This isn't just a jet boat ride - it's a half-day wilderness expedition into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Wanaka River Journeys is the only operator that jet boats to the very base of Mt Aspiring and its hanging glaciers, deep up the glacier-fed Matukituki River where no road reaches. Your adventure begins with a scenic shuttle around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley, surrounded by towering peaks, hanging glaciers and waterfalls. Then onto the river: a 50-minute jet boat ride up the glacier-fed Matukituki, across crystal-clear shallows and braided streams, with the famous spins and quiet pauses in deep alpine pools while your local guide shares the stories of the land. The journey continues on foot - a 60-minute guided walk through ancient beech rainforest and high country station to a stunning waterfall, with photo stops and scenery most visitors never reach. Then a final 50-minute jet boat run back down the river to the shuttle and back to Wanaka. Small groups, expert local guides, return Wanaka transfers and all gear included. Roughly four hours; suitable for most fitness levels; families welcome (minimum age 4).