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The Siberia Experience Wanaka
Scenic Flights Wanaka with The Siberia Experience
Scenic Flight from Wanaka Siberia Experience
Jet boat ride The Siberia Experience
Fly, Walk, and Jet boat amongst some of New Zealand�s most spectacular, unspoilt scenery.
Wanaka Scenic Adventure
The Siberia Experience
★★★★☆
4.8 / 5 (79)

The Siberia Experience

Experience NZ’s best half-day New Zealand wilderness adventure with Southern Alps Air. Fly, walk, and Jet boat amongst some of New Zealand’s most spectacular, unspoilt scenery. This is the best way to spend a day exploring New Zealand’s remote alpine environment. Natural, pristine, ancient, extraordinary, this is the original Siberia Experience.

From: NZ$590

per person

4 hours

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

Highlights

  • Fly amongst the towering mountains

  • Land on a remote grassy valley strip

  • Walk amongst the UNESCO World Heritage scenery of of Mt Aspiring National Park

  • Jet boat on the clear, pure waters of the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers.

Visit

Full Description

Full Siberia Experience Trip Information

Your trip departs from Makarora, a scenic 45-minute drive north of Wanaka around the shores of Lake Hawea & Wanaka. After checking in with Southern Alps Air (at our desk in the Wonderland Lodge – 5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Road) you will meet your pilot and have a trip briefing before take off.

1. Fly – 25 mins

(Extended Glacier Flight – 50 mins)

You will be flying with Buttercup – our famous yellow plane. She is perfectly suited for mountain flying and loves her job! Every passenger has a window seat to fully appreciate unobstructed views of the UNESCO World Heritage scene...

Meeting Point
Please call us first for bookings of more than 4 people.
 
Siberia Experience departs from Makarora, near Wanaka
 
Information:
 Allow 1 hour to self-drive the 60km from Wanaka, 2 hours from Queenstown, or 2.5 hours from Fox Glacier to the departure point of Makarora West. Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to departure time at our desk inside the Wonderland Makarora Lodge, 5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Rd, Makarora 9382.
Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Our Products/Services

From

NZ$590

per person

4 hours

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

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5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Road, Makarora, New Zealand, 9382
The Siberia Experience

The Siberia Experience

Experience NZ’s best half-day New Zealand wilderness adventure with Southern Alps Air.
Fly, walk, and Jet boat amongst some of New Zealand’s most spectacular, unspoilt scenery. This is the best way to spend a day exploring New Zealand’s remote alpine environment. Natural, pristine, ancient, extraordinary, this is the original Siberia Experience.
Adult: (13 - 110 years)
$590
Child: (3 - 13 years)
$499
Infants Free
4 Hours
Do you want to add any available optional extras?
Extended Siberia Experience

Extended Siberia Experience

Scenic Aeroplane Flight taking in views of Young Valley, Makarora Valley, Mt Dreadful, Lake Crucible, Mt Aspiring, Wonderland, waterfalls, braided river systems and glaciers. Includes additional flight time over the standard Siberia Experience to take you right alongside Mt Aspiring with views of more glaciers including Bonar Glacier - the longest in Mt Aspiring National Park.
Adult: (13 - 110 years)
$620
Child: (3 - 13 years)
$535
Infants Free
(per person)
4 Hours 20 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of aircraft is used for the scenic flight?

The flight is operated using a Cessna 185 Skywagon, affectionately known as "Buttercup", a distinctive yellow plane specifically designed for mountain flying and known for its reliability in rugged terrain. 

Is the walk suitable for beginners?

The walk is unguided, 7 km in length (3 km uphill to the highest point, then downhill and along the Wilkin Valley), and requires moderate fitness. Beginners with moderate fitness should manage well, but steep drop-offs and remote terrain mean caution is advised.

Is the Siberia Experience suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome on the Siberia Experience with Southern Alps Air. The walk is 7km in total and takes around 2.5 – 3 hrs for an adult to complete. Please be aware that there are steep d-r-o-p-offs on the side of the track, and children must be monitored closely. There is also a shallow stream crossing on the walk. Infants and children are welcome on the jet boats, and suitable life jackets are provided.

What level of fitness do I need for the Siberia Experience?

The Siberia Experience is suitable for people with moderate fitness and above. The unguided walk portion of the experience is 7km in total with a shallow stream crossing, and the track is clearly marked. There is an uphill portion (3km), but the rest is downhill and then along the scenic Wilkin Valley. We do recommend hiking footwear, and as you are walking in the back country, you do need to be aware of track hazards or changes in weather.

Is the Siberia Experience walk guided?

No, the track is a freedom Department of Conservation track, and you walk this unguided. However is well marked with orange markers. Your Southern Alps Air pilot will accompany you to the stream crossing at the start of the track and provide a brief on the current track conditions.

Is there a minimum number of travelers required, and what happens if it isn’t met?

Yes, a minimum number of travelers is required. If the minimum isn’t met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.
 

What happens if it rains or the bad weather on that day ?

Poor weather means cancellation or rescheduling, with a full refund offered if conditions are unsafe.
 

When and where should I check in for the tour?

Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to departure at our desk inside the Wonderland Makarora Lodge, 5944 Haast Pass-Makarora Rd, Makarora 9382.
 

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before the activity starts.
 

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