Apr 30, 2024
NOT a day iat the office! - This was one of the finest adventures of my looong life (76). The flight in was scenic and exciting; the track (especially the 1st half) was knock dead gorgeous; and the jet boat was amazing (and I am not a motor type guy in the wilderness, but it was fun). Both the plane pilot and the jet boat driver were really skilled. Worth every penny for a once in a lifetime adventure.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 11, 2024
A perfect excursion - OMG. We had a perfect day for flying, hiking, and jet boating. The staff is wonderful and helpful for apprehensive travelers. Flight on 4 seater (1 pilot, 3 guests) was stunning (about 20 min). The pilot takes off from the office area (grass runway), narrates the flight into the valleys/mountains, and lands on a grassy area next to a stream. The walk/hike across the stream is less than 5 minutes - the level is dependent upon rain (it was over my knees, but I'm short). We arrived a day after heavy rain so it was quite fast and wide. You need water shoes/sandals (get at the office before the flight if you didn't bring them) and recommend hiking poles - it is slippery and the water was strong. Did I mention it is also COLD? The second adventure is hiking out - we are slow and it took us about 3 1/2 hours (counting a lunch stop). The first part is through a meadow-like area (gradual incline), 2nd part is in the forest and there are some steep parts (not long and not that steep), and the 3rd part is downhill to the water again (this was slippery and long; hiking sticks well worthwhile). You end up in a meadow-like area by the water. LOTS of sandflies!!! Then the jet boat comes (ours held 11 and the driver) and a cool ride until you get back to the starting area. You may get wet. This was our last excursion in NZ after 3 weeks and it was outstanding.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 9, 2024
Our favourite experience in Wanaka! - What an unbelievable experience! We loved every bit of it! The flight was spectacular - a blue sky day and amazing views. The hike was just right (3 hours), and the jet boat ride beauty in itself - spectacular rivers and countryside with the added benefit of being on the crystal clear waters. I would recommend this to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Mar 1, 2024
Flight, hike and jet boat, an exciting combination - A unique combination of flight, hike and jet boat ride. We booked the 11:00 a.m. flight without any stress. The pilot flew us to the end of the Wilkin Valley before turning off into the Siberia Steam Valley on the way out and landing expertly on the grass strip. He showed us the way through the Siberia Stream, which was easy to wade through barefoot up to the calf with so little water. We went downstream up the valley about 150 meters in altitude, which felt like 2 hours, and then in about 1.5 hours we went back down 250 meters in altitude to the pick-up point on the Walkin River for the jet boat, which showed up on time. The journey back to the starting point was a rush of speed. If you're the last to board, you're in the front row.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 27, 2024
Breathtaking scenery! - LOVED this trip, what an amazing part of our country! The pilot showed us some great sights on the way in, the river crossing was "refreshing" (lol), the walk enjoyable and varied, and the jetboat loads of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 8, 2023
Wow! - This is an amazing trip! The scenery was stunning. We had the most beautiful weather so felt really lucky. The flight was fantastic - incredible views with an interesting commentary about the area. Great walk and wonderful jet boat trip. We found all the team to be really friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this as an excellent South Island adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 25, 2023
Trip of a Lifetime - The Southern Alps Air Siberia day trip is an absolutely sensational “best of New Zealand".
It begins with a short flight through the mountains to a grass landing strip, but this was not just a delivery run. They take the scenic route right up the main valley to fly closely past mountain peaks, glacial lakes and valleys, with stunning views up close everywhere.
Then, the landing on the grass, and shoes off for a walk across a freezing, shallow river (bring crocs, or borrow there’s).
The walk was fairly easy – about 3 hours, with a bit of elevation, but nothing too steep, then back down the mountain to the river, and a jet boat pick up.
Everything about this was perfect from start to finish, the flight, the views, the walk and the jet boat.
And service was superb. We had great weather, but flights had been called off for days before. Instead of just writing them off Southern Alps Air was working with as many of those people as possible to put them on additional flights which flew all morning.
A superb experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 22, 2022
Take a Walk on the Wild Side! - Fantastic adventure into the beautiful Siberia Valley! Just enough to bring out your Grizzly Adams without all the hassle of walking miles or sleeping in uncomfortable huts. The flight in was amazing! The walk out was stunning! The jet boat ride was a blast! Combined together they were fantastic!
Only average fitness required. Low risk but high reward activity. Don’t forget to take a small towel to dry your feet and legs after crossing the stream at the start of the walk (you’ll only get wet up to your knees at the most but IT’S COLD!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 7, 2022
Beautiful - As expected, wonderful trip. Everything ran on time, friendly service. Flight in was great, loved flying up into the valley beyond where we would walk. Beautiful. The pilot showed us where to walk once we got to Siberia Valley. The track was easy to follow, up and over what felt like a low pass but was presumably just up and down the side of the mountain as we followed the Wilkin Valley. The whole trip took 5 hours, not 4 like the website suggests, so if time matters to you, check the timing of the jetboat you are booked on. We flew at 9am and were booked on a 1.30pm boat, returning 2pm. The jet boat was loads of fun.
Be aware that right after you leave the plane you will have to walk across a stream. Somehow it escaped my attention pre trip that the stream was unabridged. We didn't want wet boots (water was shin high at deepest when we were there) so crossed in bare feet which was numbing and uncomfortable, we should have taken jandals and a wee towel with us! It was fine though, and perfectly safe, just chilly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 1, 2022
BOOK THEM SEPARATELY, SAVE $500 DOLLARS - The scenic flight was amazing, definitely a must do BUT this package was definitely not worth the price … it was raining at the time so the hike was cancelled. I understand that they cannot control the rain so we weren’t disappointed. However, you can save atleast $500 dollars booking the jet boating and the flight separately. This price was not worth it and I feel ripped off. Scenic flights were only $250 so $635 dollars for a jet boat ride is outrageous. Please don’t make my mistake and book them separate.
Review provided by Viator