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‘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
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.
Options
Jet Boat Ride
Reviews
193 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A very fun and enjoyable experience with a great driver
lyndak360,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great price and overall worth it. The hour was a perfect amount of time and not a crowded boat. We got the boat to ourselves which was awesome. Our boat driver Matt created an even better experience, being kind and informative.
Jet boating in Wanaka
k8mckenna,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic trip. We booked on line easily for the time and date we wanted. Easy to locate and friendly and helpful staff What an exhilarating ride down the river with Amber as our captain/driver She was knowledgeable and an amazing driver Loved our trip and would recommend to anyone considering booking Great pictures and videos that we managed to capture too
Jet boating with the family
michaellJ7517IY,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great trip with the family. Thanks for the trip Matt. Good way to experience exploring the top of the Clutha River. Thanks team!
Thank you Amber!
355teigank,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The amount of knowledge that our driver amber had about the lake was amazing. We couldn’t believe how good of a driver she was. We had a blast!
Exhilarating and informative session from Matt in a beautiful location !
Cooksomd,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Glide across the lake ; turn into the river and then see the boat dance . Super driving and cool informative commentary from Matt
Great adventure
431thibaults,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible boat trip on the river! Matt is super skilled at the steering wheel, some good sensation and beautiful views
Great trip
mikerU3144VO,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat was awesome. Amber the drive and guide was the best. Safe, friendly, fun and professional. What a great time!!!!
Great affordable thrill ride
Coastal62782637753,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Wanaka or the surrounding areaas. The price was very affordable and the length of the ride was great for the price.The scenery was beautiful Our driver Amber was great. Great knowledge of the area and its history and of course the skill piloting the boat.
Jet boat ride lake Wanaka
N8356RNadamh,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed the ride Matt was superb. He has great knowledge and is a skilled operator. Would recommend this to any one and ask for Matt to be your operator.
An amazing trip
278franzih,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing trip! The driver- Amber was super knowledgeable and an excellent driver. Just the right amount of thrill and commentary too! 10/10 experience, would recommend to anyone who wants to get to know Wānaka from the water!
From NZ$135.00
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Operated by LakeLand Wanaka