A minimum of 2 hours visiting the back country in a comfortable and easy fashion with Waiatoto River Safari, enjoy incredible nature and scenery with local commentary and morning tea with an optional walk. Perfect for over 55's and families.
Waiatoto River Safari
- spectacular stunning scenery
- Delicious morning tea
- interesting commentary
- optional time off the boat
The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into remote back country. Touch and learn about the natural history of New Zealand's remote World Heritage Area. Your tour is operated by a family business, when you go on this tour, you arrive as strangers and leave as friends. There are many stops for commentary on the native birds, animals and forest of the South Westland region. A photographer's dream, stretch your legs at the top of the river for an optional forest walk into New Zealand's rain forest. Touch the ferns, listen to birds and spot the fish. Ideal for all ages and physical fitness. For infants to elderly, this is a must do, to explore the UNESCO World Heritage area-Te Wāhipounamu of South Westland, New Zealand.
- morning tea
- Life-jacket
- Post card souvenirs
- Warm jacket and boots if required
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Start Location: 1975 Haast-Jackson Bay Road, Jackson Bay, New Zealand
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants required to sit on laps
- Parking available close by
- Duration: minimum 2 hours
- Roof on the boat if raining
- You will not get wet from the river water
- Ideal for the less mobile and over 55's
- Adventure without fear
- Duration: minimum 2 hours
- No thrills or spins
- Suitable for less mobile and over 55's
- Roof on the boat if raining
- Dress well, cover up with layers and spare jacket
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Waiatoto River Safari | RETAIL PRICE |
---|---|
Adult (15 - 105 years) | $279.00 |
Child (4 - 14 years) | $189.00 |
Check-in time
Clients must check-in 30 minutes prior to tour departure to allow time for a safety briefing and on-time departure. Check in is open from 10.30 to 10.50am, if you arrive after 10.50am, you are likely to miss the departure. You may check in prior to 10.30am or the day before.
NOTE: Our check-in time is strictly adhered to. If you arrive after the boat has departed, your fare is forfeited.
Amending your booking
If you need to amend your river safari booking for any reason, please let us know at least 24 hours prior to departure time and we will amend your booking to your preferred date, subject to seat availability.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel your river safari booking, please let us know at least 24 prior to your scheduled departure time. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and “no shows” will be charged the full fare. If you miss the boat you forfeit your fare, re-scheduling is by seat availability basis and there may be a fee. If you arrive to check in and then decide to cancel and we are unable to fill your seat, you will be charged 50% of your fare or if an arrangement is made, at the time with Ruth, a minimum admin charge of $97 will be applied to process your cancellation.
Please note all refunds are full refunds - minus the small fee which is charged by the bank.
COVID-19 UPDATE: We understand that some things are out of your control. That’s why we offer a full refund or electronic gift card for Covid-19-related cancellations.
Re-scheduling
Waiatoto River Safari has the right to re-schedule departures times if required. The client will receive notification of this in advance. If the client misses the boat, there may be a re-scheduling charge.
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wear sensible clothes and closed-toed footwear
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Sandflies are present on the West Coast of NZ so protection is insect repellant and covering up. Insect spray is avalaible free of charge
Check in is 30 minutes prior to departure. The boat does leave on time.
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
How much time do I need for Waiatoto River Safari?
On average, this experience will take approximately 2h.
Which company provides Waiatoto River Safari?
Waiatoto River Safari is hosted by Waiatoto River Safari. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact on Tripadvisor.
What is the Waiatoto River Safari cancellation policy?
Waiatoto River Safari cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
How much is Waiatoto River Safari?
Waiatoto River Safari price starts from $189.
Waiatoto River Safari. New Zealand's only jet boat tour from the ocean to the Alps. You will experience a minimum of 2 hours of extraordinary nature and exceptional beauty only seen on this trip. Experience the history of Gondwana land, smell the rainforest as you walk softly through the dripping ferns with the sparkling clear light shimmering, with the snowy peaks as your backdrop. Your experienced local guide will lead you through the ancient river, still untouched as it was thousands years ago when the Maori first roamed the land, the great Moa bird and Haast eagle still ruled the ancient forests. You will experience the magical, breathtaking beauty of the Te Wahipounamu, the Māori name for the South West New Zealand World Heritage area and take home memories that will have you yearning to return once more.
- Duration: - 2 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Category: Cruises & Water Tours



