Jet Boating Haast, West Coast, New Zealand

Waiatoto River Safari Introduction

The Waiatoto River Safari offers jet boating in Haast on New Zealand's only sea to mountain eco-jet adventure, exploring the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, aboard a custom built Safari craft.

Waiatoto River Safari has been a distinguished jetboating safari since 1998. Recommended by many guide books and enjoyed by thousands.

The awe-inspiring, spectacular scenery on our Haast river safari is the best New Zealand has to offer, from rugged, deserted beaches through untouched virgin forest, past water falls (weather permitting), to soaring snowy mountains—all in one incredible journey!

Experience the precise maneuverability of our custom-built safari craft, designed and built by Jetboat.com especially for New Zealand's wild rivers.

Waiatoto River Safari Jet Boating in Haast

Your adventure into the wilderness begins at Haast Junction. Here you will meet your safari guide and be equipped and briefed, before boarding our safari craft, which will take you up the Waiatoto River.

As you head upstream your guide will make stops to tell you the story of the landscape: from its unique geography, to the Maori legends of precious greenstone and fierce battles which gave the river its name: Waiatoto means "blood water" in Maori.

We will pass through a special protected zone, where you can learn about the work of New Zealand's Department of Conservation to preserve the endangered Haast Brown Kiwi, New Zealand's national symbol.

Along the way you'll experience spectacular scenery including dense forest, cascading waterfalls, a pristine, glacial river and the backdrop of glistening snow-capped mountains.

After reaching the turn around point, high in the Southern Alps, we have the chance to take a stroll through the forest or along the riverbank to appreciate the environment first hand, before heading back for a faster trip downstream.

Back at the river mouth, time is taken to talk about the ocean, local fishing and the region's early seafarers and their fate. We head into the peaceful Waiatoto Lagoon and with the boat engine turned off you can experience the stunning birdsong and stillness of this part of the world.

Here you may get to see some of New Zealand's wild life in its natural environment, it might be cormorants, Kereru (wood pigeons) or fish in the clear waters of the lagoon.

For further information about our Haast river safari, please contact us or visit our jet boating in Haast Web site.

Our Haast Holiday Package

Whether you are keen on adventure, fishing, photography, walking, or just want a weekend away to relax then our Haast Holiday Package will give you a break away to remember.

Day One: Once you reached Haast take the breathtaking drive from the Haast Junction down the Jackson Bay Road to Hannahs Clearing where you will be welcomed by your host at Hannahs Homestead.

Day Two: Wake up to a fabulous continental buffet breakfast before jumping on board the Waiatoto River Safari.

Day Three: Following breakfast and check out, spend some time exploring the many fantastic walking tracks in the area.

About the West Coast

Jackson Bay, Westland
West Coast
Photographer: Ben Crawford
(www.bencrawford.co.nz)

The West Coast is memorable for its mountain peaks, glaciers, limestone landscapes, lakes and raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent, wild coastline. It's also memorable for its people—interesting, humorous, outdoorsy types who can tell you an interesting story or two if you take the time to listen.

The West Coast contains the largest area of protected land of any region in New Zealand and provides access to five of New Zealand's 13 national parks.

To this amazing natural landscape you can add good accommodation, fine foods, festivals and first-class local guides. You can raft an underground cave, hike over a glacier, kayak a stunning lake, pan for gold and taste the traditional West Coast delicacy, whitebait.

For further information about our Haast river safari, please contact us or visit our jet boating in Haast Web site.