Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

Overview

Available languages

English

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

4.95

191 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

183

Thank you Amber!
355teigank,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The 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
5.00
Glide 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
5.00
Incredible 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
5.00
The 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
5.00
I 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
5.00
Enjoyed 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
5.00
Absolutely 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!
Spin Me a round Like a Record
KylieAnn S,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
One of the best experiences you can do. Great adrenaline rush! Woo Hooo! The trip down the Lake Wānaka Outlet/ Clutha River to Albert town Bridge was amazing. Water levels are currently high so you only got glimpses of rocks underneath the surface. Amber was so informative and a great driver. Those 360° turns... wow! A Gopro would have really helped to be hands free as I didn't trust myself not to hold on 🤣
Price can't be beat! Lovely team!
R2075GNnatashar,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Value cannot be beaten! We paid $270 for the 2 of us and got way more than 60mins and over 50km on an incredible jet boat ride. Seriously if you go anywhere else, prepare to fork out some serious coin. The team were accommodating, friendly, fun and safety certain. Loved the whole experience from booking, to price point, to traveling to the river, being helped with our PFDs, our captain was a no nonsense all cheeky guy who really knew the river, completely knew his vessel to sharing some of the local history as well. Worth every penny and as newbies to Wānaka we want everyone to give it a go, you won't regret it. Thrills aplenty! Loved this ride!
Windy day a total blast
daisy154913,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Definite 5 out of 5. Absolute blast with a very competent and informative driver Matt. The staff were welcoming and informative as well. Would recommend a trip for sure.