Queenstown · QUEENSTOWN JET BOAT RIDES
Shotover, Kawarau, Dart or Skippers: the river decides what the ride feels like. These 15 compare the canyons, the spins and the pickup points, with prices and how much of the booking is transfer rather than boat.
Race through Shotover Canyon on a 25-minute jet boat ride with 360-degree spins, rapids, cliff views, and optional Queenstown shuttle pickup.
“Great fun but not for the faint hearted! You might get wet - my husband did. Well organised and the driver was very experienced.”
Review of KJet’s Queenstown jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu and two rivers, with 360 spins, mountain views, practical tips, and value advice.
“Easy location, excellent customer service by phone and in person. The guide was very friendly and considerate. It was absolutely awesome!!! You are bound to get wet especially if you are sitting in a corner so be prepared. We loved it though.”
Race through Shotover Canyon at 90kmh on a 25-minute jet boat ride with 360-degree spins, expert drivers, and Queenstown transport options.
“Lots of fun, you don’t get too wet so don’t let that put you off. Our driver was very skilled and told us lots about the surrounding areas. He was very friendly and answered all the questions about the boat.”
Ride Skippers Road into historic Skippers Canyon, then speed through narrow Shotover River gorges on a 30-minute jet boat adventure.
“This was excellent value - a unique drive experience and lots of fun on the jetboat. There were narrow canyons and a little whitewater with a very experienced boat pilot who made sure we had some thrills. It was a generous amount of time on the boat and some incredible views and history on the road. My favorite tour in NZ.”
Race the Upper Waiau River from Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, with Fiordland scenery, Lord of the Rings sites, spins, and a forest walk.
“It was a AWESOME experience Very knowledgeable driver The session was a lot longer then we expected it also included stops with the history of the area The hard turns of the Jet boat was Fantastic we all had a great time I would highly recommend this company for anyone they were AWESOME”
Review of KJet Queenstown, a fast, family-friendly jet-boat ride across Lake Wakatipu, the Kawarau, and Shotover rivers.
“This is a fun ride! If you like speed and spins you will enjoy! Enjoy the views along the route! You will get wet so be ready!!!”
Review of the Dart River jet boat tour from Queenstown, with Glenorchy scenery, Mt Aspiring National Park, practical tips, and value advice.
“John our captain was incredible I felt safe and the scenery was dramatic. Such a cool experience on the river”
Ride the Dart River by jet boat and funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park, with mountain scenery, lunch, guides, and Queenstown transport.
“What an experience. The day started with fast fun on the jet boat before getting to surround ourselves in the beautiful NZ landscape. The paddle into the chasm was my favourite NZ experience - hidden gem.”
Raft grade 3 to 5 rapids through Shotover Canyon, ride Skippers Canyon Road, and warm up with a hot shower in Queenstown.
“Booked the shotover tour (grade 4/5) that was cancelled and transferred onto the Kawarau river rafting (grade 2/3) instead as the water level was too low to go on the shotover. Apparently the shotover tour hadn’t been running for 2 moRead more”
Review the Wanaka Clutha River jet boat trip, with 360 spins, Southern Alps views, gold-mining stories, and small-group service.
“This is a definite 'go on' trip. Pat was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information. The ride was terrific with lots of spins and adrenaline.”
Ride the Matukituki River and walk through Mount Aspiring National Park on a lively, scenic four-hour tour from Wanaka.
“If you visit the South Island, this is a must do activity! The staff is amazing and our river guide was amazing. I wasn't sure how the hike to the waterfall would turn out, but it was probably one of the highlights of the trip. You could tell how much Read more”
Race from Lake Wānaka into the Clutha River on a small-group jet boat ride with mountain views, rapids, tunnels, spins, and local commentary.
“We did this boat trip today & because the lake was rough we drove with the boat 1ins up the road to get onto the river. Matt was brilliant, he drove the boat very competently and shared his local knowledge at relevant points along the trip. We rode close to the trees and did several Hamilton turns as well as riding fast over rapids and along the river. There were only 4 of us on the trip but we were made to feel very safe and welcome. I would highly recommend this boat trip to anyone staying in Wanaka.”
Ride Skippers Canyon’s historic road from Queenstown, cross its famous bridge, pan for gold, and enjoy expert guiding in a small 4WD group.
“It change a little from water views...the canyon is amazing . They should tell us in edvance about mosquitos problem .”
Thunder Jet Queenstown review: compare the 30 and 60-minute rides, 360 spins, mountain views, wet-weather tips, price, and practical details.
“Dan was top man whipping us around & got us bk in time to go toilet 👀🥴😂”
Combine Queenstown jet boating and Kawarau River rafting, with 360 spins, whitewater, swimming, cliff jumping, and the Dog Leg rapid.
“Wonderful rafting experience with bonus jet boat ride. Nice mix of float and rapids on the raft. Very well organized and felt safe. Guide Matt was great and keep it fun the entire time. River is spectacular”
Pick a boat, a rotor, a track or a cellar door.
