South Island

Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet

River Jet boating at it’s best with the BEST

The Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet Boat Adventures

Aboard the Jet you will speed over Lake Hauroko and then dive into the intake of the Wairaurahiri River – one of New Zealands most remote and untouched rivers. Unique and secluded, the river flows through Virgin Beech forest that is over 1 million years old. A spectacular jet boat experience that is an ultimate combination of thrilling jetboating and natural surrounding.

Along the way you will speed past bush clad banks and through rock strewn rapids. This is a journey deep into the Southern Wilderness of Fiordland. You also have the option of a short walk over the Wairaurahiri Swingbridge into the ancient temperate rainforest.

When the South Coast is found at the end of the Wairaurahiri River, consider the option of trekking inland to view the mighty Percy Burn Viaduct or just sit back and take in the abundance of wildlife that is found on New Zealands South Coast.

The Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet Full Day
Wairaurahiri River Wilderness Experience

Departs: Lake Hauroko 10 am returns approx 4 pm
Price: $240 per person Based on Minimum 4 Pax
Duration: Approx 5 to 6 Hours

Longest, Most Daring and Exhiliarating Jet Boat Trip In New Zealand. Jet Boat across Fiordland’s Lake Hauroko and down the Wairaurahiri River – 27 Kms of Grade 3 Rock Strewn Whitewater Rapids to the Wild South Coast and Return.

Your Day’s Activities Include:

• Short walk to explore the Wild South coast Line (Lovely beach walk lwith views of Stewart Island and the Solander Islands)
• Short Walk to Waitutu Virgin Podocarp Forest (Oldest Podocarp Forest in NZ)
• Experience wonders of the Wild South Coast
• Be Still and Hear the Call of the Wild (Native Bird Song)
• Bush Style Venison BBQ Lunch; $30pp.

On the return trip you will experience the full force of Grade 3 rapids. View the Native Orchid and Virgin Beech forest dripping with ancient mosses.

The Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet Half Day –
Wairaurahiri River Wilderness Experience

Duration: Approx 2 to 3 hours
Price: $180 per person Based on Minimum 4 Pax

Jet Boat across Lake Hauroko and down the first and most exciting half of the Wairaurahiri River taking in ‘Sparkplug’ rapid and ‘The Vulcans’ to the ‘Black Swirl Hole’ and return. Great for those short on time, yet wish to experience this wild wonderland.

The Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet Boat & Walk Option

Price: $230 Per person Based on Minimum 4 Pax

This is our Walk and Jet Boat Option. This Option can also be worked in with walking the Humpridge track just give us a call we’ll sort it for you.

Day One

Start from Bluecliffs Beach, Te Waewae Bay and Hike along the South Coast Track to Port Craig Village 17 kms – Track 6 to 7 Hrs or Low Tide Beach 5 to 6 Hours
Accomodation at Historic Schoolhouse.

Day Two

Follow the track along an historical logging tramway almost to the Wairaurahiri River. Cross the Sandhill Viaduck and the Huge Percy Burn Viaduct. Then onto the Edwin and Francis Burn Viaducts. Amazing 13 Kms – 4 to 5 Hrs.

Meet up with the Jet Boat for a 2 Hrs of solid thrills of Grade 3 rapids. You will travel the full length of the Wairaurahiri River and across Lake Hauroko where transport will return you to Blue Cliffs. This is Southland at it’s best!

More information email

The Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet – Overnight Trip Waitutu Lodge

Price: $300 per person Return Based on Minimum 4 Pax
Ideal for family, corporate, social groups and hunting /fishing trips.

Jet Boat across Lake Hauroko and Down the Wairaurahiri River – 83 Kms of Grade 3 Rock Strewn Whitewater Rapids to the Wild South Coast. Overnight stay at Waitutu Lodge – the southern most accommodation in New Zealand. On the return trip you will experience the full force of Grade 3 rapids.

Waitutu Lodge Price $35pp per night.

Things to do:

• Trout Fishing – Good Stocks for Taking
• Hunting – Abundant Deer & Pig
• Explore the South Coastline (Lovely views of Stewart Island and the Solander Islands)
• Hike through Virgin Beech & Podocarp Forest
• Stay longer and return as arranged
• Trek to Percy Burn Viaduct
• Relax and listen to the sounds of the Wild