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Queenstown Jet Boating

Get ready for high-speed jet boating through narrow river canyons while taking in the towering Remarkable Mountain and the crystal blue waters of the Kawarau River with an expert guide by your side.
Queenstown Jet Boating
Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers, surrounded by scenic cliffs and trees.
Guests on a jet boat ride on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, New Zealand.
Jet boat on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with mountains in the background.
Family in life jackets enjoying a boat tour on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers.
Jet boat speeding through Kawarau and Shotover Rivers in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with scenic mountain backdrop.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
  • Experience the ultimate 60-minute jet boat ride, hitting speeds of up to 95kph on Queenstown’s epic rivers—perfect for thrill-seekers and families.

  • Blast around Queenstown’s scenic waterways on a thrilling 45km jet boat adventure packed with 360° spins and epic 360° alpine views.

  • With no height restrictions, child-sized life jackets, and a minimum age of just 2 years, KJet is the perfect activity for the whole family. Kids aged 2-4 ride free (child age is 5-14 years).

  • Departs every hour, on the hour, from Main Town Pier, just a short stroll from central accommodation.

More details

  • Experience the ultimate 60-minute jet boat ride, hitting speeds of up to 95kph on Queenstown’s epic rivers—perfect for thrill-seekers and families.

  • Blast around Queenstown’s scenic waterways on a thrilling 45km jet boat adventure packed with 360° spins and epic 360° alpine views.

  • With no height restrictions, child-sized life jackets, and a minimum age of just 2 years, KJet is the perfect activity for the whole family. Kids aged 2-4 ride free (child age is 5-14 years).

  • Departs every hour, on the hour, from Main Town Pier, just a short stroll from central accommodation.

from
NZ$149
Aerial view of tourists on Shotover Jet navigating a narrow canyon in New Zealand.
Tourists enjoying a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet through white water rapids.
Shotover Jet speeding through river with hills and lush greenery in the background.
Shotover Jet with tourists in lifejackets navigating narrow canyon in New Zealand.
Shotover Jet boat navigating through narrow canyon waters.
Shotover Jet navigating through narrow canyon waters.
Shotover Jet navigating through narrow canyon in New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
1 more
  • The Shotover Canyons jet boat ride is perfect for thrill-seekers, offering high-speed action, sharp turns, and epic 360° spins through narrow canyons.

  • Skim just inches from towering canyon walls at 90km/h as your expert driver navigates the twisting Shotover River, the only jet boat allowed in these canyons.

  • Speed through dramatic gorges and past towering rock formations, with the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River churning beneath you at exhilarating speeds.

  • Opt for round-trip transfers from Queenstown for a hassle-free experience. Just sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride of your life.

  • Fun fact: The Māori name for the Shotover River, Kimi-ākau, means ‘looking for the coast,’ a nod to early explorers searching for a route westward.

More details

  • The Shotover Canyons jet boat ride is perfect for thrill-seekers, offering high-speed action, sharp turns, and epic 360° spins through narrow canyons.

  • Skim just inches from towering canyon walls at 90km/h as your expert driver navigates the twisting Shotover River, the only jet boat allowed in these canyons.

  • Speed through dramatic gorges and past towering rock formations, with the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River churning beneath you at exhilarating speeds.

  • Opt for round-trip transfers from Queenstown for a hassle-free experience. Just sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride of your life.

  • Fun fact: The Māori name for the Shotover River, Kimi-ākau, means ‘looking for the coast,’ a nod to early explorers searching for a route westward.

from
NZ$179
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, navigating rocky gorge.
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, with participants paddling.
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, navigating rocky canyon.
Rafters in gear smiling on Shotover River, Queenstown, during a whitewater rafting adventure.
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, with lush green cliffs in the background.
Whitewater rafters smiling on Shotover River, Queenstown adventure.
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, with a group navigating rapids in a blue raft.
Group of people in life jackets on a bus for Shotover River rafting in Queenstown.
Rafting group navigating rapids on Shotover River, Queenstown.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
4 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.

  • Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.

  • Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.

  • Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.

  • Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"

More details

  • Raft the fast-moving waters of the Shotover River with an expert guide, tackling intense grade 3-5 rapids on this adrenaline-fueled adventure.

  • Travel by coach through the narrow, 22 km-long Skippers Canyon, where sheer cliffs drop to the winding Shotover River far below.

  • Ride through the 170m-long Oxenbridge Tunnel, carved during the gold rush, before bursting out into the churning whitewater of Cascade Rapid.

  • Paddle through surging rapids, surrounded by rugged schist cliffs and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.

  • Fun fact: During the gold rush, the Shotover River was one of the world’s richest gold-bearing rivers, earning it the nickname "the richest river in the world!"

from
NZ$299
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, with a group navigating rapids in a blue raft.
Whitewater rafting on Shotover River, Queenstown, navigating rocky canyon.
Rafters in gear smiling on Shotover River, Queenstown, during a whitewater rafting adventure.
Rafting group navigating rapids on Shotover River, Queenstown.
Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers enjoying the ride.
Jet boat navigating Kawarau River rapids with passengers in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Jet boat speeding on Kawarau River with passengers, surrounded by lush greenery.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
4 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Take on the Kawarau River with a mix of jet boating and whitewater rafting, ideal for both thrill-seekers and first-time rafters.

  • Race down the river at speeds up to 95 km/h, skimming past canyon walls and spinning through 360° turns.

  • Paddle through 8 km of whitewater, with grade 2–3 rapids (and grade 4 in high water), plus the chance to try a cliff jump.

  • Navigate the 400m Dog Leg rapid, the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, before drifting through scenic landscapes seen in movies.

  • Fun fact: Kawarau Bridge is nearby, the site of the world’s first commercial bungee jump in 1988.

More details

  • Take on the Kawarau River with a mix of jet boating and whitewater rafting, ideal for both thrill-seekers and first-time rafters.

  • Race down the river at speeds up to 95 km/h, skimming past canyon walls and spinning through 360° turns.

  • Paddle through 8 km of whitewater, with grade 2–3 rapids (and grade 4 in high water), plus the chance to try a cliff jump.

  • Navigate the 400m Dog Leg rapid, the longest commercially rafted rapid in New Zealand, before drifting through scenic landscapes seen in movies.

  • Fun fact: Kawarau Bridge is nearby, the site of the world’s first commercial bungee jump in 1988.

from
NZ$319
Jet boat on Dart River with passengers, surrounded by mountains and clear skies, New Zealand.
Group enjoying Dart River Wilderness Jet Experience in New Zealand, wearing life jackets.
Jet boat navigating Dart River surrounded by lush forests and mountains in New Zealand.
Man holding a rock by the Dart River during Wilderness Jet Experience in New Zealand.
Jet boat on Dart River with tourists, surrounded by lush forest and mountains, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Experience the thrill of a 2-hour jet boat ride through the braided Dart River, covering up to 90 km of alpine scenery in Mount Aspiring National Park.

  • With dense forests as your backdrop, hear your expert guide share Māori legends and stories of their treks through this land to reach the sacred pounamu fields.

  • Speed over the Dart River’s braided channels, passing snow-capped peaks like Mount Cosmos and Nox while spotting rare blue ducks in crystal-clear waters.

  • Navigate past towering mountains and glacial valleys in UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park, a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

  • Fun fact: The Dart River is also called Te Awa Whakatipu, meaning "the river of whirlpools," named by Māori for its swirling currents and braided channels.

More details

  • Experience the thrill of a 2-hour jet boat ride through the braided Dart River, covering up to 90 km of alpine scenery in Mount Aspiring National Park.

  • With dense forests as your backdrop, hear your expert guide share Māori legends and stories of their treks through this land to reach the sacred pounamu fields.

  • Speed over the Dart River’s braided channels, passing snow-capped peaks like Mount Cosmos and Nox while spotting rare blue ducks in crystal-clear waters.

  • Navigate past towering mountains and glacial valleys in UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park, a filming location for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia.

  • Fun fact: The Dart River is also called Te Awa Whakatipu, meaning "the river of whirlpools," named by Māori for its swirling currents and braided channels.

from
NZ$359
Jet boat on Dart River with mountains in the background, New Zealand.
Two people paddling a red inflatable kayak on Dart River, surrounded by rocky cliffs and forest.
Man holding a large rock by the Dart River during a Funyak tour in New Zealand.
People enjoying a picnic with food trays in Dart River Funyaks, New Zealand.
Jet boat on Dart River with tourists enjoying Funyak adventure in New Zealand.
Funyak tour on Dart River with lush forest backdrop in New Zealand.
Funyaks on Dart River with mountain backdrop in New Zealand.
Couple enjoying a picnic by the Dart River with mountain views in New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
6 hr 30 min
2 more
  • Experience the ultimate mix of adventure and scenery as you jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a Funyak through Mount Aspiring National Park’s wild beauty.

  • Glide through crystal-clear streams and hidden chasms in your Funyak, paddling past untouched landscapes teeming with native birds and lush beech forests.

  • Travel through the backcountry and see epic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, where Middle-earth and mutant battles came to life.

  • Worked up an appetite? Enjoy a delicious riverside picnic, and upgrade your experience with optional round-trip transfers from Queenstown.

  • Fun fact: Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake, is often called the "Matterhorn of the South" for its towering, pyramid-like peak reaching 3,033 meters.

More details

  • Experience the ultimate mix of adventure and scenery as you jet boat up the Dart River and paddle a Funyak through Mount Aspiring National Park’s wild beauty.

  • Glide through crystal-clear streams and hidden chasms in your Funyak, paddling past untouched landscapes teeming with native birds and lush beech forests.

  • Travel through the backcountry and see epic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, where Middle-earth and mutant battles came to life.

  • Worked up an appetite? Enjoy a delicious riverside picnic, and upgrade your experience with optional round-trip transfers from Queenstown.

  • Fun fact: Mount Aspiring, the park’s namesake, is often called the "Matterhorn of the South" for its towering, pyramid-like peak reaching 3,033 meters.

from
NZ$495
Tourist in life jacket swimming in Kawarau River during white water rafting adventure.
Tourist jumping into Kawarau River during white water rafting adventure.
Tourists rafting on Kawarau River between rocky cliffs in New Zealand.
Tourists in life vests rafting on Kawarau River, New Zealand.
Rafting on Kawarau River with bridge and rocky cliffs in background.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
4 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Ride the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids on a beginner-friendly rafting trip, perfect for first-timers and those wanting a fun, scenic adventure.

  • Race your friends through the river’s wide channels, enjoy calm stretches for swimming, and tackle the thrilling 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.

  • Take in stunning Central Otago scenery as you paddle through rugged gorges, past vineyards, and along the famous filming sites of The Lord of the Rings.

  • Upgrade your adventure with a high-speed 25-minute jet boat ride, skimming across the water and pulling 360° spins before you hit the rapids.

  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan and was historically used by Māori for travel, trade, and gathering food.

More details

  • Ride the Kawarau River’s grade 2-3 rapids on a beginner-friendly rafting trip, perfect for first-timers and those wanting a fun, scenic adventure.

  • Race your friends through the river’s wide channels, enjoy calm stretches for swimming, and tackle the thrilling 400-meter-long Dog Leg rapid.

  • Take in stunning Central Otago scenery as you paddle through rugged gorges, past vineyards, and along the famous filming sites of The Lord of the Rings.

  • Upgrade your adventure with a high-speed 25-minute jet boat ride, skimming across the water and pulling 360° spins before you hit the rapids.

  • Fun fact: The Kawarau River flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan and was historically used by Māori for travel, trade, and gathering food.

from
NZ$239

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Lea

Lea

Feb 2025
4/5
Went with two friends. Jet boat was a blast, rafting was a bit mellow but still good. Staff were helpful. Bring spare clothes!

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Kiran

Kiran

Feb 2025
4/5
Good fun with friends. Jet boat is a rush, rafting is more chill. Guides are friendly. Bring your own snacks, cafe options limited.

Kawarau River White Water Rafting and Jet Boat Ride by RealNZ

Nico

Nico

Jan 2025
4/5
Great for adrenaline seekers. Rapids are fun, tunnel is wild, staff are helpful. Only negative, changing rooms are cramped.

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Lucas

Lucas

Mar 2025
4/5
Did this with my sister. Was a bit nervous but the staff are real pros. Rapids are fun and the views are spectacular. Only downside, wish the trip was longer!

Shotover River White Water Rafting by RealNZ

Vera

Vera

Apr 2025
5/5
Best thing we did on our trip. Took the kids (9 and 12) and they haven’t stopped talking about it. Our guide (Mark I think?) was hilarious and made sure everyone was safe. Loved the mix of excitement and just chilling on the river. Bring snacks for after!

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Nina

Nina

Apr 2025
5/5
Had an AMAZING time! Staff were top notch and made us feel like pros. Rapids were fun, and scenery is just wow. Great for all ages.

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