Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars, through rapids and around rocks at speeds in excess of 80 kph, now picture doing this down New Zealand’s swiftest river with no seat belt and no brakes; that’s one way to get your adrenaline levels through the roof. Our trip makes the best of blood pumping adrenaline along with some of the world’s best scenery in the background.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 4 years
Please allow 1.5 hours for trip
Please check in 15 min prior to your jet boat departure time
Please Note we require a minimum of 4 passengers to run a trip, if you are booking as a single passenger please call to check availability
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Ride with Lakeland Wanaka and experience the water like you never have before. We take you on a thrilling 60 minute high speed Jet boat ride; departing from Wanaka’s waterfront enjoy a short jaunt across the lake taking in unsurpassed snow-capped mountain views, as we prepare to enter one of the world’s swiftest flowing rivers, the Clutha River. Here your expert driver will raise your excitement demonstrating the manoeuvrability of the jet boat pushing it to its absolute limits; skilfully navigating through shallow water, tunnels and over giant pressure waves, speeding past trees mere inches from your face disappearing in your peripheral vision. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars, through rapids and around rocks at speeds in excess of 80kph; and of course, a jet boat ride wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Hamilton Spin! A high-speed manoeuvre causing the boat to spin rapidly on the spot creating G forces you just can’t get enough of. This is an adventure for most so come and experience the iconic NZ Jet boat right in the heart of Wanaka.
What‘s Included
Jet Boat Ride
Combo Options on site
Guide Commentary - history and water ecosystems
Life Jacket
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Jet Boat Ride
Reviews
223 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our Wanaka jet boat ride
chetnanramesh,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We liked the scenic view and we also liked the spins. Matt gave us an amazing experience
Lake/river Jet Boat trip
Clare T,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely fantastic from start to finish!! The lads were so friendly whilst we were checking in, and then on the boat Alex was brilliant. He chatted through everything we were going to be doing and then off we went!! Pulled a couple of ‘doughnuts’ on the lake and then headed to the river where he weaved his way through the rocks/rapids/sandbanks/shoreline/bridge parapets with centimetre accuracy!!! Plus a few more doughnuts on the way!! Would 100 recommend it!!
An amazing experience
V4171JUdavide,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an amazing experience. A great way to see the beautiful Lake Wanaka and Clutha River, while having a blast. Matt was a great driver and so friendly and informative.
Wanaka jet boat
daviddkpparker,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt our driver was fantastic. We both throughout enjoyed this adrenalin rush that also took in some fantastic scenery. Defo recommend.
Fast, skilled, spectacular.
igorv519,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Five out of five experience. Consider this a must do.
Epic!
alisonsZ1398CN,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant! Highly recommend this jet boat ride. Was a highlight of our NZ trip!
Great day out
Nicola389,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was very friendly and informative. Gave us some interesting info about the river and area. Had fun whizzing down the river and doing some spins. Highly recommended
Highly recommended jet boat tour
achtl2026,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip! Highly recommended. Great scenary, a lot of speed and fun. Still a very laid back experience. We were lucky and had a private trip with Matt. We would definitely recommend it to our friends and come back ourselves. Thanks so much.
Jet boat tour
N3666XJsamuelg,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt and Samantha were fantastic guides for our jet boat tour, lots of knowledge and fun facts on the area and making sure everyone had a great time.l and we got a massive spray at the end doing a 360 spin! Would absolutely go back in an instant for another one!
Amazing boat trip with high speed
sonyacV3767PZ,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Great views on the mountains around the lake and the river banks. Driving on a jet boat at high speed is a thrill, with our professional guide Matt just fun!
From NZ$135.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by LakeLand Wanaka