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
208 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely incredible experience! I want to do it again!
Excursion21968732720,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing. The man driving the boat (Matt) was wonderful and kept me feeling reassured because I was a bit anxious. Best time I've ever had on a boat. It was so exhilarating and the water was so pretty! The turns and spins were an awesome adrenaline rush!
Great fun! Skillfull
183annemariek,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt took me and my friend on the jetboat over lake Wanaka on a late afternoon in November. It was great! He knew a lot of stuff about the area and the boat. Spinned, raced and showered along river and lake, very skillfull navigator, really great fun!
Jet boat perfection!
Tfergie603,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Max was awesome! The experience was filled with amazing scenery, spins, zigzags and loads of smiles from all! Max provided great information and loads of thrills. Highlight of the day!
Fun family experience!
JulieDMartinez,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting family, so combo of locals and visitors - one adult with 2x 15 yr olds and 2x 12 yr olds, they had a blast! Matt was a great driver and guide!
awesome
nzski2014,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely awesome jetboat trip with Amber. She did 5 360 spins. I would highly recommend it. It was so much fun. It gets 10 out of 10 from me.
Good fun
cald007,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on this as a family with 3 kids. Was good fun and about the right amount of time as we have 3 kids of varying ages. Would highly recommend this as an experience.
We will be back again :D
Daryl T,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best experience to have for our first time especially in the South Island. Wicked laughs along the way, so ecstatic to experience seeing the mountains from the Lake point of view. Almost did not purchase it but lucky I did.
5 🌟 jet boat tour with Matt
llonav,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 star experience ✨️ had a great jet boat tour with Matt ! Scenery was beautiful. Matt was such a great driver and guide ! He made the experience super fun and it had us wishing it lasted longer!! Would defs recommend and would do it again when we come back ! Thanks Matt & Lakeland ✨️
Recommendation this! Thrills and spectacular scenery.
Keely L,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional experience. The staff were very friendly and professional. Windy day so we were shuttled to the Clutha and spent our entire trip on the river. Thrilling ride. Beautiful scenery. Our family loved the trip
Great experience, well worth it!
joyac257,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff were incredibly helpful and well informed. Amber was a great jet boat driver and kept us entertained the whole ride! Would recommend :)
From NZ$135.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by LakeLand Wanaka