Wilkin River Jets

01/05/2024

We have wrapped up the summer of 23-24 and now off the river for the winter. On behalf of all our crew here in Makarora we would like to thank our suppliers, clients, friends and family that have contributed to a fantastic summer.

We would also like an extra shout out to our staff that have made this season with the jet boats run as well as they did. We appreciate the professionalism, skill and extra mile you all went to for us, our customers and each other. What a team!

Over the winter we make scheduled maintenance upgrades, process bookings, marketing plans and contracts ready for the next season. Our emails are regularly checked so get in touch if you have any enquiries.

We wish everyone well with their winter adventures and look forward to the 2024 - 2025 summer!

19/01/2024

That’s not the lake - that’s the Makarora River! Over 100mls of rain today and getting heavier! Flow is sitting around 628 cumecs ( normally 25-30 cumecs)
Jet Boat operations are suspended until Sunday. Heli options available in the meantime!!

Our office will be open for enquires 🚤 ☔️

24/12/2023

Thanks to all our lovely clients, agents, local businesses, WRJ and B*H team, our family and friends that have helped and supported our small business. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2024.

10/10/2023

Spring is here!

12/09/2023

We are on the look out for a Frontline Office/ Customer Person - Get in touch if this sounds like you! https://www.seek.co.nz/job/69980746

09/09/2023

Almost there… We are opening 9th October 2023. The countdown is on! We have warmed up the boats for a spot of fishing on the lake in the meantime and we are looking forward to getting the season underway. Check out our day walk Heli-Siberia options, family jetboat rides and access into the Mt Aspiring National Park. Hang up your skis and boards and dust off the hiking boots and sunscreen!

www.wilkinriverjets.co.nz for bookings and enquiries.

27/06/2023

Great job opportunity for someone who is has a strong work ethic, loves people, the outdoors, hiking/tramping or hunting.

27/06/2023

We are on the look out for our next JBD! Love a bit of adrenaline? Need a change of scenery? Want to work in Mt Aspiring National Park? Then share around and get in touch if the below sounds like you!

Great job opportunity for someone who is has a strong work ethic, loves people, the outdoors, hiking/tramping or hunting.

01/05/2023

And just like that, the end of our season is upon us!
Summer has flown by and we are already looking forward to next season. We will begin operating on the 9th October and bookings will go live from early September so keep an eye out!
Thanks again for all our amazing passengers/guests this season who have made this Summer one of the best.
From Danyel, Alec & the team at Wilkin River Jets 🚤

25/04/2023

Taking in the majestic views from the Wilkin River 🗻🚤

12/04/2023

12/04/2023

A big thank you to all our incredible customers who have made this post-COVID season busier than we could have planned for! We couldn't be more grateful for your support and enthusiasm. Here's to many more thrilling rides together!

04/10/2022

We are on the look out for a frontline office person for the summer! If this sounds like you get in touch :)
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/office-administration/other/otago/wanaka/full-time/listing/3798641273
This will dual role between Wilkin River Jets and Backcountry Helicopters N.Z Fun small busy team enviroment with great adventure perks!

Check out the trademe ad or email us direct [email protected]
ATTN: Danyel

14/09/2022

“Come join us NZ “- Backcountry Helicopters / Wilkin River Jets kicking off the season 8 October. Super excited to see you all, if theres only one summer adventure on your bucket list, - No 1 make it this one 🤩

12/09/2022

Backcountry Helicopters N.Z Siberia Wilderness Adventure 8 October 🤩

“Come join us NZ “- Backcountry Helicopters / Wilkin River Jets kicking off the season 8 October. Super excited to see you all, if theres only one summer adventure on your bucket list, - No 1 make it this one 🤩

12/09/2022

Spring is here! Which means we are inching closer to getting on the water for a ripper of a summer. We will be open from ***8th October 2022 ***** and looking forward to getting everyone out and about! We have updated our website now with this season prices and opened up the booking function so check it out and start planning your summer adventure ☀️ 🚤 🚁 🥾

04/05/2022

And that’s a wrap! We are off the river for the winter. Alec Watson and I (Danyel Watson) are now the official owners of Wilkin River Jets and we would like to thank all you kiwis out there who came on our boats, who used our services to access the Gillespie pass instead of walking and who decided to do an activity with us for their family day out. Thanks to the people that came to visit and got roped in to give us a hand.. (Tauramanui Crew in wetsuits and crowbars moving rocks for us! ) We have had a great summer although with some challenges along the way and we look forward to opening again for the summer season in October.

31/01/2022

We have been making the most of this epic spell of weather and getting people out in the MANP. Some much needed rain arriving in the next two days but the weekend is looking to clear… Yippee! Share some pics of your summer we would love to see them….

23/01/2022

We are open at RED! We are operating and the weather is epic.
Wear your mask, bring your vaccine pass and check in on the Covid App and we are all set.
Make the most of the rest of your summer and plan a little adventure in the Mt Aspiring National Park!

05/12/2021

This is about all we caught in the Makarora Valley Community Fishing Comp. We had a great day out even in the rain! Makarora Valley Community Inc thanks very much for putting on a great event and all who helped make it possible.

02/12/2021

The Covid-19 traffic light protection framework will come into effect on 2/12/21. Wilkin River Jets and Backcountry Helicopters will be open at all levels and following all requirements of the traffic light system.
This means that all clients and staff are legally required to be fully vaccinated. At alert level Green, this will be revised and un-vaccinated customers are able to use our services. Children under 12 years old are exempt. We will be using the My Vaccine Pass to check vaccination status or please print out and have the Cert with you. We do sincerely apologize for the division this may cause but we are committed to keeping our staff, clients and community safe and this is a mandate we will have to follow. Backcountry Helicopters N.Z

13/10/2021

UPDATE: 11am Saturday the 16th October B*H Hangar Makarora

It is with greatest sadness that we inform you of the passing of our friend Hayden Blackburn. Hayden passed away on 10th October. He has been an important and vibrant member of our team for the last 10 years and become a member of our small family. Hayden is dearly missed by his family and friends, partner Charlene, kids Lily and Briar and the Makarora Community and the North Island community of Tauramanui.

Many of you have worked (or been a client with ) Hayden either in the helicopters or the jetboats and have fond memories of a very funny, hardworking, capable person and we extend our heartfelt condolences to those who also feel the loss we do.

A celebration of life for Hayden will be held at our Backcountry Helicopters Hangar Makarora on the 16th October. The time is being finalized and will be in the ODT and on our Wilkin River Jet page.

We would like to thank you for your kind messages and thoughts as we get through this terrible time.
Regards
Wilkin River Jets and Backcountry Helicopters Staff.

14/09/2021

We are hiring again! Get in touch if this sounds like you and please share it to others who you think would make a great member of our team. :)

26/02/2021

A great day in the classroom for the Wilkin River Jets and Backcountry Helicopters crew, engaging in external training with SMS guru Grant Stewart 🤓

24/02/2021

"We had a spectacular trip last Friday. The helicopter ride well exceeded our expectations, both in duration and what we got to see. The walk was beautiful - we were both struggling with hip and leg injuries but managed well. And the jet boat trip was a blast! Thanks Hayden!"

Thanks Murray! We're stoked you loved our Siberia Wilderness Adventure Extended. It's been a fun summer getting Kiwis out and about in our back yard 🚁