Helicopter and wilderness in one straight shot. Heli Siberia is a 5-hour Wānaka adventure that strings together a short, scenic helicopter flight with a remote Siberia Valley hike and a fast jet boat finale on the Wilkin River. I like that this isn’t just one activity stretched out. It’s three different ways to experience the same wild corner of South Island.

My favorite part is the mix: the helicopter gives you quick scale over the Wilkin and Makarora river braids, then the day slows down for a self-guided alpine walk. The other big win is ending with an adrenaline ride through native beech forest and river valleys on a jet boat with Wilkin River Jets. The main consideration is weather: the flight can be postponed or cancelled, so your exact time may shift.

Key highlights

• 15-minute helicopter flight over the Wilkin and Makarora rivers, plus Mount Aspiring National Park views
• 3-hour self-guided hike starting from one of New Zealand’s great walk routes
• Lake Crucible and Siberia Valley seen from above, with that remote, high-alpine feeling
• 30-minute jet boat ride with Wilkin River Jets through native beech forest and river valleys
• A full day that’s fast-moving but not rushed: fly, hike, then go full speed

Heli Siberia in Wānaka: one day, three ways to hit the Southern Alps

This is the kind of tour that makes sense if you want maximum New Zealand wilderness without spending days on logistics. In one morning-style block, you get big-air views from above, feet-on-ground time in an alpine valley, and then the noise, spray, and speed of a jet boat.

What you’ll like most is how the day is built like a story. The helicopter is your orientation tool. It shows you where the rivers run, how the terrain folds, and why places like the Siberia Valley feel so remote. Then the hike turns that same scenery into something you can walk through—still remote, still wild, just slower and more personal. Finally, the jet boat flips the mood: you trade altitude for momentum and get a close-up ride through native beech forest and river valleys.

One thing to keep your expectations grounded: this is not a long, leisurely trek day. It’s a timed experience (5 hours total) with a moderate hike, so you’ll want to show up prepared and ready to move.

How the day flows: Backcountry Helicopters to Wilkin River Jets

Your adventure starts with Backcountry Helicopters at the meeting point, paired with the Wilkin River Jets office (so you’re not bouncing around the region all day). The itinerary is built around three active segments: a helicopter flight, a hike, and a jet boat ride. There’s also a short on-foot transfer (about 5 minutes) between parts of the plan.

A big practical advantage here is the structure. You’re not trying to figure out timing between separate providers. You’re also not guessing what happens next, which matters when you’re dealing with mountain conditions and changing light.

There’s a live English-speaking guide involved in the overall tour. The hike, though, is self-guided for about 3 hours. That means you get the benefit of being dropped into a spectacular place, but you’re also responsible for following the route and pacing yourself. If you’re the type who likes planning, this can feel empowering rather than limiting.

Also note a simple but important comfort detail: the tour duration is short, but the environment is still alpine. You’ll want warm clothing even if Wānaka itself feels mild when you leave.

15-minute helicopter flight over braided rivers and Mount Aspiring National Park

This is the quick jolt of awe at the start. You’ll spend about 15 minutes in the air, flying over the braided Wilkin and Makarora rivers. You’ll also get views of Mount Aspiring National Park, plus standout scenery tied to Lake Crucible and the Siberia Valley.

Why that matters for you: helicopter time is the only part of the day that gives you a full “big picture” view in minutes. Rivers that look like lines from the ground become a pattern—braids splitting and rejoining, carving routes through the valley. In a place like this, scale is everything. Seeing it from above helps your later hike feel more connected and less like you’re wandering in foggy uncertainty.

What to watch for during the flight:

• The way the rivers split and braid (that’s the landscape’s signature)
• Any clear sightlines to Mount Aspiring National Park ridgelines
• The contrast between darker valley floors and bright, high areas

A practical tip: bring your camera, but also spend a bit of time just looking. It’s easy to shoot everything and forget that you’re seeing the Southern Alps from an angle you can’t replicate from the trail.

Siberia Valley hike: 3 hours on a remote alpine route

After the helicopter, you land at the start of one of New Zealand’s great walks. Then you’re on a self-guided hike for about 3 hours through the Siberia Valley.

This part of the experience is all about immersion in the real terrain you just flew over. The route is remote, and the scenery is alpine. The day doesn’t hand you a running commentary every minute; instead, it gives you time to notice what changes when you’re on foot—how the valley opens, how weather shifts across slopes, and how the silence in a wilderness setting feels different from roadside viewpoints.

Self-guided is a plus if you like flexibility. You can set your pace and stop when something catches your eye—without waiting for a group rhythm. It’s also a consideration: you’ll need to pay attention to where you’re going during those 3 hours. If you’re prone to wandering off-track, this may not be the best fit unless you’re comfortable following route guidance closely.

Since it’s moderate physical activity, plan on a workout, not a stroll. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring water and snacks, and dress for cold. Warm clothing is specifically called out for a reason—mountain weather can switch quickly, even when the forecast feels friendly.

Lake Crucible and the Siberia Valley from above: making the scenery click

A lot of tours show you scenery. This one helps you understand it.

From the air, you’ll see Lake Crucible and the Siberia Valley from above. That matters because you’ll be walking in the same general world afterward. When you come down from the helicopter, you’re not starting from scratch. You’ve already seen how the valley sits, where the major water shapes the land, and what “remote” looks like in three dimensions.

For you as a hiker, that’s the difference between snapping photos and actually appreciating the landscape. You’ll likely find it easier to spot the valley geometry—where slopes climb, where the flat spaces begin, and how the rivers carve their corridors.

For anyone who gets nervous in wilderness settings, this visual “preview” can also be calming. You’re not guessing the shape of the place. You’ve already mapped it from above.

The jet boat finale on the Wilkin River with Wilkin River Jets

Then the day turns loud and fast. You finish with a 30-minute jet boat ride with Wilkin River Jets.

This ride isn’t just about speed for its own sake. The route takes you through native beech forest and along river valleys with ice-capped mountains in view. That mix is what makes the experience feel like a full wilderness sweep: greenery up close, rugged mountains ahead, and the sensation of being carried through the valley rather than walking it.

Why this works as a finale: after the helicopter and the hike, jet boating feels like a release valve. You’ve earned it. You also get a different “lens” on the landscape. On foot, you notice detail: footing, small changes in wind, how sound carries. On the boat, you feel the movement—how the river shifts and how the valley rhythm plays out at speed.

What to expect in practice:

• About half an hour on the water
• A ride through native beech forest and river valleys
• Views that keep the mountains part of the story

For comfort, dress warm enough for an on-water experience. Even if the air is pleasant earlier in the day, it can cool off quickly once you’re moving.

Price and value: what $415 buys you in real terms

At $415 per person for a 5-hour day, this isn’t a budget activity. You’re paying for the helicopter component most of all. Helicopter time is expensive because it’s time in the air, plus the flying logistics that keep it safe in mountain weather.

Here’s how I think about the value for you:

• You’re getting three major components in one packed day: helicopter, hike, and jet boat
• You’re not spending extra time coordinating between separate providers
• You get both aerial perspective and close-up wilderness access

The other value angle is that the day is designed for maximum payoff. The helicopter flight is short, but it’s intentionally short, so you can still have a full hiking window and then finish with jet boat momentum. If you tried to recreate this yourself, you’d likely spend a lot of time planning and still need to pay for the same types of transport.

What can affect value for you: weather. If conditions require rescheduling, your day may shift. That’s not something a tour provider controls, so it’s better to book with a little flexibility if you can.

What to pack for a warm hike and a cold mountain ride

Bring what the tour calls for, and you’ll feel prepared instead of underdressed.

Pack list highlights:

• Warm clothing
• Hiking shoes
• Water and snacks for the hike
• Camera (you’ll want it for both flight and boat)
• Sunscreen (alpine sun can be sneaky)
• A practical snack strategy, since meals aren’t included

Also keep it simple. You’re moving through different environments—air, trail, and water—so layers help. If you’re relying on a heavy coat only, you might overheat on the hike. If you dress too light, the helicopter and boat can feel colder.

One more thing: don’t smoke, and don’t litter. It sounds obvious, but in remote places it matters more.

Who this adventure suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want a wilderness day that feels dramatic. It’s for people who like:

• Scenic flights and big landscape viewpoints
• A moderate hike without spending all day on the trail
• Adrenaline at the end via jet boating

It’s also a good match if you like self-guided time. You’ll have about 3 hours walking on your own, which lets you set your pace and stop for photos without constant group management.

Consider thinking twice if:

• You don’t handle cold or exposed mountain conditions well
• You’re not comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity
• You need guaranteed fixed timing regardless of weather

The moderate activity note is your clue: this isn’t a flat stroll, even though it’s only about 3 hours.

Should you book Heli Siberia?

If you want one day in Wānaka that hits the Southern Alps from three angles—air, trail, and water—this is an easy yes. It’s structured for payoff, with a helicopter flight that gives you context for the hike, and a jet boat ride that ends the day with a rush.

Book it if your ideal day looks like this: you like spectacular views, you can handle a hike that’s more than easy walking, and you’re excited to finish with a high-speed river ride.

Hold off if your schedule is tight and you can’t handle the possibility that weather could delay or postpone the flight. Since your helicopter time is the centerpiece, conditions matter.

If you can bring warm layers, sturdy shoes, water, and snacks, you’ll set yourself up for a strong day out in real alpine country.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter flight?

The helicopter flight is about 15 minutes.

Is the hike guided?

The hike is self-guided for about 3 hours.

How long is the jet boat ride?

The jet boat ride is about 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Included are the 15-minute helicopter ride, the 3-hour self-guided hike, and the 30-minute jet boat ride.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, hiking shoes, a camera, sunscreen, water, and snacks.

What if weather affects the flight?

Even with a confirmed booking, the flight may need to be cancelled or postponed due to weather. The flight is confirmed by the team within 24 hours of your booking.

Is smoking allowed during the tour?

No, smoking is not allowed.

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