Established Eco Jet-Boat Tour Operator West Coast

Established Eco Jet-Boat Tour Operator in New Zealand’s Pristine West Coast Wilderness – Waiatoto River Safaris

An exceptional opportunity presents itself to acquire a well-regarded, established ecotourism business operating in one of New Zealand’s most dramatic wilderness regions. The company specialises in guided jet-boat safaris through the remote Waiatoto River, taking guests from the ocean inland into alpine terrain within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Area).

The business has built a strong brand for offering premium nature-based experiences of high quality, all underpinned by sustainability and community connection. With great potential for growth and diversification, this is a rare listing in the tourism sector.

• Recognised and rated as one of New Zealand’s top boat tours (via major travel review platforms)
• Strong eco-credentials: holds the Qualmark Silver (environmental) rating; adheres to the Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s sustainability commitment; signed the Tiaki Promise.
• The business narrative emphasises community contribution and environmental stewardship — a growing trend among travellers seeking responsible tourism experiences.
• Located in a region (West Coast, NZ) with strong inbound tourism appeal, especially for nature travelers wanting “off-the-beaten-track” experiences.

This business offers a unique proposition: It is the only jet-boat tour in New Zealand that goes “from the Ocean to the Alps” within a UNESCO World Heritage area.

• Highly personalised guest experience: small group sizes, tailored guiding, strong narrative and environmental context.
• With a resilient business model with built-in appeal across seasons (rain adds to the scenery) and minimal dependence on high adrenaline thrills (so broader market appeal).
• Strong reputation, positive reviews and premium positioning mean pricing power and differentiation in a competitive tourism market.

Business Highlights & Growth Potential

• Established operations with proven track-record, infrastructure (boat, guides, booking system) and a strong customer recommendation base.
• All-weather capability means fewer cancellations and more reliable scheduling.
• Growth avenues: extending tour offering (e.g. photography-specialist tours, winter/fall low-season packages, partnering with accommodation providers), upselling premium/private group tours, expanding marketing partnerships internationally, adding multi-day or combined-activity packages (e.g. kayaking, walking/hiking segments).
• Potential to further leverage digital channels, social media storytelling, and sustainable/eco-niche marketing to capture higher‐yield demographics.

Location

Situated at 1975 Haast-Jackson Bay Road, Hannahs Clearing, Haast, West Coast, New Zealand. The tour journey: over 2 hours of jet-boat travel deep into remote river valleys, rainforest and mountain landscapes — terrain that would otherwise take days to access by foot.

• Family-owned and operated, offering nature-tour experiences (rather than high-thrill rides) — making it well suited for all ages and mobility levels (including wheelchair access).
• The boat has a removable roof enabling all-weather departures — meaning the business is less vulnerable to weather cancellations than many outdoor tours.
• Very low minimum passenger threshold: tours run with as few as 2 guests which increases flexibility and reduces dependency on large bookings.

This is an opportunity to acquire the full Waiatoto River Safaris operation or selected components. The offering includes both the river-based tour assets and the Haast–Jackson Bay Road operational base. Available as two separate packages or together as a complete

Option A – River Operations Package
Includes all river-based operational assets and infrastructure essential to running the jet-boat tours.

• All required consents and permissions for operation.
• Jetty and river access facilities.
• Boats, trailers, and associated equipment.
• Departure base building located at the river, complete with guest toilet and covered waiting area.

This option delivers a ready-to-operate tourism experience on the Waiatoto River — ideal for an operator looking to integrate into an existing tourism portfolio or expand adventure offerings.

Option B – Land & Infrastructure Package
Located a few kilometres before the river departure point, is a large property with freehold title is located on the main Haast–Jackson Bay Road.

• Main dwelling/home with attached check-in office and guest toilet facilities.
• Dedicated hospitality deck and BBQ area for group functions.
• Substantial infrastructure including large storage sheds, secure yard areas for boats, trailers, tractors, and fuel, plus a designated wash-down and maintenance zone.

This property serves as the operational and logistical hub for the business, with ample space for storage, maintenance, and guest reception.

Combined Purchase Opportunity
Both packages can be purchased separately or together as a complete turnkey operation, providing both the river-based tour infrastructure and the land-based headquarters. Together, they form a comprehensive eco-tourism enterprise with strong foundations, scalable capacity, and strategic positioning on the Haast–Jackson Bay route.

What’s included:

• Turnkey operation: boat(s) and equipment, booking/management systems, established website and digital presence, reputation and customer reviews.
• Fully documented operational processes, marketing assets and brand identity.
• Optionally (depending on negotiation) lease or transfer of site access/embarkation facilities.
• Clear sustainability credentials which act as a competitive advantage.

This business would suit an owner-operator passionate about nature, sustainability and high-quality tourism, or an existing tourism company seeking to add a premium niche offering in NZ’s West Coast region. Full training and transition support will be provided to ensure smooth hand-over and continuity of service quality.

This is most spectacular wilderness settings — built around small-group, environmentally responsible jet-boat safaris that deliver unforgettable experiences. With strong foundations, excellent reputation and clear growth potential, this business is ready for the next owner to take it to new heights.

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact specialist Accommodation Business Broker Adrian Chisholm today on 021 727 888 or email adrian@tourismproperties.com