helicopter Flight, Hike & Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4 reviews · 5 hours · from $415

You’ll fly 15 minutes over the Wilkin and Makarora rivers, land in Mount Aspiring National Park, and follow a self-guided three-hour hike through the Siberia Valley. A 30-minute Wilkin River Jets ride completes the day. Bring warm layers, water, snacks, hiking shoes, and sunscreen. Weather can change the flight time.

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