Jet Boating in Wānaka by Campervan: The Clutha and Matukituki Rivers

Quick summary: For campervan travellers in Wānaka, jet boating adds a burst of speed to a town better known for its lake, mountains and that famous willow tree. Jet boat rides run on the Clutha River, which flows out of Lake Wānaka with remarkably clear, fast, blue water, and on the Matukituki River, which leads towards the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. With lakefront holiday parks a short drive away, a ride fits easily into a stay of a day or two in a campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Rivers	The Clutha (Mata-Au) and the Matukituki
Style	Fast river rides and scenic trips towards the mountains
Ride length	Typically 1 hour or more
From Queenstown	Around 70 km over the Crown Range, or 115 km via Cromwell
Nearby	Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, the Haast Pass
Tours	Wānaka jet boat tours

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What is the Clutha River like?

The Clutha, known in Māori as Mata-Au, is one of New Zealand’s largest rivers, flowing out of Lake Wānaka towards the sea. Near its source, the water is extraordinarily clear and blue, and it moves fast between willow-lined banks and gravel islands. Jet boat rides skim along the river and its braids, with spins and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

What about the Matukituki?

The Matukituki River flows down from the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park into the western arm of Lake Wānaka. Jet boat trips on this side of the lake take in alpine scenery, beech forest and high-country farmland, with views towards the park’s peaks.

Is it easy to fit a jet boat ride into an RV stay in Wānaka?

Yes. Wānaka is compact and easy to drive around, with holiday parks close to the lakefront and town centre, and the jet boat departure points are a short drive away. Plan a ride on your first afternoon or a free morning, and leave time for the lakefront and a walk.

What else is there to do in Wānaka?

• That Wānaka Tree, the willow growing in the lake.
• Roys Peak and Mount Iron, for views over the lake.
• Lake cruises and kayaking, including trips to the islands.
• Mount Aspiring National Park, with walks such as the Rob Roy Glacier track.

For Wānaka’s lakeside vineyards, see our sister site’s Wānaka by campervan guide.

Where can you stay?

Lakefront holiday parks in Wānaka, and campgrounds at Glendhu Bay and Albert Town. Freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle is limited to the sites Queenstown Lakes District Council has designated, so check before you stop.

How do you book a ride?

Our Wānaka jet boat tours page lists the current rides side by side, so you can pick a departure that suits your driving day.

Where does the trip go next?

South to Queenstown for the Shotover River, or north over the Haast Pass to Haast’s wilderness rivers. See Queenstown, Haast and the Queenstown, Wānaka and Te Anau loop.

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Frequently Asked Questions