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Heli Siberia Wilderness Adventure

A must-do activity in New Zealand!

Heli Siberia

If you are looking for a must-do activity in New Zealand, this is it!

Begin your adventure with an exciting 15-minute helicopter experience, taking in elevated views of the clear, braided Wilkin and Makarora rivers towards the majestic Mount Aspiring National Park.

With your pilot providing informative commentary along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Crucible Lake and the iconic Siberia Valley.
From there, land at the beginning of the track and enjoy a 3-hour self-guided, well-marked hike, immersing yourself in New Zealand’s remote alpine environment.

Finish your trip with Wilkin River Jets for a thrilling 30-minute jet boat ride amidst native beech forest, pristine river valleys, and rugged ice-capped mountains, while learning about the history and geology of the area from your local and experienced driver.

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 Duration: 4 hours approx.

Energy Level: Low+

Ages: All ages

Min Booking: 2 People

Heli Siberia Max

One of the best wilderness experiences available – “Gotta do it!”

Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park and enjoy spectacular views with an alpine landing before tracking deeper into the valley for a close encounter with the Mt. Pollux Glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and remote alpine lakes. 

Cruise over the tops of the Southern Alps to land in the remote Siberia Valley.
Land at the beginning of the track and stretch your legs on a 3-hour self-guided, well-marked hike, immersing yourself in New Zealand’s remote alpine environment.

Rendezvous with Wilkin River Jets at Kerin Forks for a thrilling 30-minute jet boat ride, skimming along just inches of water on not one but two rivers, the Wilkin and the mighty Makarora, while learning about the history and geology of our stunning region with informative and entertaining commentary from our experienced drivers.

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 Duration: 5 hours approx.

Energy Level: Low+

Ages: All ages

Min Booking: 2 People

What our customers say

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Gert Coetzee
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Highlight of our New Zealand trip. Highly recommend the Siberia Max trip. The helicopter flight and landing on top of one of the nearby mountains were a highlight I will remember for very long. Then followed by a lovely hike and Jetboat ride back. Just so much beauty and fun packed into 5 hour excursion. The team was also very friendly and professional. Special shout out to Chris, our helicopter pilot!
Hans Wagenknecht
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It was one of our highlights of our 4 weeks tour through NZ. The helicopter flight is awesome. The best part, however, begins when the helicopter flys back and you hear nothing but untouched nature...
Brianna Seaberg
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Highly recommend booking the Heli Siberia Max tour with them! We had an incredible day, starting with the helicopter ride that showed us amazing mountain peaks and lakes from above. The wilderness hike where the helicopter also dropped us off was one of my favorite hikes during my entire trip to New Zealand. Lastly, the jet boat experience with Wilkin River Jets was awesome and thrilling. Backcountry Helicopters is the BEST experience you can book to really explore Mount Aspiring National Park! 10/10 recommend!
Martin Mudry
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We had such a great experience. We took a helicopter from Makarora to Siberia Valley, and then we had a nice walk to Wilkin Valley, where we were picked up by the jet boat that took us back to Makarora. Thanks to the pilot, we had an excellent guided flight over the backcountry, spotting a few chamois and making the experience even more memorable. Thank you Backcountry Helicopters.
Fran Heald
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Absolutely amazing trip. Helicopter flight was incredible, with fantastic pilot Henry. Walk is amazing with so many photo opportunities. The jet boat is the cream on the cake. Great driver with lots of information. Totally recommended.Thanks to the pilot, we had an excellent guided flight over the backcountry, spotting a few chamois and making the experience even more memorable. Thank you Backcountry Helicopters.
Charles Nee
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Terrific flight, magnificent view, excellent pilot, the experience you will never forget!
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Backcountry Helicopters Siberia Experience

Heli Jet Combo

Short on time? Skip the hike with our Fly/Jet Boat Heli Combo. 

Begin your adventure with an exciting 15-minute helicopter experience, taking in elevated views of the clear, braided Wilkin and Makarora rivers towards the majestic Mount Aspiring National Park.

Following your scenic flight we will drop you to Kerin Forks for a thrilling and informative river jet ride on two wilderness rivers, back to base. Perfect for all fitness levels and ages.

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Heli Max Jet Combo

Short on time? Skip the hike with our Fly/Jet Boat Heli Max Combo. 

Embark on an epic 25-minute helicopter flight into the impressive Mount Aspiring National Park and enjoy spectacular views with an alpine landing before tracking deeper into the valley for a close encounter with the Mt. Pollux Glaciers.

Following your scenic flight we will drop you to Kerin Forks for a thrilling and informative river jet ride through the icy blue waters of the Wilkin and Makarora rivers back to base.

Heli Siberia Hike Info

Welcome to your ultimate New Zealand outdoor adventure. A day to experience the unique beauty and ruggedness of the Mt Aspiring National Park and the Siberia Valley.

This beautiful unguided freedom walk in the Mt Aspiring National Park takes you from the Siberia Valley into the Wilkin Valley.

FAQs

Have a question about any of our Heli Siberia Wilderness Adventures or want to know more about the hike, Siberia Valley or the National Park? Please read over our frequently asked questions below.

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What to expect

The Heli Siberia hike is 7km total from where you will be dropped by the helicopter to where you will meet the jet boat. The track is well maintained as an unguided freedom track.

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Duration

The total duration of the Heli Siberia experience is approx. 5hrs for the whole adventure. The helicopter experience is around 30 minutes and the hike is 7km which normally takes walkers around 3-4hrs to complete.

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Fitness Level

The Heli Siberia is designed for individuals with moderate fitness levels and higher. The unguided walk spans 7km in total on a well-marked track. While there is a 2.5km uphill stretch, the remainder of the route descends and follows the picturesque Wilkin Valley and along the valley floor.

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Safety

The track is an unguided hike on a well-maintained alpine DOC track. This is a remote adventure in the New Zealand wilderness so hikers need to ensure they are prepared for changing conditions. 

About the Heli Siberia Wilderness Adventure

Step off of your helicopter and plant your feet onto the valley floor, where you’ll experience the untamed force of nature in the stunning Siberia Valley. Landing on the track side of the river, after a short briefing by your pilot, you will bid farewell, leaving you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the surroundings and enjoy the peace and hum of Mother Nature.

You’ll begin your walk by heading south through native beech forest, taking in the impressive canopy overhead and bush around you that New Zealand is renowned for. As you ascend out of Siberia Valley to the track’s highest point, you’ll be greeted by the immense solitude of a remote alpine environment.

From here, the path descends into Wilkin Valley. Here, you’ll meander along the grassy stretch of valley, following the crystal river with majestic mountain peaks all around. 

Towards the end of your journey, you’ll encounter a sign signaling a 20-minute walk to where the jet boat will pick you up. Once you have reached the designated meeting point along the braided Wilkin River, you’ll board the jet boat, ready for the final leg of your adventure. 

Hop aboard and enjoy the thrilling journey back to base, surrounded by native beech forest, pristine river valleys, and majestic ice-capped mountains. 

Race through the historic river valleys and snow-capped peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Site. Experience the pinnacle of shallow-water jet boating, gliding mere inches above the riverbed on the powerful Wilkin and Makarora Rivers.

Your knowledgeable local guide will share insights into the area’s history and geology along the way back to base.