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
226 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience. Recommended.
kennethmG4180EF,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great experience. Matt our driver was great. Office staff were fantastic and kept us informed with details and changes. Would like to have had a small tour of Roy’s Bay, around the foreshore and marina and the Wanaka tree if possible.
A fun way to see the lake, river and mountain views.
carolynannp,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly staff on arrival and easy to find the jetty/meeting point using info given in booking confirmation email. Max was our leader for the trip and he made it great fun and informative too about the boat, river, lake and points of interest that we could see. The weather was ideal for the trip and we didn't get too wet from the spray even though the turns and spins of the boat kicked up some wonderful spray. A fun trip to do and highly recommended.
Great value experience
Coastal217861,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience. Excellent tour guide
Must do!
469alisterr,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great, fun experience! Matt the driver was excellent
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!
From NZ$135.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by LakeLand Wanaka