Experience the thrill of jet boating on Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River. This 60-minute Wanaka jet boat tour combines high-speed action, Hamilton Spins, alpine scenery and local stories.Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Marvel at the power and remarkable maneuverability of New Zealand’s famous jet boat.
Duration: 60 minutes
Excitement and exhilaration
60 minute Jet Boat ride of Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River
Real NZ jet boating with shallow water and Hamilton Spins
Iconic NZ adventure in a beautiful landscape
Commentary of the local area history and river ecosystems
Unique combination of scenery and adventure
$139.00 NZD ADULT
$65.00 NZD CHILD
$369.00 NZD FAMILY
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Experience the thrill of a Wanaka jet boat tour on Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River with Lakeland Wanaka.
Departing directly from the Wanaka lakefront, this 60-minute jet boat adventure combines spectacular alpine scenery with the speed, power and excitement of a genuine New Zealand jet boat experience. Your journey begins on Lake Wanaka, where you'll cross the clear waters with views towards the Southern Alps and surrounding mountains. From the lake, the adventure continues onto the Clutha River, New Zealand's largest river by volume and one of the most impressive waterways in the Wanaka region.
Feel the power of the jet boat as your experienced local driver navigates shallow water, rapids, pressure waves and rocky sections of the river. You'll experience the famous Hamilton Spin, one of New Zealand's most recognisable jet boat manoeuvres, along with plenty of high-speed turns and exhilarating moments along the way.
But this isn't just about speed. Throughout the journey, your local guide shares stories about Wanaka's history, the Clutha River and the surrounding waterways, giving you a chance to discover more about the landscape as you experience it from the water.
With a maximum of 10 passengers per boat, the experience is personal and relaxed while still delivering plenty of adventure.Whether you're visiting Wānaka for a weekend, exploring the South Island, travelling with family or looking for an exciting activity in New Zealand, this Lake Wanaka jet boat tour is a memorable way to experience the region.
Departing from 100 Ardmore Street on the Wanaka waterfront, Lakeland Wanaka's jet boat adventure puts you right in the heart of Wānaka before taking you onto the lake and down the Clutha River.
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1. Depart from Wanaka Waterfront
Meet your guide at the Wanaka Wharf on Ardmore Street before getting fitted with your life jacket and boarding the jet boat.
2. Cross Lake Wanaka
Start your adventure on the beautiful waters of Lake Wanaka, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and Southern Alps.
3. Enter the Clutha River
The adventure continues onto the fast-flowing Clutha River, where the scenery changes from open lake views to river banks, trees, rocks and shallow water.
4. Hold on for the action
Feel the power of the jet boat as your driver takes on shallow water, rapids, pressure waves and high-speed turns. Keep an eye out for the iconic Hamilton Spin.
5. Discover Wanaka's history
Your local driver provides commentary throughout the trip, sharing stories about the region, its history and the waterways you're travelling through.
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What to bring
Know before you go
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The Wanaka Wharf 100 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
Open in Google MapsPlease check-in 15 minutes prior to your departure
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Rather than experiencing only the river, our jet boat tour combines the open waters of Lake Wanaka with the spectacular Clutha River.
Our jet boat departs directly from the Wanaka waterfront at 100 Ardmore Street, making it easy to include in your day.
Our boats carry a maximum of 10 passengers, creating a more personal experience.
Our experienced local drivers know the lake, river and surrounding area and share stories about Wanaka's history and waterways.
With a minimum age of 4 years, the experience is suitable for families looking for an exciting Wanaka activity.
How long does it take to get to Ruby Island?
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On a kayak we suggest a 2-hour hire for a quick journey to Ruby Island. That’s usually enough time to get there and back with some time to walk around the island. If you want a more relaxed journey and want to take a picnic we recommend 3 hours.
What are the age restrictions for our kayaks and paddle boards?
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To use the equipment by yourself you must be over 16 years old, If you are under 16 you must be accompanied by a caregiver or supervised from the beach by a caregiver.
What are the weight limits for our kayaks?
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Our single kayak weight limit is 160kg, double kayak weight limit is 230kgs and our river single kayak weight limit is 130kg.
Do I need to be able to swim to hire a kayak or paddleboard?
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You don't need to know how to swim as we provide life jackets, however you need to be comfortable floating in the water in case you do fall in.
What happens if I do end up falling out of my kayak?
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Our staff will be monitoring the roys bay area making sure all our kayakers are safe. If you fall out you need to stay with your kayak and wait for our staff to come assist you.
What is provided?
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We provide life jackets and the equipment needed for the hire.
Can I bring a camera or a phone?
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You can at your own risk.
Do we have to book before we arrive?
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You do not need to make bookings for our kayaks and paddle boards as we do accept walk ins as well. However, if you want to ensure we have a kayak available at a specific time we do recommend booking.
What should I wear on the Jet Boat?
We suggest you dress to the conditions, be mindful that there may be a windchill. In the winter dress as though you are going skiing. Make sure you are wearing sunscreen and sunglasses can also be worn if you like. Sun hats may fly off if they are not tightly secured to your head!
Will I get wet?
There is a possibility that you may get slightly wet during the “Hamilton spins”, ask our driver where to sit based on your preference on how wet you want to get!
Can I take a camera?
Yes you can, there will be great photo opportunities during the journey. You will need to be able to secure your camera or phone safely while we are traveling at speed so you can hold on with both hands.
What are the age restrictions for the Jet boat?
Our minimum age is 4 years, our passengers must be able to hold onto the handrail from a seated position.
What does Lakeland Wanaka provide?
We provide life jackets, A secure place for belongings you don't want to bring on the boat. And the experience of a lifetime!
Can we go Jet boating in the winter?
Yes you can! Just dress as though you were going skiing. Bring gloves and woolly hats, and our expert drivers will do our best to keep you dry.
Can I go if I'm pregnant?
Unfortunately you cannot ride the Jet boat when pregnant.
How long is the Jet boat trip?
The approximate time you spend on the boat is 60 minutes, However we need you to arrive at the departure point on the lakefront 15 minutes before departure to allow time to get fitted for life jackets and board the boat.
