Wanaka is a fantastic base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking national parks. With its dramatic mountain scenery, pristine rivers, and lush forests, Wanaka offers a variety of tours that get you close to nature without feeling like you’re just ticking off a checklist. From high-speed jet boat rides to scenic flights over snow-capped peaks, there’s something to suit every taste. We particularly love the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour for its combination of adrenaline and serenity, and the Siberia Experience for those who want a full-day adventure packed with flying, hiking, and boat rides. Both give you a deep appreciation of the region’s raw beauty.
If you’re trying to decide what kind of tour fits your travel style, consider whether you prefer a relaxed walk, an adrenaline rush, or a bit of both. Wanaka’s tours are all about showcasing Mount Aspiring National Park and the surrounding wilderness in a way that’s exciting yet manageable, whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a casual traveler.
Quick overview of the best National Park Tours in Wanaka
Below, we’ve rounded up three of the top-rated national park experiences that highlight the area’s stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. Each offers a different flavor: a high-energy jet boat and walk combo, an exhilarating fly-hike-jet boat package, and a shorter, immersive wilderness journey. Whether you want to zip through rivers, soar above mountains, or enjoy a guided forest walk, these tours deliver remarkable views and memorable moments. For more details, check out each tour here, here, and here.
1. Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka
At number 1, the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka is a real crowd-pleaser with perfect reviews—a solid 5.0 out of 5 based on 259 reviews. For around $216, you get about four hours of adventure combining high-speed thrills with peaceful nature walks. The tour kicks off with a jet boat ride along the Matukituki River, where you’ll zip past towering cliffs and lush greenery, feeling the spray on your face and the thrill of moving at speed. This is a great way to experience the region’s rugged terrain without hiking for hours.
After the adrenaline rush, a guided walk through Mount Aspiring National Park offers a chance to see waterfalls, stream crossings, and alpine scenery. The walk is rated as easy, making it suitable for most people of average fitness. The small-group setup ensures personalized attention and a chance to ask questions about the landscape and local history. Many visitors mention how informative and friendly their guides are—adding that personal touch makes all the difference. The tour also covers filming locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, making it a hit for fans of the films.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a mix of speed and serenity, especially if you’re after a memorable, well-rounded half-day experience. The reviews highlight how fun the jet boat ride is and praise the guide’s local knowledge.
2. Siberia Experience: Fly-Hike-Jetboat: Wilderness Adventure: Wanaka
Number 2 on our list is the Siberia Experience, which offers a more adventurous, all-encompassing day with aerial views, solo hiking, and jet boating. This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to see the region from multiple perspectives. It begins with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps from Makarora, giving you spectacular aerial views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and glaciers—something you won’t forget anytime soon.
Once you land beside the Siberia River, you’re free to hike along remote trails at your own pace. The walk is approximately 4–5 hours, passing mossy logs, waterfalls, and forested streams. The trail climbs to a low pass overlooking the Wilkin River valley, which is a fantastic spot for a packed lunch. After the hike, you’ll hop onto a jet boat that whisks you back out through the wilderness, crossing the river and returning to Makarora.
This tour is a full sensory experience with breathtaking views from above, diverse landscapes on foot, and the thrill of a jet boat ride. Many reviews mention how the flight alone makes the trip worthwhile, with the pilot providing engaging commentary. The walk is described as “beautiful” and “easy” with the chance to see native birds and snowy peaks.
Bottom line: If you’re craving a full-day adventure with flying, hiking, and boating, this trip’s for you. It’s pricier but offers incredible value for the variety of experiences rolled into one.
3. Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk
Coming in at number 3, the Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk combines a jet boat ride in the Matukituki Valley with a short wilderness walk that lasts about four hours. This tour offers a taste of the region’s glaciers and mountain scenery without the longer time commitment or higher cost of the Siberia Experience. You’ll board a jet boat that glides past hanging glaciers, waterfalls, and the iconic Mount Aspiring, often seen as the film location for The Lord of the Rings.
After the boat ride, your guide will take you on a 50-minute walk through lush forest, past streams and waterfalls, providing insights into the local flora and fauna. The walk is suited for most fitness levels and is designed to be informative and scenic without being too strenuous.
This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a balanced outdoor adventure with a focus on scenery and wildlife, without the need for flying or a full-day commitment. The reviews point to the friendly guides and the chance to see glaciers close-up as highlights.
Bottom line: Ideal if you want a shorter, more relaxed tour that still highlights the stunning glaciers and landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour in Wanaka, consider your budget, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend outdoors. The Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk is a great all-rounder if you prefer a manageable half-day that combines excitement and scenic beauty. If you’re after a full-day adventure with flying, hiking, and boating, the Siberia Experience offers unmatched variety and panoramic views. For those looking for a shorter, scenic trip that still delivers glacier views and forest walks, the Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk hits all the right notes.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season (summer months), as tours tend to fill quickly. Also, consider weather conditions—clear days will give you the best views for flights and hikes.
Final thoughts
Wanaka’s national park tours cater to a broad range of interests and activity levels. If you want a quick adrenaline boost with scenic highlights, the Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk is perfect. For maximum scenery and full immersion, the Siberia Experience delivers an epic day of flying, hiking, and boating. And, if a shorter, scenic escape is your goal, the Wanaka: Jet Boat & Wilderness Walk offers a satisfying taste of the region’s glacier-carved landscapes.
Whatever your choice, booking early and choosing the tour that matches your interests will ensure you get the most out of your Wanaka adventure. These tours turn the stunning landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park into unforgettable memories—so get ready to explore!