Jet Boat Reviews: What Our Guests Say

2nd trip with Paul... both have been spectacular (world class) Amazing BBQ at the lodge - great jet boating! I think we will make it an annual trip!! highly reccomend!

Took the family on the half day trip early last summer and had perfect weather. Lake Hauroko was stunning, and the Wairaurahiri River was smooth until the fun bits: the Vulcans and the Black Swirl Hole. Roffy did plenty of 360s for the kids, and my little nephew loved it. Exhilarating but expertly controlled, and after three decades on the river his local knowledge is second to none. Highly recommend!👍

This has to be the best jet boat ride in New Zealand…and we stumbled on it by mistake. My dad and I were standing beside Lake Hauroko, wondering where we were going to walk to, when a smiley chap called Roffy invited us out on his jet boat. When we agreed we had no idea we were about to be thrown down New Zealand’s ‘longest waterfall’ at incredible speed by an absolute master of his craft. We blasted 27km down constant rapids to the sea, ate bbq venison like kings and blasted back again. I cannot recommend this adventure highly enough. Only in NZ can you do something like this. Thank you Roffy.

My wife and I drove down to the car park at Lake Hauroko to have a look and maybe a walk. Ran in to Roffy and some cheerful Aussies and were quickly persuaded to join them jet boating on the Wairaurahiri river instead. What a brilliant day out. Really exciting jet boating through pure, untouched wilderness and it was magic to get all the way to the ocean. Comfortable spot for lunch at a coastal hiking/hunting lodge. Lovely stroll on the beach and a quick bush walk through some of that magical forest, then back up the river and home. Roffy was great company and a great guide, we felt perfectly safe throughout, he provided decent wet weather gear (mine was brand new). Weather was typical crazy New Zealand, a brief hail storm at one point but plenty of sunshine for some great photos. Dress up warm! We did this in early March and I wore 4 up, 2 down with Roffy’s kit on top plus woolly hat and gloves!

Me and my mate set out with Roffy and a large group that were being dropped off at the Waitutu Lodge. Roffy was great at talking through the sites along the way and then jetting along the river at full speed! Then we dropped the group off at the lodge and had some lunch. After lunch we set off back to the starting jetty at the edge of lake Hauroko. We had a fantastic time with Roffy lots of chat lots of fun. Would highly recommended to anyone interested. Definitely able to do in a day from Invercargill.

We’ve just had a big group trip to and from Waitutu Lodge with Roffy from Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet, and what a legend! It takes a special man to ferry 11 ladies across Lake Hauroko and down the river with a grin the whole way.

Roffy’s a genuine top bloke. Friendly, knowledgeable, and couldn’t have been more helpful. We later found out he’s one of the most experienced jet boat drivers in the area, and it shows. His commentary on the lake, the river, and the history of the area was brilliant, and the scenery through that ancient beech forest is spectacular.

If you’re thinking about it, just do it. Give Roffy a call and take the trip. You’ll love it.

We went to Tuatapere to do the Humpridge Track but the forecast of awful weather only gave us a two day window for what is usually a three day walk. We talked to Paul Roff who came up with the idea of (i) prearranging to leave our car at Rarakau (also called Blue Cliffs) car park the previous night; (ii) the first day coming with his jet boat tour to Waitutu Lodge on the coast and then walking on to Port Craig for the night at the DOC hut; (iii) second day walking back to pick up our car from Rarakau. Great suggestion, Roffy! Aided by Murray Dowling at the Tuatapere Motel where we were staying, it was all set up. The jet boat ride combined very well with the tramp through virgin/regenerating bush and along pristine beaches. Everything worked out a treat although beware DOC’s walk timings which are underestimated. We even saw some rare Hectors dolphins off Port Craig!

We thought Roffy’s jet boat ride was really just a means to an end but it turned out to be an integral part of an enjoyable tramp. His amiable wife Gwen picked us up and took us to Lake Hauroko to join the day trippers. Roffy took us over the lake and then down the Wairaurahiri River, stopping a couple of times to get out to see various things. The wilderness feel added immensely. He gave an interesting explanation on various aspects which made it more than just a thrilling jet boat ride. Nevertheless, I have to say thrilling it was. It didn’t feel commercialised and we had plenty of laughs along the way too. We all felt safe in his hands which allowed us to concentrate on enjoying ourselves. At Waitutu Lodge we had a brew with the rest of the group before heading off on the tramp.

The best jet boat trip ever - An experience not to be missed and excellent value. Crossing Lake Hauroko, journeying the River Wairaurahiri - 27k one way through amazing whitewater rapids to the ocean at the river mouth. Had lunch, and walk through virgin bush across a swing bridge then return by jet boat.

Our host/jet boat operator Roffy was amazing and can’t be faulted.

Book now and don’t miss out on an adventure of a lifetime

We were looking for an experience to add to our book of memories. We certainly found one here. Thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling Jet Boat ride down the longest waterfall in New Zealand.Lake Hauroko was so calm you could see reflections in it. The trip down the Wairaurahiri River gives ample opportunity to view the beautiful unspoiled forest and the various stops along the way provide for bird watching, occasional fish spotting and photo opportunities. Lunch at Waitutu Lodge, beach walks, bush walks, swing bridge, unique scenery, awesome! The return journey up the grade 3 rapids has to be the most exhilarating and picturesque jet boat journey in New Zealand. At 83km return the 5-6 hour journey on Humpridge Jet is excellent value for money. Great stories - great company, excellent host. We’ll be back! Thanks heaps Roffy!

Our work Social Club had an amazing day jet boating Lake Hauroko and the Wairurahiri River, and were treated to top notch bbq lunch at Waitutu Lodge ! Thanks for a brilliant day Roffy - we are still talking about what a fun day we all had !!

My Dad and I experienced an unforgettable jet boat ride from Wairaurahiri Hut to Lake Hauroko (and then an added drop off to Raukura Car Park), thanks to Paul and Dave. Despite an unexpected cancellation leaving just the two of us, they didn’t hesitate to provide the service. Their dedication to ensuring we had an epic journey, despite the economic implications for them, speaks volumes of their commitment to customer satisfaction. Highly recommend for an awesome adventure in the area.

Had a fabulous day with Roffy up the Wairurahiri River which is very exciting with all the rapids not to mention the beautiful bush. We could tell as soon as we started our journey that we were in very safe hands and that was more than evident as we started our journey to the south coast. Roffy was extremely knowledgeable about the area with 30 plus years experience on the river.

Definitely a trip everyone should book.

My husband organised a 40th birthday surprise of a lifetime. I left Dunedin not knowing where I was going. On Friday morning we arrived at Lake Hauroko and I got the biggest surprise to see 5 of my friends standing on the lakeshore (all organised by my lovely hubby). Paul Roff then arrived to take us on a breathtaking and exhilarating trip across the Lake and down the Wairaurahiri River to Waitutu Lodge. At the Lodge we met Tony, the resident Warden, who welcomed us and settled us in. We had an awesome walk through beautiful bush on Saturday to Percy Burn Viaduct and back. We drank champagne in the evening and ate white bait fritters in the morning - so decadent! Paul Roff arrived on Sunday morning to take us back up the River. On the way back we were lucky enough to see a deer. It was the most awesome weekend and too amazing to put into words. I highly recommend this trip and Paul Roff of Humpridge Jet Wairaurahiri Adventures.

Fantastic, exhilarating trip with Roffy and his brother.

The highlight of our two day hiking trip that’s for sure.

Roffy is an expert driver and we all felt very safe. Cos the river was very high.

We were all grinning from ear to ear on this awesome 50 minute ride.

We had a party of nine, 3 kids and 6 adults. And there was a lot of cheering when we did sharp turns and hit some rapids. The 360 spin was just the icing on the cake at the end and we all loved it.

We want to do it again and will.

Thanks so much

We drove from Invercargill to Lake Hauroko where we met Paul Roff on the speed boat. We then travelled across the lake and down the Wairaurahiri river to the south coast of New Zealand. Everyone in our group of 4 from age 10 to 50+ found the trip thrilling dodging rocks & branches as well as informative.The youngest thought it was better than many of the rides at Disneyland while I thought (from my seat in the middle of the boat) it was just the right mixture of exhileration while still feeling safe.Would recommend taking up the option of a barbecue lunch at the lodge - simple, amply catered & tasty that combined with a walk on the beach then through beautiful NZ forest finished off with a trip across the river via a swing bridge was the right way to break the trip. Highly recommended excursion easily achievable from Te Anau or as we did as part of a south coast driving holiday.

Had the pleasure of a day trip with Roffy for our staff Christmas party. We all really enjoyed the trip from kids age 6 to big kids over 40. Great boat, great driver, great food and visit to a wild and remote corner of the National Park. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of booking this trip.

This is a full day trip in a jet boat, starting across the deepest lake in New Zealand then 27km down the Wairaurahiri River to the ocean and back. The river drops 200m to the ocean and includes grade 3 rapids. This is run by a small, local, but professional company. Paul, our driver/ guide has been in the area for many years and extremely knowledgeable about the native flora, fauna and history of the area. He also had a great sense of humour and made our day one of the most enjoyable experiences of our trip. The lake and river itself was magnificent, being well away from the main tourist route and allowed us to experience the true wilderness of the area. Except for the caretaker at the Waitutu Lodge, our lunch destination, we did not see another person, boat or vehicle during the entire trip. The tour caters for small groups which was great as we were able to enjoy the day with just four of us. It also allows for a number of optional stops and short walks along the way, into the forest and onto the beach. You don’t need any special equipment other than warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Waterproof pants are provided. All four in our group were very much impressed with everything to do with this tour and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit special and a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger tourist attractions.

Fantastic day out yesterday. Great helicopter ride into the Waitutu Hut. Roffy cooked a gormet bbq lunch with all the trimmings. Then ....... the best adventure of all the JETBOAT ride. Thrill seeking and exhilarating with the most beautiful views. Thanks Roffy it was certainly a day ill never forget.Cheers!

This trip was on Dad’s bucket list and did not disappoint!

Roffy is a great operator, lots of knowledge, fun day right from the time we met him at the Jetty. Super easy to deal with, arranging our trip from Australia. Super flexible so we got the best weather window. A great day out enjoyed by all - teens & grandparents.

Scenery was stunning, river and lake trip exhilarating and the food was AMAZING! Best venison we’ve had!

Roffy thanks for helping complete one off the bucket list hard to explain my emotions being back on the river after 34 years the video footage i took is already in Africa, there no other river in new zealand that campares to the mighty Wairurahiri River it runs a close second to the mighty Zambize lol had to get plug in for that.

Thanks for all your assistance in helping make this a very special day the BBQ topped off cheers mate Robert (cocky ) Watson

Great day out accross the stunning Lake Hauroko, then blasting down the Wairaurahiri River with our wonderful Jet Boat Driver Roffy! The water is stunningly clear, the virgin bush pristine, and Roffy’s talent on the BBQ meant that the walks afterwards were well needed! Would thoroughly recommend to everyone, as this is a beautiful part of the South to see, and the best way to go is by Jet Boat! Roffy is a friendly knowledgable guide, with only our best interests at heart!