Wilkin River Jet Boat & Backcountry Helicopter Flights

Experience Makarora’s Siberia Valley Wilderness Adventure

Wilkin River Jet Boat & Backcountry Helicopters

Let us take you on a personal wilderness journey deep into the ‘timeless land’ of the Makarora and Wilkin Valleys, a special place with rugged ice carved mountains, and ancient river valleys. From fast paced shallow water jet boating and thrilling scenic helicopter rides to classic backcountry walks, or combining all three for a great value Fly-Walk-Jetboat Combo, the internationally reknown – “Siberia and other Wilderness Adventure” a ‘must do’ for any visitor. Embrace the region’s rich history and stunning natural beauty with knowledgable locals. We have been established since 1968 are the only commercial operator permitted to operate on the Wilkin River.

Two couples with Helicopter by a lake in the Mt. Aspiring National Park

Wilkin River Jets – River Safari

Duration: 60 mins –
Price: Adult $130 – Child $75 (aged 3 to 13 years old)

Jet boating within the World Heritage listed Mt Aspiring National Park. 50 minutes of New Zealand’s most exhilerating shallow water jet boating – amongst the ancient river valleys and snow capped mountains of the Mt Aspiring National Park – a World Heritage Area!
Brand new fleet of boats that can spin on a dime. Bring a towel and a swimsuit and take a plunge.
Experience the ultimate in shallow water jet boating, skimming along in just inches of water on the mighty Wilkin and Makarora Rivers.
Learn about the history and geology of the stunning Makarora and Wanaka region with an informative commentary from our experienced drivers. Enjoy 50km of New Zealand wilderness river jet boating amidst native beech forest, pristine river valleys and rugged ice capped mountains.

Back Country Helicopters – World Heritage Scenic Helicopter Flight

Duration: 20 mins
Price: $360pp (minimum 2)

Described as ‘Echoes of Iceland’, this scenic helicopter ride is in either our comfortable Hughes 500D or a AS350 B2 Squirrel. We will take you on a journey of discovery, deep into World Heritage territory. Enjoy an informative commentary as you fly around ice carved peaks and discover azure blue glacial lakes, nestled amongst New Zealand’s most beautiful mountains and glaciers.

Mt Aspiring Scenic Helicopter Ride

Duration: 60 mins
Price: $720pp (minimum 2)

Prepare yourself for a epic scenic helicopter ride sweeping around the towering blue ice walls of 9931ft (3027m) Mt Aspiring, the awe inspiring centerpiece of New Zealand’s most renowned National Park. Marvel at the wonder of nature, as you over fly the incredible Bonar and Volta Glaciers.

Heli-Jet Combo – Back County Helicopters + Wilkin River Jet

Duration: 60 mins –
Price: Adult $455 – Child $360 (aged 3 to 13 years old)

Combine two of the best … and enjoy a spectacular 15 minute helicopter flight amongst snow capped mountains, glacial lakes and native beech forest of the Mt Aspiring National Park. Then rendevous with Wilkin River Jets for a thrilling jet boat ride on the glacial fed waters of the Wilkin and Makarora rivers back to base.
Enjoy an amazing scenic helicopter ride and commentary with pilot and local legend Harvey Hutton. Carve around peaks and ridges of snow-covered mountains with views of stunning aquamarine glacial lakes, all in the safety and comfort of our Hughes 500D helicopter. Feel the spray in your face with 25 km of high speed jet boating on New Zealand’s finest wilderness rivers, the Wilkin and Makarora.
Wilkin River Jets reserves the right to amend/cancel any trip/time to suit local weather conditions

Siberia Wilderness Adventure – Helicopter + Walk + Jet Boat

walkers dropped off by helicopter in the Wilkin Valley walking to the Makarora river

Duration: 4 Hours Half Day
Price: Adult $455 per person – Child $360 pp (aged 3 to 13 years old)

Start your experience in Makarora with a scenic helicopter flight taking in aerial views of the towering ice carved mountains and glaciers. Land in the remote Siberia Valley and enjoy a relaxing 3 hour walk on a well marked track. Rendezvous for a fast-paced return jet boat ride through the icy blue waters of the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers.
Low+/Med – energy level

Siberia Wilderness Adventure Extended – Helicopter + Walk + Jet Boat

Duration: 4.5 hours/Wilderness Experience
Price: Adult $720 – Child $370 pp (aged 3 to 13 years old)

One of the best wilderness experiences available – “gotta do it”!

Start with a 50min epic helicopter flight over the majestic Mt Aspiring National Park taking in aerial views of the multitude of glaciers and glacial lakes that abide in the park en-route to the icon of the Southern Alps – Mt Aspiring. Includes one alpine landing for that photo opportunity of a life time. Land in the remote SIberia Valley and enjoy a 3 hour wildernss walk on a well marked track. Rendevous with Wilkin River Jets for a thrilling and informative river jet safari on two wilderness rivers, back to base. The Ultimate Wilderness Adventure package – If you are looking for that must do activity in New Zealand- this is it!
Low+/Med energy level

Jumboland Wilderness Adventure … Helicopter + Walk + Jetboat

Duration: 4 hour walk and 30 min jet boat ride
Price: Adult $455 – Child $360 (aged 3 to 13 years old)

Rated by customers as the best walk in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Passengers on Jet boat on the Makarora River - Wilkin River Jet Start your epic wilderness trekking and hiking experience with a spectacular World Heritage helicopter ride deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. Carve around ice carved mountains and glacial lakes, sweep into river valleys and enjoy an informative commentary with pilot and local legend, Harvey Hutton. Interact with nature and enjoy 4 hours of trekking and hiking in the remote, un-touched native New Zealand rainforest running alongside the Wilkin River, offering some of the best fishing in the National Park. Rendezvous with the Wilkin River jet and enjoy a thrilling high speed river safari on two stunning New Zealand wilderness rivers, arriving home at Makarora.
Medium/High – energy level