The Siberia Experience

^{Photo: The Siberia Experience}

The Siberia Experience is one of those “only in New Zealand” kind of adventures. It’s a half-day trip that combines a scenic flight, a peaceful hike, and a wild jet boat ride—all in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the South Island.

It starts with a small plane flight out of Makarora. You’ll soar over snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and valleys that look like something out of a movie.

The views are next-level, and before you know it, the pilot lands you right in the middle of the Siberia Valley—no roads, no crowds, just you and nature.

From there, you’ll start a self-guided hike. The trail winds through native forest and alpine meadows, and it’s quiet, peaceful, and stunning the whole way. You’ll end up down by the Wilkin River, where things start to pick up speed.

That’s where the jet boat comes in. A guide swoops in and takes you on a high-speed ride down the river, twisting and turning through crystal-clear water with the mountains rising up all around. It’s the perfect adrenaline-pumping finish to the day.

Explore more:

• Siberia Experience (website)

• The Day I Went on the Siberia Experience (video)