Water activity

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

Activity provider: KJet
Water activity

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

Activity provider: KJet

From US$ 80.26 per person

Take an exhilarating 1-hour Jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and head down the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. Get an adrenaline rush as you take 360° spins and travel at high speed through the river.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Embark on a thrilling high speed Jet boat ride with 360-degree spins
  • Speed across Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau rivers
  • Benefit from a convenient departure point in the heart of Queenstown
  • Enjoy a perfect all-weather activity with heated handrails
  • Experience an adrenaline rush on a Kiwi owned and operated Jet boat
Full description
Get an adrenaline rush on a 1-hour jet boat ride, operated by the world’s first commercial jet boat company. Take in stunning views of the Remarkable Mountains and journey up 2 of the South Island’s most iconic rivers.  Depart from the heart of Queenstown, and climb aboard the big yellow jet boat at the Main Town Pier. Hold on tight as you accelerate across the water and feel the exhilaration of a high-powered twin-engine boat that powers across Lake Wakatipu. Experience the twists and spins as you enter the Kawarau River and race past rocks and under bridges at speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour.  Grip the heated handrails and experience 360° spins while you speed up the shallow channels of the Shotover River. After 45 kilometers of pure adrenaline, return to the pier and see photos and videos from your trip.
Includes
  • 1-hour Jet boat ride
  • Safety briefing
  • Photo and video opportunities
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 2 years
    • Pregnant women

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Board the boat at Main Town Pier, Marine Parade, Queenstown.

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Camera
    • Sunscreen
    • Gloves
    • Weather-appropriate clothing
    • Goggles

    Not allowed

    • Luggage or large bags

    Know before you go

    • The jet boats rides operate rain or shine, 365 days a year
    • Stay warm during the winter months with heated handrails
    • You are welcome to bring your own camera or GoPro. Be sure to hold it tight
    • There are no height restrictions
    • The minimum age is 2 years old, but children must be able to fit into the smallest life jacket
    • Dress for the weather conditions, and remember that you will be travelling at high speeds
    • There is no weight restriction to ride but you must be able to fit into one of the life jackets, with a maximum size of 4XL
    • Pickup can be arranged from Frankton Marina and various lakefront hotels with prior arrangement (subject to availability)
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.7 /5

    based on 282 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.9/5
    • Transportation
      4.9/5
    • Service
      4.4/5
    • Organization
      4.4/5

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    Star rating:

    Sitting in the middle of the boat probably reduced the excitement of the experience as I was unable to see much. The water was very low, so no canyons or rapids, but the driver was entertaining, we got a full hour, and the on-shore staff were friendly and efficient.

    March 23, 2023

    The ride was very well organised from start to finish. The team worked together very well to get us checked in and give us our life jackets. Our guide was welcoming, warm and funny. He made sure everyone was comfortable before we left. The actual ride was a real thrill shooting down the river at high speed, we laughed and screamed in equal measure! Overall I'd highly recommend this experience when in Queenstown.

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    March 23, 2023

    I highly recommend KJet for the thrilling ride of your life! You get excitement, beautiful scenery, and the staff there are excellent. You even get to download video and photo's of your experience after your trip is over. 10 out of 10 KJet! I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful ride!

    March 23, 2023

    Product ID: 61222