Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:Wanaka
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Wanaka, New Zealand
- 4 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park on this thrilling half-day tour. Start with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, You’ll be dropped at a hiking trail beside the Siberia River. Hike at your own pace, for around 4–5 hours. Once you reach the Wilkin River, hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline-inducing ride back to the starting point.
- Enjoy spectacular aerial views on a scenic flight
- Hike independently on remote trails
- Ideal for active, outdoors-loving travelers
- Meet at a convenient spot on the Haast Pass-Makarora Road
What's Included
- Scenic flight
- Scenic hike
- Jet boat ride
- Free parking at Wonderland Makarora Lodge, Makarora West
- Glaciers-Waterfalls-Remote Landing-Nature Hike-Native Bush-Jetboat Safari-Crystal Clear Rivers-Great
- Personal expenses
- Food and drink
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Wonderland Makarora Lodge5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Road, Makarora 9382, New Zealand
Meet at our desk inside Wonderland Makarora Lodge 5944 Haast Pass Makarora Road
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Mount Aspiring National Park
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Service animals allowed with permission from Department of Conservation
- Call us 1.5 hours before your schedule to check the weather
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kathryn_D
This was my favorite day in New Zealand! Arrive 15 minutes early - even though they don't tell you to do so. They get annoyed if you slow down their schedule. We took a very cool scenic flight around the mountains and valleys of Mt. Aspiring - breathtaking. 5 seater plane. Then we landed in a field. You have to wade across a river to get to the start of the hike. I knew this from reading the reviews. You can bring your own water shoes, go barefoot or borrow from their hodge-podge of their shoes. Our pilot told me it wouldn't get above my knees. I'm 5'3" and it was mid thigh! Not scary, just got my pants wet. The hiking trail is clearly marked. Some up hill and a lot of downhill. A few spots were muddy/slippery, but I'd say a very moderate level of difficulty. There are no real spots along the trail to stop for a bite or a rest. It's pretty much 2-2.5 hours of walking. We saw a few other groups, but most of the time were walking by ourselves. It was pretty, with varied scenery. At the end you come to the river and take a fun jetboat ride back. WEAR BUG SPRAY! You may have to wait 30 minutes for the boat and the sandflies are merciless.
Reviews
4.9
based on 27 reviews
Jan_K, Mar 2026
Just do it. The flight was exciting, very smooth, good landing, then the hike was amazing, fun starting off with the cold river crossing, just below knee deep. The jet boat ride was fun, and Harley was an excellent guide. I’d definitely recommend this experience to anyone
Tom_V, Jan 2026
It is by far the best experience i ever had. The guys were very nice, tell you loots of information about the region and the scenery. And the experience is just amazing. Dont doubt yourself and book a Siberian experience. You won’t regret it.
Kathryn_D, Jan 2026
This was my favorite day in New Zealand! Arrive 15 minutes early - even though they don't tell you to do so. They get annoyed if you slow down their schedule. We took a very cool scenic flight around the mountains and valleys of Mt. Aspiring - breathtaking. 5 seater plane. Then we landed in a field. You have to wade across a river to get to the start of the hike. I knew this from reading the reviews. You can bring your own water shoes, go barefoot or borrow from their hodge-podge of their shoes. Our pilot told me it wouldn't get above my knees. I'm 5'3" and it was mid thigh! Not scary, just got my pants wet. The hiking trail is clearly marked. Some up hill and a lot of downhill. A few spots were muddy/slippery, but I'd say a very moderate level of difficulty. There are no real spots along the trail to stop for a bite or a rest. It's pretty much 2-2.5 hours of walking. We saw a few other groups, but most of the time were walking by ourselves. It was pretty, with varied scenery. At the end you come to the river and take a fun jetboat ride back. WEAR BUG SPRAY! You may have to wait 30 minutes for the boat and the sandflies are merciless.
Robin_W, Nov 2025
Outstanding experience. The perfect weather made the plane flight epic. The hike was a very doable 4.5mi hike along the water and some in the woods.
Crossing the river was FREEZING on the feet. Having the water booties they provided helped with the rocks. The jet boat ride was exciting and a great way to end the excursion.
Would highly recommend this. Brian, our pilot and Daniel the jet boat driver were great- friendly, informative and accomplished.
John_E, Mar 2025
GREAT experience! Traveled with my son on this adventure that includes planes, hiking and a jet boat. Plane holds only 4 people and takes off/lands on a grass field which is a NZ way to start. 20-30 minute flight around the valleys and then landing in Siberian Valley where pictures do not do it justice. Crossing the stream was fun but cold! I suggest packing a small towel to dry your feet off on the other side. They provide water socks/shoes or bring your own. Then it's a 2 -2.5 hour hike. Not very technical, but the decent is the hardest part with some rocky areas. Hiking pole would help in this area, but if you don't have any - you'll be ok. Jet boat ride is a great way to end the tour. This is a great way to experience three activities in one adventure. We stayed in Queenstown and rented a car - about a 2 hour drive, but a beautiful drive worth taking. Entire excursion is about 4 hours. DO THIS ACTIVITY!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear that you and your son had an amazing time on the adventure. It sounds like you made the most of every moment, from the scenic flight to the hike and jet boat ride. The views in Siberian Valley really are something special, and we're glad you got to experience them firsthand! We're also glad you enjoyed the drive from Queenstown – it really is a beautiful journey. Thank you again for recommending this experience so highly. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Louise_C, Jan 2025
Wauw, the flight in was absolutely beautiful, excellent pilot!
Good hike, and really fun jetboat trip
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for the fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful flight, the hike, and the fun jetboat trip. Our pilot will be happy to hear your praise, and we’re so glad everything came together for an unforgettable experience. We’d love to welcome you back for more adventures in the future. Thanks SAA Team!
Paul_W, Apr 2024
This was one of the finest adventures of my looong life (76). The flight in was scenic and exciting; the track (especially the 1st half) was knock dead gorgeous; and the jet boat was amazing (and I am not a motor type guy in the wilderness, but it was fun). Both the plane pilot and the jet boat driver were really skilled. Worth every penny for a once in a lifetime adventure.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hi Paul, thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience and for such an outstanding recommendation. We love the Siberia and Wilkin Valleys and have spent a lot of time in these places over the years (recreationally as well). It is an absolute delight to be able to share the secrets of this stunning place with visitors like yourselves. It is heart-warming (and a little bit exciting) that at 76 and with all of the places and adventures of a lifetime under your belt that you would class this as one of the finest adventures of all. Come back and we will take you again! Wishing you happy days and lots more fine adventures to come.
Julia_v, Mar 2024
What an unbelievable experience! We loved every bit of it! The flight was spectacular - a blue sky day and amazing views. The hike was just right (3 hours), and the jet boat ride beauty in itself - spectacular rivers and countryside with the added benefit of being on the crystal clear waters. I would recommend this to anyone!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Great to hear that you had an unbelievable experience and thank you so much for sharing.
Siberia Experience is our favourite, we have spent many fun days in the Siberia & Wilkin Valleys over the years. You are so right, the water in the streams and rivers are crystal clear and the views from the flight, hike and jetboat are very special. Thank you for recommending Siberia Experience and we appreciate that you chose to come with us. Best regards, Anne & the Team
Mikayla_R, Nov 2022
The scenic flight was amazing, definitely a must do BUT this package was definitely not worth the price … it was raining at the time so the hike was cancelled. I understand that they cannot control the rain so we weren’t disappointed. However, you can save atleast $500 dollars booking the jet boating and the flight separately. This price was not worth it and I feel ripped off. Scenic flights were only $250 so $635 dollars for a jet boat ride is outrageous. Please don’t make my mistake and book them separate.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you for raising this concern with us. There has been a misunderstanding with pricing and we are grateful for the opportunity to explain.
We assume that the $250 scenic flight cost you mentioned is referring to a price you may have seen advertised on a specials sign outside the Makarora premises. This is a 20 minute localised flight which costs $250 per person, with a minimum of 4 booked for the flight to go ahead.
What you booked involves a 25 minute flight, a wilderness walk and a jetboat ride. It is a stunning package that we are proud of. It costs $475 per person, with only a minimum of 2 needed for the package to take place.
This breaks down to $310 per person for the flight, and $165 per person for the jetboat ride. The walk is at no cost.
We are sorry that the weather packed in and you weren’t able to do the walk portion but we are delighted that you at least enjoyed the scenic flight and we hope you enjoy the jet boat ride too.
We totally understand that you would feel ripped off if you had paid $635 for a jet boat ride but we hope that we have explained our price points above, and this has removed any concerns you may have had.
Please feel free to contact our office directly if you need any further clarification or reassurance.
We hope you enjoyed your visit to New Zealand.
Thank you
Anne and The Southern Alps Air team
JORDAN_D, Mar 2020
Excellent adventure. We recommend you take a pair of river crossing sandals. Both the plane pilot Ryan and the jet boat pilot Hayden were expert navigators. 5 Stars for sure!
Response from Host, Mar 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your Siberia Experience. It is a great way to get up close and personal with the New Zealand wilderness. The flight , walk and jetboat combination is lots of fun and all in the space of only 4 hours. So pleased you enjoyed your day with us and we hope you had lots of great adventures during your NZ Holiday. Kind regards Ryan and the Southern Alps Air/Siberia Experience Team.
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