Wanaka is a haven for outdoor lovers. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers, it offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. Whether you’re into high-adrenaline adventures or peaceful nature walks, Wanaka has a tour that fits. We’re particularly fond of the Siberia Experience: Fly-Hike-Jetboat because it combines a scenic flight with a remote hike and an exhilarating jet boat ride, allowing you to see the wilderness from multiple angles. Plus, it’s perfect for active travelers who want a mix of independence and adventure. If you’re after something even more adrenaline-pumping, the Heli Siberia tour adds a helicopter ride to the mix, offering aerial views of the untouched landscape. For a gentler, more guided experience, the Rob Roy Glacier hikes deliver stunning glacier vistas with options for half-day or full-day adventures.
Below is a quick overview of the best hiking and trekking experiences in Wanaka. Each offers a different slice of the region’s wild beauty, from self-guided adventures to guided hikes with gourmet lunches. Whatever your style or fitness level, there’s a tour here to inspire your next trip.
1. Siberia Experience: Fly-Hike-Jetboat: Wilderness Adventure: Wanaka
At number 1, we highlight the Siberia Experience: Fly-Hike-Jetboat — a multi-layered adventure that combines a scenic flight, a self-guided hike, and a jet boat ride. For around $348, you get about 4 to 5 hours of pure wilderness fun. The tour kicks off with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, offering breathtaking views of snowy peaks and alpine valleys. Once you land beside the Siberia River, you’re free to hike at your own pace along remote trails, crossing mossy logs, small streams, and catching glimpses of waterfalls. The highlight is reaching the Wilkin River, where you hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline rush back to Makarora.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and the chance to experience the wilderness independently. The hike is about 4 hours long and doesn’t require a guide, making it perfect for those who enjoy a sense of freedom. The jet boat ride adds a splash of excitement, and reviews consistently praise this trip for its spectacular scenery and variety. One traveler called it “one of the finest adventures of my lifelong travel” because of the scenic flight and the thrill of the jet boat.
Bottom line: If you love active outdoor adventures with a mix of flight, hike, and boat, this is a top choice for a half-day trip that packs a punch.
2. Wänaka: Heli Siberia – Helicopter Flight, Hike & Jet Boat
At number 2, the Heli Siberia tour elevates the experience with a helicopter flight over the Southern Alps, diving into the remote Siberia Valley, then combining that with a hike and jet boat ride. Priced at about $407 per person for 5 hours, this tour is perfect if you want to see the most spectacular aerial views of Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wilkin River from above.
Starting with a helicopter flight, you’ll soar over Lake Crucible and the towering peaks of the Alps, landing in the Siberia Valley for a self-guided hike. The hike here is through untouched alpine terrain, with options to explore the lakes and ridges. The adventure wraps up with a jet boat ride through rivers and forest, giving you a comprehensive taste of New Zealand’s wilderness.
Guests rave about the helicopter’s panoramic vistas, describing it as “breathtaking” and a must-do for thrill-seekers. The combination of flying and hiking makes this tour stand out, especially since it offers a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes usually reserved for photographers or helicopter pilots.
Bottom line: For travelers craving a luxurious, high-end adventure with stunning aerial views and remote hiking, this tour offers unmatched scenery and excitement.
3. Wanaka: Siberia Experience Scenic Flight, Hike, and Jetboat
Ranked at number 3, the Siberia Experience Scenic Flight, Hike, and Jetboat offers a shorter, more budget-friendly version of the full Siberia adventure, costing about $346 per person for approximately 4 hours. This tour includes a scenic 25-minute flight over the Southern Alps, followed by a 7 km unguided hike through Siberia and Wilkin Valleys, lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours.
What makes this experience special is its focus on pure outdoor adventure at a great value, with highlights like hiking past waterfalls, mossy logs, and snowy peaks. The jetboat section on the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers adds an exciting conclusion. Reviewers mention it as an “unforgettable NZ wilderness experience” that balances activity and scenery well.
While the hike is unguided, the self-guided element appeals to independent travelers comfortable with navigation. It’s ideal for those wanting a full morning or afternoon of outdoor fun without breaking the bank or committing to a full day.
Bottom line: This tour delivers a compact but comprehensive taste of the wilderness, perfect for travelers who want a quick yet memorable adventure.
$346 per person
4. Wänaka: Private Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike Lunch
Ranked at number 4, the Private Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike is a full-day, more relaxed option that blends guided hiking with stunning glacier views. This 6-hour tour includes round-trip transfers from Wanaka, a guided walk through Mount Aspiring National Park, and a stop at Rob Roy Glacier, with plenty of time to enjoy breathtaking vistas of waterfalls, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
The guide shares insights into the area’s flora, fauna, and glacial history, making it educational as well as scenic. A highlight is crossing the West Matukituki Valley and hiking above the Rob Roy Canyon, with scenic viewpoints along the way. The tour also includes a packed lunch at a scenic spot, making the experience more comfortable. Reviews note the guide’s knowledge and the personalized experience that comes with a private tour.
Suitable for travelers who want an immersive, guided experience with the comfort of round-trip transport and a gourmet lunch. It’s a good choice if you prefer a more relaxed pace and in-depth understanding of the environment.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a guided, full-day glacier hike with excellent scenery and personal service.
$346 per person
5. Wanaka: Rob Roy Glacier Guided Hike with Lunch
Finally, at number 5, this guided hike to Rob Roy Glacier is the longest and most comprehensive, lasting about 8 hours and priced at $246 per person. It features a scenic drive from Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley, crossing a swing bridge over the Matukituki River into dense beech rainforest. From there, you’ll hike through stunning scenery with views of waterfalls and the glacier itself.
The tour stands out for its gourmet picnic lunch with panoramic glacier views and a variety of stops along the way for photos and rest. Guides share insights into local flora, fauna, and glacial formation, making this a true learning experience. The length of the hike and the scenic drive make it suited for active travelers who don’t mind a full day on their feet.
Reviewers mention the beautiful drive and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides, making it a well-rounded option for serious hikers.
Bottom line: This is a great choice if you’re looking for an all-day, guided, scenic glacier trek with a delicious lunch and a chance to learn more about the environment.
$246 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Wanaka
When deciding between these options, consider your fitness level, time availability, and whether you prefer a guided or self-guided experience. For a quick taste of remote wilderness, the Siberia or Siberia Scenic tours are excellent. If you want to see the glaciers with some expert insights, the Rob Roy hikes are hard to beat—especially the full-day guided version. For those craving aerial views combined with hiking, the Helicopter Siberia tour offers unmatched scenery.
Think about your budget, too: tours range from around $346 to $407, but the experiences vary in length and depth. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months when these tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Wanaka offers a broad spectrum of hiking and trekking adventures, from independent walks to guided glacier hikes and adrenaline-filled jet boat rides. If you’re after an action-packed half-day, the Siberia Experience is hard to beat. For a luxurious helicopter tour, Heli Siberia delivers stunning aerial views. Those seeking a full-day guided hike will find the Rob Roy Glacier tours appealing, especially with the included gourmet lunch.
Whatever your style or fitness level, these tours ensure you’ll see some of New Zealand’s most impressive landscapes. Book early, dress appropriately, and prepare for a memorable outdoor experience in Wanaka’s rugged beauty.