The Original Siberia Experience™ – Fly, Walk & Jet Boat Combo

Experience a true New Zealand Wilderness Adventure!
Fly – 25min, Walk – 3hrs, Jetboat – 30min

Fly, Walk, and Jet boat through New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine environment on an adventure like no other. Southern Alps Air has been operating the original Siberia Experience since 1975. Book Online Here>>
Allow 4 hours. 

Siberia Trip Highlights

Fly

• Through remote alpine valleys
• Over beautiful mountain lakes and waterfalls
• Past spectacular glaciers and snowcapped mountains
• Land in a truly remote backcountry valley on a grass landing strip

Walk

• Across open tussock flats
• Amongst vibrant native rainforest
• Surrounded by incredible mountain vistas

Jet Boat

• Crystal clear glacial mountain river
• The ultimate in shallow river jet boating
• Amongst native bush, pristine river valleys and ice capped mountains.

Siberia Experience Trip Information

• Trip Departs from Makarora, State Highway 6 which is 45mins north of Wanaka, 1hr 30 mins south of Haast, or 2 hours from Queenstown.
  Meet us at our desk inside the “Wonderland Makarora Lodge” at 5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Road, Makarora 9382. (This is on the main West Coast Highway, Makarora West). This is a very scenic drive, through the mountains and around the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka.

• What to bring: Camera, warm waterproof outer layer, suitable hiking footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent (can be purchased at departure point) sport sandals or water shoes for crossing Siberia Stream if desired, (or borrow from our supply at check in). Snack food, water supply and anything else for your own personal comfort during a half day in the NZ outdoors.

• On the morning of your Siberia Experience: Please phone us before leaving your accommodation for a weather check. The weather can be quite different at Makarora than it is in Wanaka or elsewhere, so do call to save yourself the drive if the weather is not suitable.
  Allow approx 1 hour to drive the 60km from Wanaka to the trip departure point, please check in with the Southern Alps Air/Siberia Experience Team 30 minutes prior to your departure time at the Wonderland Makarora Lodge, Makarora West.

• The Trip Itinerary:
  Fly – Your Fly-Walk-Jetboat journey begins with a 25 minute scenic flight amongst the Southern Alps within the World Heritage listed Mt Aspiring National Park. This spectacular flight ticks all the boxes… plus!
  Enjoy unobstructed views from your window seat as you soak in the delights of the New Zealand wilderness, such as pristine glaciers, plunging waterfalls, hidden lakes and tarns, and many more alpine highlights.
  One last turn and we are on approach to land on a grassy strip in the middle of the mountains in the remote and stunning Siberia Valley. Step out onto the valley floor and feel the raw power of nature as you gaze skyward to the tops of the towering peaks that surround you. Once on the ground your pilot will explain about the walk and track before waving goodbye and taking off again, leaving you to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

• Walk – The walk from Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley is described as a Freedom Walk (unguided), in the Mt Aspiring National Park. At this point you are responsible for your safety and well-being. Please note that some parts have steep drop offs on the side of the track, so be cautious at all times. Your pilot will accompany you to the stream crossing at the beginning of the track where you will also be given a briefing on the track and conditions.
  The track is clearly marked with orange markers and travels south down the Siberia Valley. It then enters the native rain forest and begins to climb before descending down into the Wilkin Valley. The track is 7km in length and takes 2.5-3hrs to complete.
  
  Section 1 is 3km to the highest point of the track
  Section 2 is a 2.5km downhill zig-zag track into the Wilkin Valley
  Section 3 is 1.5km along the river valley to the jetboat pick up point which is clearly marked.
  
  A medium level of fitness is required. As long as you know you can walk up-hill and down-hill sections and you can walk for up to 3 hours, then the walk should be no problem. However it is up to you to judge this. If you have any concerns please contact us prior to your trip or discuss on the day at check in.

• Jetboat – You will be given a pickup time from the jetboat company prior to departing from Makarora. Your jet boat will then meet you at the designated river meeting point. Enjoy a thrilling 30 min jet boat ride along the pristine braided Wilkin River back to your takeoff point. In just 4 hours you will have explored this incredible wilderness area by plane, foot & boat!

• Extended Trip Options – You can choose to extend your scenic flight and/or stay overnight at the Siberia Hut (operated by Department of Conservation). Beds in the hut operate on a first come, first served basis and we ask that you contact us first before booking this option.

• Trip Terms & Conditions: The Siberia Experience provides transport both in and out of the Mt Aspiring National Park for you with the take-off and jet boat arrival at the same location.
  Please ensure you bring everything you will need for your own safety and personal comfort during a day in the outdoors. Please bring a waterproof layer and listen to instructions from our team as weather conditions can change quickly in the backcountry.
  FYI, the flight is operated by Southern Alps Air and the Jetboat is operated by Wilkin River Jets. The walk is a freedom walk on a Department of Conservation maintained track. A $21 per person Department of Conservation fee is included in your trip fare. This goes directly back to Department of Conservation for conservation and maintenance efforts within this area of the Mt Aspiring World Heritage National Park.