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All 33 Wanaka Attractions »

Wanaka River Journeys

99 Ardmore St, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand
643 443 4416
Ranked #5 of 18 tours in Wanaka
5.0 of 5 stars 50 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: Wanaka River Journeys is a unique half day wilderness jet boating adventure. See hanging glaciers, Lord of The Rings locations and ice carved...... more » Owner description: Wanaka River Journeys is a unique half day wilderness jet boating adventure. See hanging glaciers, Lord of The Rings locations and ice carved landscapes; enjoy local Maori culture and a 50 minute remote bush walk in the Matukituki Valley, gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park... More than a jet boat ride. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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50 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Gleebgurrl
Sydney, Australia
1 review
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012

This experience was supposed to be the highlight treat of our week in Wanaka. From the reviews here, the gorgeous brochure, and the enthusiastic recommendation of the tour desk at our hotel, we thought we would experience something very special. We did an afternoon trip, and met the morning participants at the end of their trip; they were full of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Wanakariverjourneys, Owner at Wanaka River Journeys, responded to this review
February 7, 2012

We are sorry to learn that you considered your trip with us as poor value for money and that we couldn’t get as close to the glaciers as we normally do throughout the summer. Ours is a land of extremes and mountain conditions can sometimes create changes in river flow. A safety decision was made by our driver on the... More

974Sarah
Sydney, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 22, 2012

something a little diffferent, loads of fun, super friendly staff from pick up to drop off. Great to be shown by people who love their jobs and their country More

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jcnick
Kaiteriteri, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
33 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 12, 2012

Loved this - went with my partner and his parents and we all had such a super day. The service was great, our driver was really well informed about the area, shared some great stories and kept us entertained all day! The boat is amazing and it's such a good idea that they take you for a walk half way... More

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checkersgal
Hove, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 12, 2012

Everything about this trip was special- the location, the boat, the walk, the guide. There is an equivalent trip in Queenstown- Jet boat and scenery etc- but I'd strongly advise to do it here. A highlight of the trip and spectacular scenery. More

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pandf
UK
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 11, 2012

What a way to spend New Year's Day! The trip takes you a long way up the Matukituki River through the most spectacular scenery imaginable. Brent was a great guide, very knowledgeable and passionate about the whole area's Maori heritage - he managed to combine fast, exciting stretches skimming over the water with plenty of 360 degree turns and pauses... More

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Tara_Palmer
Wanaka, New Zealand
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 6, 2012

I chose this as a last minute activity when I arrived in Wanaka, and thought it would be worthwhile to do, and to be able to see a bit more outside of the town itself. I was not disappointed. The area we traveled through was absolutely stunning and I had a great time on the boat. The guide was really... More

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will f
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 4, 2012

It was a last minute decision to go on this trip, after staying in Wanaka for the New Year. We were collected from our lodge and travelled about 15mins to the boats. The 2 guides, Brent and James were excellent. Brent spent plenty of time to explain the Maori life in the area and some of their stories. The ride... More

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Scott F
Melbourne
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2012

Great mix of thrilling jetboating and incredible views of the alpine scenery, mountain glaciers and rivers. The friendly drivers / guides James and Brent are very warm and knowledgeable and made the trip alot of fun - highly recommended! More

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oysterman
essex
Contributor
17 reviews
12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2012

had a great time on this trip approx 3-4 hours from start to finish, at $200 pp it is not cheap, but the jetboat goes places the others can't go. We got picked up from our accomodation. Scenery was great. Nice little wander into ancient forest's. The driver, being a Maori was very informative about the land etc. he did... More

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Jools27Wanaka
Wanaka
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 21, 2011

Words cannot describe what we saw and did today. From the moment we were greeted we knew it was going to be the best trip ever ! Our jet boat driver James was super friendly super skillful and had a beautiful manner with our kids age 8 and 10 - they loved him - James made the trip for them.... More

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