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Shotover River

Shotover River: Our most recommended tours and activities

Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

1. Queenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride

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.

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

2. From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Experience unbeatable value as you are taken on a spectacular guided tour of Skippers Canyon followed by a thrilling jet boat ride through the narrowest canyons on the Shotover River. Begin with a guided drive into historic Skippers Canyon with on board commentary from knowledgeable drivers. You will be escorted into a land rich in gold mining history and stunning scenery via the infamous Skippers Road which was carved out of the vertical rock face by miners over 130 years ago. Once on the boat you will feel your adrenaline surge as you power deeper into Skippers Canyon through the most dramatic canyons on the Shotover River. The highly skilled jet boat drivers maneuver the boat just inches from the sheer canyon walls and keep the excitement levels high with speeds in excess of 80kmh and a series of full 360-degree spins. After the boat ride, head to the historic Pipeline Bungy area for a rest break and incredible views out over the canyon before making the 45min journey back to Queenstown.

Shotover River: Extreme Jet Boat Experience

3. Shotover River: Extreme Jet Boat Experience

Take on the ultimate jet boat experience on the Shotover River for a breathtaking ride through dramatic and narrow canyons, located less than a 10-minutes drive from Queenstown. A short drive from Queenstown will have you at the shores of the Shotover River. Meet your experienced guide and gear up for your high-speed jet boat ride. Hold on tight as the driver expertly navigates the jet boat over white-water rapids and squeezes through the narrow walls of the Shotover Canyon. Speed past rocky outcrops, skim around boulders, and zip through the dramatic and narrow canyons as its walls tower above you. After 25 thrilling minutes, return to the jet base and relax on the shuttle transfer back to Queenstown.

From Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

4. From Queenstown: Shotover River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Start the tour with a fun drive to the rafting take-off point via Skippers Canyon. The 4x4 drive is an experience in itself; the narrow dirt road hugs the canyon's sheer cliffs and offers spectacular views over the river you'll soon be soaring down. At the rafting base, get fitted in all your gear and listen to a full safety briefing.  Begin your whitewater rafting adventure from Deep Creek. Cruise over peaceful waters before heading towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. Feel the adrenaline pumping as you paddle through the rapids and into the darkness of the historic, 550-foot Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting over Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.

Queenstown: Progressive Dinner and Wine Tour at 3 Locations

5. Queenstown: Progressive Dinner and Wine Tour at 3 Locations

Experience the very best of Queenstown’s renowned wineries and restaurants by night on the region’s first progressive dinner tour. We take you on a social night out to meet new friends with amazing local wines and stunning food. Start your evening with a scenic drive to Arthurs Point to enjoy an entrée and an award winning gin/vodka tasting flight. Take a drive through the valley of the vines for a stunning main paired with local Central Otago wines in the Gibbston Valley wine region. Wrap up your night with a decadent dessert in the heart of Queenstown paired with an after-dinner digestif, cocktail or wine with views to the lake.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Shotover River

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What people are saying about Shotover River

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 513 reviews

Great fun. Expect a bit of water in your face or on clothing. A spare shirt in the backpack may be a good idea. Stunning gorge worth the journey. Heated grab rails in the boat were a nice touch.

Great for all ages and thrilling enough to suit all levels of braveness! Driver was entertaining. Had a great time.

So fun! Great experience beautiful scenery! Experienced driver! We loved this one hour trip! Totally fun

Awesome thrills and spins… you will get wet. Good commentary, amazing skills, a must do experience!

Great, fun experience. Staff were friendly. Booking and checking in was easy. Thank you.