Plan Your Jet Boat Trip to Lake Hauroko

All year round. We keep an eye on river levels and the weather and will always tell you if conditions mean a change of plan.

Departure times are flexible. We arrange a time with you when you book, around your travel plans and the best weather window.

Most trips leave from the Lake Hauroko jetty at the end of Lillburn Valley Road, about 45 minutes’ drive from Tuatapere. We also pick up and drop off at Teal Bay Hut, Waitutu Lodge and the Rarakau Lodge car park, and can collect you from Tuatapere.

Allow about 45 minutes from Tuatapere, 1¾ hours from Invercargill or Te Anau, and around 3 hours from Queenstown. Times are approximate, so leave a little extra. See our maps & directions.

Yes, families love it, and kids of all ages enjoy the rapids and the 360-degree spins. Children under 12 are half price on the Full Day trip. For safety we advise against bringing children under 4.

Jet boating on grade 3 whitewater is bumpy. We advise against the trip for people with back complaints, pregnant women and children under 4. If you’re unsure, give Roffy a call before booking.

Warm clothes (including gloves and a hat), wet weather gear, sturdy shoes or walking boots, sunglasses and a camera. We provide lifejackets, safety and survival gear, and wet weather coats and pants if you need them.

Jet boating can throw up some spray, so we supply wet weather coats and pants. Dressing in warm layers makes the day much more comfortable.

Paul “Roffy” Roff has been jet boating the Wairaurahiri for over three decades with a 100% safety record. Every trip starts with a safety briefing, and all safety gear is supplied.

Ask about adding a BBQ lunch at Waitutu Lodge on the South Coast day trips. Guests rave about Roffy’s barbecued venison.

Safety comes first. If weather or river conditions aren’t right we’ll move your trip or cancel, and deposits are refunded if we cancel or the trip can’t go ahead because of the weather.

Book by phone (027 672 4222) or through the enquiry form. A 10–20% deposit may be needed to confirm, and it comes off your final payment. Cancellations by the client within 36 hours of departure require full payment.