Queenstown · SHOTOVER & KAWARAU JET BOATS
16 reviewed
This is the ride Queenstown is famous for: a shallow boat, a narrow canyon, and 360-degree spins at speed. The best jet-boat trips are below, from the classic Shotover canyon run to longer wilderness journeys up the Dart. Compare the rivers, the ride lengths and the prices, then book the one that suits how wet you want to get.
A small-group jet boat blast on Queenstown’s Shotover River: rapids, canyon walls, and full 360-degree spins in about 25 minutes.
“One of the best thrilling experiences my family did on this trip. They wouldn't mind doing it again! An engraved core memory for my kids.”
Ride Lake Wakatipu at speed, then race the Shotover and Kawarau rivers with 360° spins and heated handrails for $89.
“A fantastic ride. We were fortunate enough to be sat in the front row. Sam was a great driver and real fun to talk with explaining what why a how all he was doing. Would recommend to everyone. Thanks”
Race the Shotover River in an adrenaline jet boat with 360-degree spins through narrow canyons, plus optional Queenstown shuttle.
“Excellent value for money. Great experience. The guide was great. Lots of fun”
3-hour Skippers Canyon Road drive and 30-minute Shotover jet boat ride from Queenstown, gear provided, guided commentary, adrenaline.
“Don’t book a jet boat ride with any other company in Queenstown - this is more that just the jet boat ride! Brilliant 4WD trip out to skippers canyon on skippers road before an exhilarating boat ride up the river and back. Super fun trip out - would 100% recommend”
KJet Queenstown jet boat ride blends Lake Wakatipu views with Kawarau and Shotover River speed, spins, and family-friendly thrills.
“Driver was very good. Funny but still kept us well informed of what was to come. Was very thrilling but not as scary as I thought it would be.”
Jet-boat thrills on the glacier-fed Dart River plus Mt. Aspiring National Park views from Glenorchy, with naturalist guide and winter-warm gear.
“It was a thrilling experience, totally worth the money! Pedro, our jet boat driver was such an amazing guy, he took good care of us, did some thrilling stunts on the water and gave lots of good info. Would do it again!”
Jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a funyak back down in Mt Aspiring National Park, with pickup, picnic lunch, and Middle-earth views.
“We had an amazing trip! All of the staff were upbeat and knowledgeable! Ellie and JJ were an absolute blast. The sand flies were a pest but not enough to make the trip bad. Our favorite park was kayaking into the chasm and taking a dip in the crystal clear waters before lunch. Highly recommend this duo trip of jet boat and funyak to experience all the Dart river has to offer!”
Small-group jet boat on the Clutha River from Wanaka. Expect 360 spins, glacial scenery, live commentary, and an Albert Town transfer.
“Amazing Ride! We enjoyed the Jet boat ride with Pat, he is so knowledgeable and he absoblutely loves nature! Explaning to us about the Clutha river, activities around the river, history and so much more! And not forgetting the twists and turns Read more”
Jet-boat speed on the Matukituki River plus a guided wilderness walk in Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka.
“Perfect mix of jet boat and stunning scenery. James was an excellent host. What an amazing way to access otherwise inaccessible places.”
High-speed Lake Wanaka and Clutha River jet boat with live commentary, Hamilton Spin thrills, and small-group service from Wanaka’s lakefront.
“Exciting ride through beautiful scenery. Lovely driver who gave some great info on the way. Thrilling ride.”
Thunder Jet in Queenstown: 360 spins, up to 95 km/h, Lake Wakatipu and Kawarau River views. Choose 30 or 60 minutes.
“Matthew was awesome and lots of fun. He told us all about the surroundings. Loved the 360’s”
RealNZ combines Queenstown jet boating with Kawarau River rafting for grade 2–3 rapids, optional cliff jumping, and epic gorge scenery.
“Jet boat trip was excellent, lots of fun. Very benign and relaxed river rafting, suitable for families. Guides were excellent. Lots of opportunities to jump in the water as it is mostly just drifting down the river.”
Ride a jet boat, paddle a Funyak, picnic by the Dart River, then tour Paradise Valley film sites from Queenstown.
“Extremely well organised, ran like a boot camp. All staff so nice and friendly. Felt completely confident at all times. Equipment lent, all perfect. For improvement, Meet INSIDE the station building.”
Whitewater rafting on the Kawarau River plus a jet boat ride with 360 spins, beginner-friendly rapids, swims, and optional cliff jumps.
“Great day, all the guides were awesome. Jet boat Jess took us for a good spin on the water. The river was very calm that day so we actually spent most of the rafting part just swimming in the water being carried down stream and it was really beautiful. Stopped to do some cliff jumping which was fun, can’t remember for the life of me what our guide’s name was but he was hilarious and made it all a fun experience for us. Definitely recommend.”
Wanaka jet boat on the Clutha River: 1 hour of 80 km/h speed, Hamilton Spin, photo stops, and snow-capped mountain views for $83 pp.
“Great fun !! Our driver Sarah was an excellent driver and made the ride special.”
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